Letterpress on The Heidelberg Windmill

OK, ok...ignore the title card.
This is e. 22 - "This is my Windmill"
I love mail! Send me some at the new shop?
4204 S Florida Ave
Suite E
Lakeland, FL 33813
afinepress

[@JamieLamon]

I ran a Heidelberg Windmill press just like this one for 35+ years. In my opinion this was the most dependable printing machine ever made 🙂

[@stevenhiscoe7717]

I left the print trade 44 years ago, the last job I had I operated one of these machines, It made me realise how much I've forgotten, thanks for the trip down memory lane

[@deborahchesser7375]

Same here early to mid 80’s. Had one of these, and a 64 I think it was a 77’. And of course assorted AB Dick equipment maybe a coupl Royobi’s

[@kennym5898]

Thanks for putting this up. I used to run one of these back in the 70's in a shop in London. What's come over from watching this is how they all sound the same! The general metallic sounds of certain parts, like the screw going into the underside of the feed table, little clicks of the lay guides. Great stuff! German engineering eh? No brainer. 🤗

[@EmansAdventures]

Omg, love it, that was my first job when i graduated in 72,running a 10x15 heidelberg windmill, thank you for shareing.

[@Thecozycupolafarm]

My dad owned and operated a print shop called “The Ocean Press” in Long Beach Long Island NY, which was given to him by his grandfather - they went out of business due to large corporations like international minute man and kinkos. I remember hearing that they were the oldest print shop in the United States that was still in operation when they closed the doors in the 90’s. I remember as a kid being around this machine in the 80’s and 90’s When I was very young I believed that it had a head, like a robot, I was freaked out by the thing and kept my distance.

[@godfreycarmichael]

This is probably the best explanation of a windmill I have ever seen. I have run several of them. I have also run several Heidelberg cylinders. Fantastic machines. I miss them. They get into one's blood.

[@redblade8160]

@godfreycarmichael. When you say that you ran several, do you mean all at the same time?

[@godfreycarmichael]

@@redblade8160 Ha! I cannot run more than one cylinder press at a time. But I did run two windmills at the same time for seven years. I was doing foiling and stamping so they ran at the absolute slowest speed. At that shop I either ran the cylinder press or the two windmills together.

[@redblade8160]

@@godfreycarmichael Where I worked, I still remember a young machine minder leaning the forme between the platen and the vertical bed of the windmill (large version). And without thinking, he started up the machine. From where I was standing, I heard this almighty crash. The grippers picked up the forme and threw it up into the air, and it landed in between the rollers and the cylinder, busting off one of the arms. The machine would never run properly after that, despite being repaired.

[@StephenPurnell-mo6um]

I'm 51 went into the print industry when i turned 16 so used all these machines print,crease,punch all the usual then came technology and digital prints,now im unemployed and would love to run one of those windmills again 😢

[@leelad]

This has made me close to tears. My Grandad ran one of these here in the UK he had a ludlow lead type forming machine that he used for the setting the frames. He was so quick at forming the type and putting them back in reverse. saw many of his employees over the years run his heidelberg but none of them came close to his rapid on the fly registration and ink adjustments. A master of his art. thanks for sharing!

[@afinepress]

You made my day - thank you!

[@justinthyme1299]

I started my apprenticeship in UK in 1955 on these presses....

[@redblade8160]

@leelad. I think I remember your grandad, but why was he always naked when running the Heidelberg Windmill?

[@lonewolf9390]

I used to know how to run one of these. Back in high school. I took a two year vocational tech course in Graphic Arts, and one of the machines we had in the press room was an old Heidelberg windmill platen press that was older then everyone in the class.

[@theskeptic2010]

I worked in a small letterpress print shop while I was in college in the late 1970's, and I ran one of these. An amazing printing press. Also knew how to run a linotype and a Ludlow Line Caster. Finished my career in printing in 1999 as a digital prepress operator. Switched careers and now I'm a licensed nurse since 2013.

