This is a Vandercook Model 03. I am showing this press because fine work can be done on a proof press with much simpler logistics than a handpress. When it comes to buying presses, proof presses are economical.They cost 10% of what an equivalent handpress costs. Proof presses are reasonable to move around. Mine weighs about the same as a refrigerator and I can move it with a handtruck when disassembled. There are minimal moving parts.
The trick to using these is a delivery system. Here is a design for a tympan and frisket which fits on the bed. The bed is 26 x 40 inches and the tympan can handle a 22 x 30 sheet. For many years (15), I would set up a form for drawings, slide the paper under the roller weighting the end with a piece of lead, and drop the sheet down as the roller was pushed over the type.
