“Our Conrad Etching press… that Missouri Western State College purchased in the Spring of 1968… has held up remarkably well considering it was in constant use each semester and for many summer semesters as well. During this time we have successfully printed many intaglio plates, linocut blocks, and monoprints on the press. It has been a workhorse in our Printmaking program for over 40 years and is still being used today and will be long after I have retired.”
– John T. Hughes
Associate Professor, Art
Missouri Western State College
Take a closer look.
The Conrad E-24 etching press is a true professional tabletop press built for printmakers who want even more space to work without stepping up to a full floor model machine. With its large 24″ x 48″ press bed, the E-24 gives you the room to take on bigger plates and more ambitious prints, all while maintaining the precision and control Conrad presses are known for.
Like all Conrad presses, the E-24 is built to the same high standards as full-size studio machines. You can choose different drive options, roll sizes, and press beds–all to match the way you work, whether you’re focused on intaglio, relief, or mixed techniques. Even with its large print capability, the E-24 still fits into a tabletop setup, giving you serious printing power with a more manageable footprint.
Take a closer look at the E-24 to see why it’s a great choice for printmakers who want more capacity, more flexibility, and professional performance in their studio or classroom.
Press Planetary Geared Reduction Drive System
Smooth Moves, Big Grooves.
The Conrad planetary gear drive was first introduced in the 1950s and has been a proven system for decades. Printmakers depend on it because it delivers smooth, reliable performance every time you print.
Conrad Press Planetary Gear Drive
What makes a Conrad press different is how it handles power. Instead of struggling to pull heavy prints, the planetary gears work together inside a compact housing to boost torque while keeping the motion smooth, controlled, and compact. Even when you’re printing with extreme pressures, the E-24 feels steady and easy to turn.
That’s especially important on larger tabletop presses. You want the added capacity of the E-24, but you still want it to feel manageable and comfortable to print. The planetary drive gives you strong, direct power without the bulk or upkeep of chain systems, so the press runs smoothly without feeling heavy or difficult.
The 6:1 gear ratio is dialed in perfectly for printmaking. It gives you plenty of power to move under pressure comfortably, while still keeping the press bed moving at a good speed. It doesn’t feel slow, and it doesn’t feel like you’re working too hard—it just feels balanced.
Do All Presses Have Gearing?
Some presses claim to have “gearing,” but in most cases that is an advertising misnomer. Generally, these presses simply have a underrated gear attached to a handle and a second gear attached to the lower roll. That’s not true gear reduction, and it doesn’t provide the torque or control needed for real, heavy-pressures.
By contrast, a planetary gear system is built for serious printmaking. It gives you smooth, even performance, and it holds up over time—so you can count on consistent results every time you run the press.
Conrad Drive Options
Hand Crank
Paired with the Conrad planetary drive, the 12-inch polished aluminum hand crank gives the E-24 a smooth, easy feel right from the start. The longer handle adds leverage, so you can move through pressure without feeling like you’re fighting the press.
It’s also built to last. The solid aluminum construction keeps everything running clean and consistent, so every turn feels steady, controlled, and dependable—whether you’re printing one piece or a full edition.
Spoked Wheel
If you want something even more comfortable, the open spoked wheel is a great option. Instead of the back-and-forth, up-and-down repetitive motion of a hand crank, the spokes wheel allows you to always use downward momentum, which feels more natural and is easier on your body—especially during longer print sessions.
With 23″ spokes forming a 48″ wheel, you get extra leverage, making it easier to move the press under pressure. The open design also lets you grab the wheel from different positions, so you can stay comfortable and keep a smooth, steady rhythm.
It also gives you better access to the press bed compared to an enclosed wheel, which can make setup and printing a little easier.
Enclosed Captain’s Wheel
For maximum comfort and control, the enclosed captain’s wheel is a popular choice. The full circular design gives you a natural 360 degree grip and lets you work from multiple hand positions, so you can keep things moving without straining your arms or shoulders.
At 44″ in diameter, it provides plenty of leverage, making it easier to apply consistent pressure—especially when printing larger plates. It’s a great option if you’re planning longer print runs or simply want the smoothest possible operation.
And beyond how it works—it just looks like how a press should look.
Pressure System
Spring Forward, Print Better.
The pressure system is what really defines how the Conrad E-24 etching press performs. It’s built to give you smooth, even, and controlled pressure every time you run the press—no surprises, just consistent results.
Spring Assisted Control
A big part of the E-24s precise pressures comes from its spring-assisted pressure system. This style of pressure keeps constant tension on the upper roll, so everything stays tight and is always engaged while you’re printing. Without this, you can get what’s called backlash—small amounts of looseness or “play” in the system that make it hard to set pressure accurately.
If you can turn your pressure screws any amount without the upper roller being engaged (positively moving up or down at every position), you are not getting even pressures.
With the spring system in place, adjustments are immediate and direct. When you turn the pressure screws, the press responds right away–there is no hesitation. This can only be achieved by a spring counterbalance.
Many lower-quality presses cut corners and skip this feature because it’s more complex and expensive to build, but once you use it, the difference is clear.
Solid Steel Uprights
The strength of the E-24 comes from its thick, solid steel uprights. These hold everything in perfect alignment and keep the frame itself from flexing under pressure.
The Conrad upright design fully cradles the bearings inside the uprights, rather than giving them a thin surface on which to ride. This secures your roller in place and keeps it from jolting back and forth in a rocking motion.