[@brentbarnhart5827]

Sad how the industry has gone. Used to require the highest of the skilled trades. My family owned one of the largest sheetfed shops in Ohio, I finally sold it in 2015 and continued on as an engineer.

[@redblade8160]

@theskeptic2010. You do realise that you didn't have to run a Heidelberg Windmill to become a licenced nurse.

[@brentbarnhart5827]

LOL @@redblade8160

[@BrandonMcBadass]

Omg that’s so genius of a design for a machine. The thought of it is incredible

[@fourkidsfarm]

Thank you. I was trying to explain to my daughter what press I was running when I broke my tailbone. I was sitting on a stainless steel table watching it run years ago when I had a "jumper" and jumped off the table to flip the off switch and caught my tailbone on the corner of the table. OUCH!

[@clnhunter9137]

My late father taught print shop in the Trenton Vocational School, and in his shop was an Original Heidelberg windmill. From the 1950’s ... it was an amazing machine to operate and watch running... and was it ever fast

[@ralphedelbach]

I taught photography and graphic arts for many years at TSC/TCNJ but don't recall ever meeting any teachers from TVS ot visiting the school. Where was it located?

[@clnhunter9137]

@@ralphedelbach the old Trenton Vocational School was attached to Trenton High School. Hamilton and Chambers St. it was called E building and was an addition to the original school. The garages for auto shops faced the parking lot by the old baseball field.

[@redblade8160]

@clnhunter9137 How fast did you run it? I mean, did it take off like a helicopter?

[@jimmydiresta]

this was a good look at that machine!

[@afinepress]

Thanks, Jimmy! I want to do another one again soon.

[@ralphedelbach]

I remember well the two windmills we had in our lab. A few years before I stopped teaching graphic arts courses, we managed to get a Heidelberg KORD offset lithographic press donated by the federal government. All three of these appear to have been made from recycled Panzer tanks put to better use. You seem to enjoy what you are doing but I would suggest that your titles use both upper and lower case typefaces. All CAPS is far less readable since our eyes and brains are not used to reading that way. Otherwise well done. I do so love the suck/blow sound of a Heidi in the morning.

[@kennym5898]

😂. Yes, I always refer to them as being built by the same firm that built the Bismarck!

[@deedeesissy]

Thanks for a lovely video explaining how to run these - I worked as a compositor in the late 60s early 70s and locked up hundreds of jobs to be printed on these, and for some Thompson platens too, but never was allowed to get my hands on the machines (strict union shop!) I was locking up jobs for 5 or 6 operators to keep them all running, was kept pretty busy. I really loved my time in the print trade and was really sorry to leave it in the mid 70s, but that was the way it was going - letterpress was on the way out, along with hot metal.

[@afinepress]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I'm glad I could be a part of your story in this way.

[@deanwilder4375]

Matthew - Can't tell you how much I appreciate your videos. Great to finally see some good Windmill videos online. Your passion comes through. Keep it up and keep cranking out the work! Cheers!

[@afinepress]

Thanks, Dean! Watch out for more coming soon; I'm finally in the new shop!

[@Ericssonphoto]

I’ve just brought a Heidelberg windmill and what you have shown in this video has already taught me a lot! Thanks! - Subbed

[@derekgiesbrecht5835]

Wait til you run it, i hope you're 5'6" or have the press raised

[@Ericssonphoto]

@@derekgiesbrecht5835 wow it’s been 4 years since I commented. I own 2 platens and a GT platen now!

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I had one and it’s a beast. Like flying a chopper! Great for die cutting as well as printing. I got a rap on the elbow from one of the blades. Like getting hit with a hammer!!!

[@matthewrinehart2367]

"Best job I ever had."- Wardaddy Every time I watch "Fury" and hear this line reminds me of the time I ran a Heidelberg for Uptown Press. I remember watching "Seven Pounds" just so I could watch him rebuild that press. Like riding a bike, a really heavy bike.

[@w_letterpress]

Very good! I watch your video all the time. Your video has pleasure.

[@redblade8160]

@w_letterpress. Whatever turns you on!

