How to Choose a Linocut Press for Printmaking

Linocut Press Guide for Block Printmaking

Where to begin when choosing a linocut press for tabletop block printmaking? After all, there are many considerations when choosing one from the many different types of linocut presses. There are various manufacturers, with relief printing presses of different sizes, weights, quality, and prices. Some are more user-friendly and mobile, while others cater to high-volume printmakers. That, and to artists working with extremely complex linocut designs. In this guide, I’ll share some of my own research into the different types of lino presses and their unique features. I’ll also present some inexpensive alternatives for tabletop relief printing, including more useful tools for linocut artists.

Selecting a New Linocut Press

In general, when choosing a new linocut press, the first considerations often revolve around price, construction, usability, and printmaker feedback. These factors are a good starting point for beginner, hobbyist, and professional linocut artists alike. 

Other considerations must then account for the printing volume, paper size, complexity of designs, or unique features the tools offer. Take for example the dual-lever system unique to the linocut presses of Ritualis Press. That, or the unique centering matrix on the bottom of each linocut machine. Other manufacturers don’t provide these features, making Ritualis Press machines unique among the competition.

Unique features such as these can distinguish one product from another, making the choice in linocut presses much more straightforward.

How Ritualis Press Compares to Popular Lino Presses

Like other popular linocut presses by Woodzilla Press, Pookie Press or marketplace presses from Amazon, Etsy and others. Ritualis Press collections offers artists many options. There are multiple size machines from Ritualis Press, and also alternatives like wood & glass printmaking barens for burnishing block prints. However, perhaps what sets Ritualis Press apart the most is the care they place into making each product unique and beautiful. Ritualis Press lino presses and printmaking barens deliver in both usability as well as design. Each offers features great for hobbyists like me and also professional printmakers, and to look great in any home studio or linocut workspace.

Features to Compare

Unique Dual-Lever System 

While other popular block printing presses like mentioned Woodzilla Press or Pookie Press feature only one lever to apply pressure to prints, Ritualis Press lino presses feature a dual-lever system. This system ensures maximum comfort when relief printing. It applies perfectly even pressure to linocut prints by simply leaning into the machine with both hands. Extremely smooth movement then makes it easy to apply even pressure to every linocut. There are no mishaps depositing ink to paper, with overall quicker and easier relief printing.

Laser-Engraved Centering Matrix

Another top-rated feature unique to the design of Ritualis Press’ linocut presses is the wonderfully laser-engraved centering lines. The centering lines form a matrix on the bottom of each linocut printmaking plate for accurately positioning paper. This way, positioning the paper in the perfect center of the plate is quick & effortless. There is no need for measurements. The matrix ensures accuracy on every lino press, from the A5 to A4 or A3 size linocut presses.

Different Linocut Press Sizes

When choosing a linocut press for printmaking at home or in the studio, Ritualis Press offers three different press sizes. The size of the press determines the maximum print size (or paper size). Sizes include from the smallest A5, to A4 (standard), and A3 (the largest). Each press is also hand-crafted as well as portable for relief printing on-the-go.

A5-Size Lino Press

Not only cute in size but also strong, the A5 Linocut Press by Ritualis Press is small and portable for on-the-go relief printing. It is ideal for hand pressing linocut prints in smaller formats, while also supporting traditional block printing. There is a dual-lever system to maximize outputs in comparison to single-lever presses, and unique laser-cut centering lines. These, together with adjustable plate tilt during printing make the A5 press especially popular. Customers praise in particular how compact and easy it is to handle, while remaining suitable for both hobbyists and professionals.

A4-Size Lino Press

For a medium size lino press, the A4 Linocut Press complements any studio, home, cottage, or open-air workspace. Like the A5 press, the A4 is nearly as compact, and just as portable! It also stores comfortably on any studio shelf, or away in cupboards when not in use. The artist-friendly design also offers quick & easy setup, with even easier operation thanks to its many unique Ritualis Press features. It is a top choice for medium-size linocuts, woodcuts, letterpress, textile printing, block printing, and more!

A3-Size Lino Press

The largest lino press for printmaking by Ritualis Press is the A3 Linocut Press. The A3 is a perfect choice for large relief printing formats, while also supporting A6, A5 and A4 sizes. In this case, size matters when thinking of versatility in printmaking. The A3 is also popular for block printing, textile printing (clothing, bags, etc), woodcut printing, letter, and plant & flower pressing. It’s the one linocut machine for all of your creative endeavors and printmaking techniques!

Press Materials & Design

Each linocut press by Ritualis Press has a construction combining steel, plywood, and oak wood. The materials together with press design give each product not only a pleasant aesthetic. They also ensure durability for high-volume printmaking, and easy relief printing of complex designs.

• Two Steel Levers with Wooden Handles: Handles of smooth wood provide a natural grip of the steel levers for applying pressure to prints.
• Wooden Plates: Each press has wooden press plates which are larger on the side by 1 cm to support their paper format. 
• Steel Frame with Powder Coating: The frame of each device has a powder coating to make it durable and easy to clean. 
• Flat Steel Bars: Flat steel bars with a 5 mm-thickness ensure a total load capacity up to 100 kg.
• Non-Slip Rubber Strips: All linocut print machines also feature rubber strips on the bottom of the press. This ensures slip-protection and protects workspace surfaces from damage.

Linocut Press Weights & Dimensions

With the heaviest press weighing approximately 11 kg (9.5 lbs), every design is easily transportable. They also take up only the space necessary for printing in the studio. Take the following press parameters for example.

• A5 Lino Press: 4.3 kg (9.4 lbs) weight; 230 x 230 x 220 mm press dimensions

• A4 Lino Press: 7 kg (15.4 lbs) weight; 350 x 350 x 220 mm press dimensions

• A3 Lino Press: 10,8 kg (23.8 lbs); 440 x 440 x 220 mm press dimensions

Using Wood and Glass Ink Barens

As an alternative to using linocut presses, Ritualis Press offers printmaking barens from natural wood, or from wonderfully Czech-crafted glass. Both feature designs for aesthetic appeal alongside other Ritualis Press products, and for easily hand burnishing block prints by barens. The glass barens are handmade by Czech glassmakers with a passion for the craft and an eye for elegance. Meanwhile, both the glass and wood ink barens have natural grips for maximum comfortable, and long-time use. Both are likewise great for linocut printing as well as various other printmaking techniques.

Other Linocutting Tools & Accessories

In addition to presses and barens, other linocut tools & accessories include ink rollers, lino inks, cutting matts, felts and more. All products ship quickly worldwide, while there are verified reviews from satisfied artists and customers across numerous platforms. In fact, why not also explore the Ritualis Press Instagram Community to see linocut press printmaking in action? You’ll find inspiration from all my favorite lino artists together with short video clips from the Ritualis Press customers.

Almost Ready to Select a Linocut Press?

For many, lino printing is a ritual. With Ritualis Press machines, it can be yours now too! They exquisitely handcraft printmaking equipment and tools with a true passion for craftsmanship. And they look great on-the-go, in the studio, at home, or in the cottage workshop! I also find the price to be just right for the high-quality and usability in return. Really, any relief artist whether beginner, hobbyist, or professional should find great delight in these linocut presses.

Written by Justin