So you are thinking of getting a printing press

I thought this might be useful to some peeps. It was an email that I got. 

Dear Lizzy,

I'm interested in producing large and small linoleum block prints. Where can I find information of purchasing a press?

I would like to produce prints up to around 20" x 24" and as small at 8" x 10"

This is my response

Hi

I work in a lab, so we have a couple different presses. One of which is a Takach small etching press that is convertible for relief printing, and the other is an old Conrad press. The Conrad is larger but the Takach is a little nicer. Both types of presses start at about $5000. If you were just going to get a press for home use, or small quantities of printing you might look on Daniel Smith, or DickBlick. They have smaller table top presses. The bottom line is that presses are expensive, but if you are going to be selling bodies of work then it will surely pay for itself. 

With block printing you don't have to have a press to print, but the results are a lot less varied and easier to edition when you have a control (the press) in the pressure.

Another option, depending on where you live, is to see if there is a local college, or art center or something to that effect that would be willing to let you print on their press. Sometimes they will charge you a lab fee, but it might be more cost effective than buying a press... 

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions. 

Happy Holidays!

Lizzy

http://www.danielsmith.com/products~cat~400~sku~082+010+001.asp

http://www.takachpress.com/

http://www.conradmachine.com/