Presses
The Cold Press Laminator
A cold press laminator functions the same as a traditional etching press but is capable of less pressure. I don’t use it for etching prints, but have found that it is perfect for linocut prints.
Cold Press Laminators with a 13” print bed are about $90 online compared to about $3000 for the same size etching press. I recommend cold press laminators to anyone looking to print larger editions or who is getting into printmaking and frustrated with the wooden spoon method.
The Akua Pin Press
The Akua Pin Press works similarly to a rolling pin but is designed to give the user more leverage. I have found that the Akua Pin Press works best with delicate papers but no better than a wooden spoon.
For about $250, I don’t recommend.
The Hand Lever Press
I have heard great things about Woodzilla’s hand lever presses, but overall have found that hand lever presses are more time consuming to use than cold press laminators and produce less consistent results.
Recommended above a pin press, but for about $200 I don’t think that most hand lever presses are worth it. Again, have heard wonderful things about Woodzilla though. If you are nervous about operating a machine that works like a press, that can be a great if not inexpensive option.
Barens
Barens are hand held, circular printing devices that function by applying pressure to the paper in a circular motion.
Barens are a lower cost item, but I’ve found they work no better than a wooden spoon. In fact I’ve have had better results and less frustrating experiences printing with wooden spoons.
Barens are also notorious for leading to inconsistent prints so to make a true edition, a baren is the worst option.