[@rodrigoromero5785]

I own 2 of these in my old digital shop. I plan to revive one for printing (they're adjusted to die cut) and start in the letterpress world as a "commercial hobby"

[@brentbarnhart5827]

8 years old I ran one of these. I can run anything from a hand feed, to a mult-color heidelberg press, and work in all the prepress programs and plate setters. My father told me 1x... put your hand, here / there, it will be missing. Put your finger here, GONE. I've known of horrendous accidents that have removed entire arms at the shoulder. (Not in a windmill.) My favorite windmill accident, is when the operator gets lazy, and decides to put his hand on one of the side guides of the delivery, and lean. There is about 1/4" of clearance, smash the crap out of your hand, and skin it good, maybe break it in several places, most the time not. but you will wish you never did it! (It's easy to do, because when the press is forward it looks like a good place to lean against.

[@redblade8160]

@brentbarnhart5827. Did you ever put your head between the platen while it was running?

[@takus_7593]

Thank You, I have learnt so many things from Your videos, for example that my GTP is from 1966 :)

[@stevewall13]

Such a cool press. Once set up, it runs itself.

[@jmtubbs1639]

Tiegel means platen. I have never worked on a Windmill but I have worked with Heidelberg cylinder presses - back in er... 1967.

[@fit_pappy1240]

When I was in college I ran one of these to put numbers on basketball and football tickets......I had either 6 or 8 numbering machines locked in to the chase....I loved that press.....wish I had space for one now.....we did Diplomas by setting each name in hot type and doing one offs on a Kluge proofing press......everything except the name of the student was printed on a Heidelberg GTO offset press

[@borisjohnson1944]

They are called "Lays". On lays or off lays. I did my apprenticeship on one of those machines back in the 70s. That and a Vertical Miehle.

[@roncasperson1312]

Wow, so did I back in the late 60's early 70's. Heidelberg, Thompson platen and the vertical miehle. How about that.

[@enriquevw7915]

Thanks a lot. I now understand a little more of how the Windmill works. :)

[@jerronranimo9295]

I worked with that one when I worked in a printing office for almost 4 years.

[@afinepress]

How wonderful!

[@jakecanter06]

I could watch this in real-time 24/7.

[@afinepress]

It's pretty mesmerizing, isn't it?

[@cloustonsaab]

Brilliant informative video 👍 ........ I need to buy one!!

[@李涌浩-o1p]

David Clouston Hi.How are you.We are the printing machine manufacturer of 16 years history in Guangzhou china。

[@ronnieg6358]

As a letterpess printer for more years than I care to remember, I think the Heidelberg windmill platen press is a mechanical masterpiece!

[@MW-gs8wz]

I ran one of them when I worked at Sir Speedy printing back in the 1990s

[@angelmcwilliams48]

My dad had one of these and the AB Dick envelope press and 2 (two color presses ,shrink wrap and hydraulic cutter so many memories brought back to life

[@carlhuyts1452]

I' ve been working ( in dutch " degelpers") a long time ago. Still like them. Just lika an old steamloc😀

[@albertonabejar6992]

I love running that press. It prints beautiful and consistent. I print out of Dallas, Texas.

[@afinepress]

It can be our best friend if it's dialed in.

[@perfectperson214]

Are y’all hiring? Lol My name is Daniel Guajardo, my father worked in printing and I grew up around these things. He didn’t want me to do it, but I’d like it just for tha nostalgia. We had a spot in front of fair park on exposition in the 80s and part of the 90s, called THE LETTERPRESS SHOP.

[@michaelperez8561]

The windmill is a blessing and a curse at the same time.

[@justinthyme1299]

Germany invented printing, one of the most important bits of history..I'm talking movable type thanks Mr. Gutenberg..started my apprenticeship 55 on these presses. Moved to Offset, finally newspaper pressman, so sad to see printing trade waning. I love the feel of real books.thanks for the video, 80years old next year scary eh! I'm still reading real books. 😊😊😊😊 FROM AUSTRALIA.....

