The finishing tasks for the restoration of the 1880 vintage Columbian Press are nearly complete. With a new paint job and repairs scheduled for this week, the press will soon be ready to be displayed.
New overlay paint drying
,Ayanna Daughtry, REd Onion Press, checks her overlay paint
Each part had to be meticulously cleaned, wire brushed, painted and assembled. This design was one of the earliest iron printing presses of the 19th Century. The distinct ornate symbols frequently painted with gold leaf and colors festooned heavy iron parts throughout the castings. The Columbian was invented in Philadelphia in 1830, but manufactured in Europe throughout the century by various companies. Unlike other iron presses of the time which used spring force, the counterbalances served to raise the ram to the top of it’s stroke, allowing the press bed clearance. Final assembly will include adding the tympan and frisket, draw arm, outboard stanchion and counterbalance beam. Once those are in place we’ll be able to make final adjustments and pull a first impression. Our goal is to be finished by the end of the month.
