Adana Letterpress RestorationIn early 2019 I managed to pick up an original 1960's Adana 8x5 printing press for £100 from a scrapyard in Penzance, Cornwall. I had absolutely no restoration or metal works experience of any kind (or tools.) Yet decided to give a go at restoring it regardless; in the hopes that my love of type would motivate me to finish the project. In hindsight it was perhaps a little two ambitious of a project for someone with litteraly no restoration/tool/metal work knowledge to take on.
About a year later, plenty of time, and a new found hatred for white vinegar and wet & dry sandpaper - I finally completed my restoration of my press. The bright orange paint-job may be a frowned upon by the hardcore "press enthusiasts" but I couldn't be happier with it.
All the parts have been fully striped back and restored by hand, with replacement parts sourced from, and helped by, an amazing community of people who really treasure these machines. Now I finally have some 3D printed trucks, a new pair of rollers and ink; I've finally been able to make my first prints; not a masterpiece by far... However won't be long until I'm sure I can jam it into a project.Before Restoration (2019)
Restoration Photos. Painting, Sanding, Assembly (2021)
Printing test using black ink to get a deboss.