[@markmiwurdz202]

I was reliably informed some years ago that the "windmill" design was an English idea. The UK press manufacturers didn't want to know but Heidelberger Druckmaschinen took it on board. The rest is history! And to add insult to injury the UK sales agencies had a T-platen in the back of a covered lorry which they took around to demonstrate the press. The platen was driven from a belt system from the engine i.e. while parked with the road engine idling and transferring the drive through a pulley on the prop shaft or gearbox(?). Another story I heard was that a family-run printers in Japan buried their treasured platen when WWII broke out for fear that it would be taken away if Japan was invaded. After the war, the family unearthed the machine, gave it a thorough clean and it worked perfectly. And a T-platen was in the movie "The Odessa File" where the identity papers and passports of the bad guys were being forged. After a roof-top chase, one of the bad guys falls through a glass skylight and is impaled on the blade-shaped delivery pile guide. Ouch!

[@markmiwurdz202]

Sorry. Just remembered, it wasn't Heidelberger Druckmaschinen in the old days. It was Heidelberger Schnellpressenfabrik!

[@DrJRaven]

Absolutely fantastic

[@JanetDiaz6152]

Great informative video..Thank you.

[@georgepickett2825]

I really enjoyed this video. I’ve been a letterpress man for 50 years. ( C&P 10x15 ) and have always wanted to learn how to operate a windmill. I’m thinking about starting up another shop again and was wondering about a windmill. C&P is my favorite though.

[@afinepress]

George, I love that! Of course, I'd suggest both :D

[@briantomcollins]

I may be running one of these soon, believe it or not. Just wanted to see what i was in for. Pretty cool old piece of machinery.

[@kalagill6071]

I just recently started running something very similar at my work. Mine is a lot older though

[@toto-sg7ur]

You'll love it Kala,I used to work 12 hour night shifts on them and would do it again tomorrow if offered a job,time flys by working on them

[@gingerpritchard2847]

I would like to hear the pump...rather than to much Trumpet..music.Thanks, I cut my teeth on a 10x15 Windmill!...good stuff , thanks and keep er goin`

[@ryananthony4840]

A little tip for running the ink fountain: I've seen so many guys run it on position 1 or 2 just globbing the ink on the ductor roller.... You should have your keys dialed in so that you're running at around 8 out of 10 or 6 out of 8 setting, you have better control that way and it mills the ink out a little more.... Better consistency

[@wilarguello1598]

No cansa ver esto, ¿Cuánto tiempo habrá para vivir más? Vive imprenta. El papel única y absoluta memoria inteligente. 27 no. 2022

[@avcomth]

Here in Thailand, we identify the different Windmill models by it's red vs black gear knob. It is dirt cheap and one perfectly functional unit could be purchased for $500 mainly because people consider them junk. Now with the Cylinders its much more valuable because people are using them on all kinds of diecutting jobs.

[@afinepress]

That's all true here, too. The problem in using the ball as a designator is that it's the easiest part to replace. You could turn a much older blackball into a redball in a heartbeat!

[@wilarguello1598]

QEPD todos nuestros muertos impresores, tengamos salud y riquezas quienes aún vivimos , el futuro de nuestros reemplazos sea próspero y firme. En nombre del Misericordioso. 27 noviembre 2022

[@carlomarionudi1906]

Great video, Matthew. You make it look so easy. I want one.

[@frankorsini5728]

My Dad used to run a machine like this. Man could he make it hum.

[@EM_ARCHER]

I recognize the counter !!!😎😎😎

[@dankuhl986]

Tutt tutt, printing on a dirty tympan! Ever heard of a false impression? I always put on a new tympan and packing for each job, it's akin to laying in a freshly made bed......got taught that back in the 70's cheers mate Dan

[@catherinewilson3880]

Changing it for every job is a waste of both time and money and I was taught that back in the seventies too.

[@allisonreed3978]

Just getting a "new" Windmill GT. Super excited. Using it for die cutting. Wondering if you have any suggestions for 3 phase converter?

