After observing the demonstration of Letterpress printing and being informed about the process, I have learned of the main points of the process. First, Letterpress printing is rarely used today. It may be used for occasions like weddings and such, where the client wants an impression of the type onto the page. Today, there are processes such as offset printing that are more commonly used. Letterpress printing (also known as direct printing) prints a relief of text and images using a reversed raised surface, or a chase, which is inked and then pressed on a page.
This process could use both metal and wood lettering. Metal was used for small type for things like newspapers, and wood was used for large type for things like posters. To print a page, the printer would turn the machine on or start the machine using the pedal, place ink onto the plate, and let the rollers get covered with ink. The machine would then have to be stopped to insert the chase onto the machine. The machine would be started up again, the rollers would cover the chase with ink, the printer would insert the paper in the proper place, pull the lever, and the machine would make an impression onto the page.
