"We currently have two American French Tool presses here at Open Studio, one with a 30” x 48” bed and the other a 48” x 78” bed – we wouldn’t trade
them for anything! These presses are simply top of the line and true workhorses. Since 2002 I have been the Technical Director at Open
Studio, an artist run center in Toronto, Canada, and I have witnessed our presses withstand the daily use of our regular studio users and members, as
well as visiting artists, custom project artists and our many education program participants, with only the usual maintenance and no major repairs
or parts replacements required. Our smaller press was actually purchased in 1977 and the large one in 1991 so that’s saying a lot!"
The American French Tool Company was started by Andre Beaudoin in the mid-1970's. Mr. Beaudoin, working with many prominent printmakers, designed and built the American French Tool presses for over 30 years. The beauty and elegance of the American French Tool design, the unmatched performance, and the outstanding durability have given the American French Tool presses the reputation of being the world's finest etching press. With its large, oversize bearings and solid steel rolls, the American French Tool press is the heaviest press on the market. Many print publishers and artists will only use the American French Tool press to print their heavy pressure photogravure prints.
In the spring of 1999, Conrad Machine Co. acquired the American French Tool Company from Mr. Beaudoin. Continuing the legacy and craftsmanship of Mr. Beaudoin, Conrad Machine Co. has built the American French Tool floor model etching presses for over ten years and has added several tabletop-etching presses to the American French Tool press line. As with all presses built by Conrad Machine Co., the American French Tool presses are offered with the industry leading 25-year warranty. The world's most elegant and best performing etching presses are designed to last a life time.
American French Tool Reduction drive
The American French Tool chain drive allows printmakers to pull prints effortlessly, even under the heaviest of pressures. The chain drive consists of an oversized, double-row sprocket is mounted directly to the upper roll. The chain drive is powered by the beautiful, large 48” fully enclosed star wheel. The oversized star wheel not only provides the printmaker with complete control, but it also completes the signature look and elegant design of the American French Tool etching press.
American French Tool Press Frame
The unique and elegant design of American French Tool’s side frame is one of the most destinctive asthetic features on this world class etching press. This design is acheived by precision machining 1/2” thick steel or aluminum plate. Then these side frames are connected by deck plates to provide maxium support and durability. The looks, design, stability of the American French Tool frame is second to none.
American French Tool Press Bedplates
There are many different views of what material makes the best Bed Plate; we offer two different types of Bed Plate material for the American French Tool Presses. The standard bed plate is made from 3/4" thick percision ground steel. An optional aluminum bed plate can also be ordered.
American French Tool Press
Rolls and Bearings
The rolls are precision machined from 8 inch diameter solid steel. The rolls are mounted in self-aligning, anti-friction bearings to insure smooth and easy operation under the most severe printing pressures. Roll bearings are rated at well over five times the maximum pressure encountered in normal printing! The upper roll is spring counter balanced to maintain positive contact with the pressure adjusting screws at all times. Sixteen auxiliary rollers are provided to support the bed plate in the extended positions. If a lighter press is desired, tubular rolls can be provided in place of the standard solid steel rolls. Please see our options and pricing sections of our catalog for more information.
American French Tool Pressure screws
The pressure adjusting screws are 1 ¼'' diameter x 10 pitch. Micrometer type gauges on the pressure screws assure ease of fine adjustments and absolute repeatability of setting.
American French Tool 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 .001 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.
American French Tool Press Motorizing
All Conrad Machine presses can be purchased with a motor option. Check with the factory for details (see options below).
American French Tool Press Options
OVERSIZE UPPER ROLL: If you desire a larger upper roll, we offer as an option a two inch larger upper roll. Just add two inches to the standard size listed.
BEDPLATES: Aluminum alloy, Benelex, or Phenolic.
MOTOR DRIVE: ½ H.P., 110/220 v., 60 or 50 Hertz.
HAND CRANK: If you would like a hand crank drive, instead of the star wheel, we offer a heavy duty 25:1 commercial drive with a hand crank.
American French Tool 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.
© 2009, Conrad Machine Co. Designed and built by Shaun S. Conrad