[@josesierrasempere6261]

Oficio de Artistas y de Trabajadores Cultos. ❤❤❤

[@BlakeMcCollum]

This makes me want one

[@afinepress]

#doit

[@shabbirjutt2323]

varey good sar thanks 👌👌👌💞💞💞

[@JOEB955]

I read an article that the actual correct pronunciation of Kluge is Cloozze

[@CodySeelye]

Mannn!!! If only I could just order one off Amazon.

[@jackkoch9986]

i’m selling one actually

[@JaneBuck-lb1px]

Hi there, GREAT video - thanks for sharing! can you tell me the name of that part (at about 9 mins) you were originally missing, that holds smaller paper in place? Mine is missing it too AND the tool drawer!

[@dennisfontalbert7090]

GREAT PRESS --THE ONE I RUN WAS FROM 1956==I QUIT THAT JOB IN 1073==PRESS STILL RUNS TODAY

[@toto-sg7ur]

I had ten years running a hot foil blocking and die cutting Heidelbergs,would go back to it tomorrow if I had the chance

[@TypographyGuru]

>>> “I don’t know what Tiegel means”. It’s German for “platen”.

[@hollybdart]

very helpful video! I am also wondering what is the thing in 8:48 that you use to hold narrow stock in place? Somebody in comments said it is called a lay? Is that correct? I am not finding it via google but of course there are several other items that come up under the term - I found brass lay, front lay, guage pins, lay pins....but I didn't see anything that looks like what you have!

[@irfanbozkurt1728]

hi I'm bobst die cutter operator in istanbul.I' workd windmill very pratic machine. I miss working on this machine.

[@ciro1957toro]

que alegre seguir viendo ésto. también soy impresor. saludos.

[@wilarguello1598]

No cansa ver esto, ¿Cuánto tiempo habrá para vivir más? Vive imprenta. El papel única y absoluta memoria inteligente. 27 no. 2022

[@dimuthudil1]

I also have an one but I only do is die cutting. Like to learn how to print.

[@clunkonester4884]

I've seen one of these at a printing company! Do you own one? How many of these were ever produced?

[@mirzaubaid9023]

❤ good 👍 👍

[@yurizinenko7189]

Hello mate, thanks so much for this video, I've learnt a lot! Any chance you could quickly explain how to put the distributor rollers in, mine aren't inking up the drum at all... (just got a tplaten) thank you!

[@davidflanagan1152]

do have one of these if you need any parts, even have the type sets

[@franka2507]

Hi, great demonstration of the windmill Heidelberg machine. @ 12.36 in the video, what are the holes on the guide bars used for? ( the bar closest to the red pliers)

[@afinepress]

Hey there! I'm not sure which ones you're talking about the pliers are on the accessory table built into the press and the things to the left of that are all integral parts of the delivery table, the delivery side standards and the delivery rear standard. Then there's that delivery blower assembly on top. I'm not entirely sure what that's technically called.

[@printco.inc.3093]

Great video! Question, is it alright not putting any rubber suckers in the air suction? Learning how to use the windmill but I'm not consistently picking up thick board. I thought it must be the rubber sucker type but watching your video proved me wrong.

[@afinepress]

Angle and pile height are the keys. Also, most people I know swear by that yellow slider bar.

[@steveburrington4288]

Great video! I’m starting a print shop and a sponge for videos like this. Thanks

[@eamonfitzgerald2874]

Ran 13x10 TP / A3 GT platens + A2 & A1 cylinders , printing / embossing / Die cutting for 26 years more skills involved in letterpress then litho

[@jaakdejonckheere3791]

oooooooooooh , made in Germany.

[@oniasgomes1131]

Eu trabalho com uma máquina Consani tipográfica até hoje e TB faço alto relevo

[@redblade8160]

Is it imperative to wear short pants when operating the Heidelberg Windmill?

[@alexon2010]

Hello, friend it would be a dream to have one of these here in Brazil ... how much does a machine like this cost, it is possible to find someone selling

[@afinepress]

It depends on where you are in the world! You can find them from between free to a few thousand USD.

