"I wanted to write and tell you how much use and execellent service I got out of my combination press. I have printed many editions for such publishers as Associated American Artists, The Original Print Collectors Group, and New York Graphic Society, etc. totaling more than 10,000 prints. The press, with minimum care and oiling, performed perfectly. Over the twenty [plus] years that I used it, I had continuing good results. Besides being very dependable, I found it to be very flexible, allowing me to do intaglio plates, lithographs, and monotypes. I have done deep engravings, aquatints, and mezzotints and combinations and variations of these techniques."

- Hank Laventhol
BFA, Yale
Academia de Belle Arte

Conrad Machine is proud to offer the unique C-25 Combination Press. Utilizing over 60 years of press manufacturing experience, The Conrad Combination press prints any medium: intaglio, relief, and lithography. The upper roll assembly just slides out from the scraper bar housing and is replaced by a scraper bar. In less than five minutes, you are ready to print lithography! The Combination Press has found great favor with colleges and universities worldwide as well as professional studies for its versatility and durability.

Conrad Machine Co. has been manufacturing the Combination Press for over 35 years. With input from professors and professional artists from all over the world, Conrad Machine Co. has made numerous improvements over the years making the C-25 the ultimate in press technology! We offer a complete line of options, so the printmaker can equip his machine to meet his requirements. We can also custom build to any specifications that you desire.

Combination Press-
Lithography and Flexibility

The one major feature that sets this press apart from all other traditional presses is its ability to be converted to a litho press in less than five minutes. Stone litho work requires a floating scraper bar, this can also lend itself to new and different techniques not possible with traditional presses. Mixed media prints utilizing multiple techniques can be printed without the need for multiple printing presses.

Combination Press Drives

One of the most important components of any press is its drive. Conrad Machine offers one of the most versatile drives available today. Our engineers designed a drive that fully compliments the extreme versatility of the Combination Press. Because the Combination Press is at home in any medium, we designed the drive so the printmaker can choose the de- sired gear ratio. Five different ratios are offered; 5 to 1 plus choice of 10, 15, 20 and 25 to 1. There is no reason to be stuck with an improperly geared press. C-25 can be fitted with the Conrad Planetary S-2 drive, side drive, and the Conrad Twin-torque Drive. We also offer motorizing. See E-24 page for more information about the Conrad Twin-torque Drive.

Combination Press Bed plates

We offer two types of bed plate Material. The standard bed plate is made from .75 inch thick Benelex. Benelex is a high density, lignin-resin laminate, having a compressive strength of 29,000 P.S.I. This material weighs only a sixth the weight of steel. The optional bed plate is made from high strength aluminum alloy. This aluminum alloy material is more expensive than steel but is stronger and only a third the weight of steel. Please see the option section of our catalog for more information about optional bedplates.

Combination Press Rolls

The upper roll is 4.5 inches in diameter and is made from special pre-stressed steel tubing. This construction makes the roller very strong but light enough so one person can change over to the litho process. The lower roll is made from 4.5 inch diameter solid steel. An optional 6 inch upper roll is available for those printmakers desiring a larger upper roll. Please see the option section of our catalog for more information about optional rolls.

Combination Press Micro-Gauges

One of the most sought after options we offer is the micrometer gauge. The micrometer gauge provides easy-to-repeat, precise settings. Our gauge is a barrel thimble type that is calibrated to .005 inch per line. This means you can adjust each pressure screw by about the same thickness as a human hair! The Conrad Machine Co. Micro-guages are the very best in the printmaking industry.

Combination Press Pressure Screws

The pressure is adjusted through three heavy duty screws equipped with locking nuts. The center screw is used for litho work where a floating scraper bar is required. The two outboard screws are used for all other work where extreme pressures and rigidity are required.

Combination Press Portability

We designed this press, so it can be easily disassembled into five component parts. You will not need a moving crew to transport this press, as one person can easily disassemble and move the C-25 press. The outer bed supports can be taken off or folded up so the press will fit through any standard 30 inch doorway. There is no need for expensive machinery movers with the Conrad Machine Co. C-25 Combination press.

Combination Press Motorizing

For those printmakers running large additions or for those who would like effortless printing, we offer a motorized option. Some printmakers prefer a motor driven press because the motor can deliver a constant speed throughout any addition size and never get tired. We offer a 1/2 H.P. motor that runs on standard house current (115 volt). Safety features include roll guards, bed stops, an instant reverse motor with power indicator light, and a keyed power lock out switch. Please see the option section of our catalog for more information about motorizing.

Combination Press 25 Year Warranty

All Conrad Machine Co. Presses come with the printmaking industry's best 25 Year Warranty. We here at Conrad Machine Co. believe in our products and workmanship, so much so, that we will repair or replace any defects in materials or workmanship for the first 25 years of the life of your printmaking press.