[@alexon2010]

I'm in Brazil - City / State: Serra / Espirito Santo

[@denilsonmartinsferreira8095]

Goo times

[@geofflangley1674]

your offset bottle is missing, should be behind safety guard, easy enough to remove rollers to die cut

[@calvinngotho3870]

How heavy is that press?

[@amuaxyshsbs2750]

سلام مع تحية ، اذا ممكن اتعلم كيف فك رأس الماكينة اللي يحمل الملاقط فقط ، عندي ماكينة مروحة هيدرلبرج ملاقطها قريبين على برميل الورق ،

[@sarahduong4696]

Hi, love this video! I've been trying to find something to hold my narrow stock into place like you have in this video. Do you have any idea what I should search to find where I can get this part? Or what they're called? Thank you!

[@afinepress]

Hey, Could you email me? I might have an extra I can sell. [e-mail]

[@Ozbikerbsa]

They are called lay pins

[@luigipecchia4439]

conosco questa macchina come le mie tasche!!!

[@smedoz]

How did u find your machine, any thoughts for someone who wants to get one.

[@cfcr.8090]

I found mine on the OfferUp app got the one in the video for $1,500

[@jamestanner9198]

No spray unit ?

[@afinepress]

Nope. My current one has it, but I haven't gotten it up and running.

[@aminuddinrate2307]

Bagaimana cara menyetel kertas 3 warna

[@amithe3986]

Hi , can I print 44gsm paper cover with this machine

[@afinepress]

44? That's incredibly light. It would take some finesse, but should be fine.

[@amithe3986]

@@afinepress in my state we use 44gsm paper cover in bakery. Pls give your whatsapp number, my num is+91 8156887450

[@justinthyme1299]

Longest run I've known for one of these presses, overprinting 12 million butter wrappers (wrong ingredients)..some runs can be pretty boring...😊😊😊 FROM AUSTRALIA....

[@afinepress]

Oh. My.

[@markmiwurdz202]

Hope you used water based inks for foodstuff wrappers.

[@justinthyme3396]

@@markmiwurdz202 yes i worked most of my life as a newspaper pressman, Inks used a vegetable base,as we would breathe in the ink all night....

[@MisterHampshire]

:-o Where is your belt guard?

[@afinepress]

Lost to history :-)

[@jankoevoet4042]

Early ones didnt have a guard.

[@MisterHampshire]

@@jankoevoet4042 I'm not convinced that press is that old not to have one. It does, after all, appear to have the cut-off guard over the grippers.

[@exploringlifefam3274]

Value on this beast?:) 🙏🏼

[@afinepress]

Anywhere from free to several thousand dollars.

[@gary49er1]

Do you have a 10x15 for sale?

[@afinepress]

I don't. In fact, I'm looking for a deal on one myself.

[@gary49er1]

@@afinepress Are you looking for a foil unit also?

[@afinepress]

@@gary49er1 I'm happy with Kluge foil. Looking for a late model inker.

[@jankoevoet4042]

Man Oh man ! It really hurts me to see you work that machine ! I've been operating several for many years, 8-hours a day, week in, week out. And I never ever switched off the register. Not with the most crooked envelopes, not with the most thin and static paper. Furthermore, the tympan is supposed to be changed after every job, to deliver the quality these machines are capable of. Then there is the fountain, man, clean it ! I would have been sacked if mine ever looked like that. And finally: something needs some oil ? It needs oil in every hole at least once a week, Shell Vitrea69 will do just nicely. But maybe i'm too stern. I had a 4-year formal education to operate a broad range of machines (both tiles and cylinders) , and a diploma. But since I suppose the last formal education stopped by the time you were born, maybe i can't hold it all against you :-) :-)

[@jamilhossainjamilhossain]

I do paper cutting on this machine

[@AbdoParis-ev3tl]

خوتي انا عندي ديبلوم هذا وراني خدام كاش منلقا واحد في الجي يخصه خدام نجي

[@pablougaldi9059]

si pudiera hacer un video en espsñol

[@jamestanner9198]

Fixed grip running

[@rodrigosolano5536]

No entiendo ingles

[@rodrigosolano5536]

Pero vi tu video