The result is a much more parallel press that holds its alignment across the entire bed. Because the frame stays solid, the rollers and bed stay exactly where they should be. That means even pressure from one side to the other and consistent prints every time.
Custom Bearing Blocks
Conrad also uses custom-built bearing blocks/housings made specifically for printmaking. These housings are designed to handle the real pressure demands of a press in the world of printmaking—and are not retrofitted from spare parts or scavenged from other machines like many other presses on the market.
This helps the press run quieter, smoother, and more precisely over time. It’s one of those details you don’t always see—but you definitely feel it when you’re printing.
Press Bed Plates
Flat Out Precise Prints.
Composite Bed
Durability meets functionality.
A flat, light-weight, & durable material ideal for printing.
Aluminum Bed
Light weight for heavy pressure.
Get the advantages of a metal bed while reducing the weight.
Steel Bed
Ultimate precision and longevity.
A machined flat finish giving you the ultimate reliable printing surface.
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Press Rolls
Think Big. Roll Bigger.
Roll size plays a big part in how the Conrad E-24 etching press feels when you’re printing. Simply put—larger rolls make everything smoother. Instead of hitting the plate abruptly, bigger rolls ease onto it gradually, helping the press glide over the plate, blankets, and paper. That leads to more even pressure, cleaner prints, and better control from start to finish.
Conrad E-24 Upper Roll Options
Standard 6″ Roll – Tubular Steel
The 6″ standard roll is a great step up if you want smoother operation and easier printing under pressure. When compared to other smaller 4.5” diameter rollers, the larger diameter helps the press move more naturally across the plate, so you’re not working as hard to get through each pass.
This roll is made from high-strength, structural steel tubing, giving it the rigidity needed for serious printmaking without unnecessary weight. It’s built to handle heavy pressure without bending or denting, and it holds up well over time. The added size helps improve consistency, especially when working with larger plates.
Jumbo XL Oversized 10″ Roll – Tubular Steel
For the highest level of performance, the 10″ Jumbo XL roll is the best option. Bigger rolls mean the smoothest possible printing, the easiest transitions onto the plate, and the most even pressure across the entire bed.
What sets Conrad apart is how these rolls are built. Instead of using thin pipe like many other presses, Conrad uses true structural tubing with thick walls, designed specifically for strength and rigidity. Other designs often rely on thin tubing with welded inserts to compensate for lesser quality materials, but that creates weak points over time.
Conrad rolls use heavy-duty structural tubing and solid end plugs machined from one-piece solid steel, giving them the strength to stay rigid even under extreme pressures. The result is a roll that runs smooth, stays true, and gives you the highest level of control and consistency—all while still saving weight.
Conrad E-24 Upper Roll Size Comparison
Press Bed Stops
Safe Printing = Smart Printing
On the Conrad E-24 etching press, bed plate stops are a small feature that make a big difference in everyday use. They act like built-in limits that keep the bed from rolling too far forward or backward while you’re printing.
This helps keep everything in a safe position, so you don’t accidentally run the bed too far through the press. It also makes the press feel more controlled, especially when you’re working with larger plates on the E-24.
Another benefit is consistency. The bed stops in the same place every time, which helps with setup and makes your workflow more predictable. It’s a simple detail, but it adds extra safety and makes the press easier and more comfortable to use.
Micro-Gauge Dials
Tiny Turns. Big Accuracy.
One of the most useful upgrades for the Conrad E-24 etching press is the micrometer gauge. It takes the guesswork out of setting pressure and lets you know exactly where you are every time you print.
Instead of adjusting by feel, the micrometer gives you precise control. They adjust in .005-inch increments—about the thickness of a human hair—so you can make small, accurate changes and know exactly what you’re doing. Once you find the right setting, you can come back to it anytime without starting over.
This is especially helpful when you’re working on editions or switching between techniques like intaglio, relief, or monotype. You can quickly dial in your settings or fine-tune them without losing consistency.
Micrometers also help keep both sides of the press even, so you don’t end up with uneven pressure across the bed. It’s a simple feature, but it gives you more control, saves time, and helps you get consistent results every time you run the press.
Conrad E-24 without Micrometer Gauges
Conrad Press is the only company that gives artists the option to configure their presses with or without micrometer gauges.
Some artists prefer not to have gauges because they only print one size/thickness of plate and rarely need to change the pressure settings. Also, setting the pressure by feel without gauges gives the printmaker a more connected and intimidate experience with their press during the printing process. Thus, we give artists the option to customize their presses for their printing needs.
Non-micro gauge pressure screws are equipped with a locking nut, so printmakers can set the pressure and lock it in place for future printing.
Press Frame
Rock Solid. Print Ready.
The E-24 press base is built from heavy-gauge steel that’s both riveted and bolted together, creating a strong, box-style frame that stays solid during printing. It’s designed to resist twisting or tipping, even under heavy pressure. Unlike many tabletop presses, the bed does not drastically extend past the press frame, which gives you better support and stability across the entire printing surface.
The vertical uprights are made from thick, solid square steel and are precisely machined to stay perfectly aligned. This keeps the press running straight and true, even when you’re working under higher pressure, and adds to the overall durability of the machine.
All of the major components—the frame, pressure screws, bearing blocks, and lower roll adjustments—are lined up on the same centerline. This keeps everything working together without flexing or shifting, so the press runs smoothly and delivers even, consistent pressure every time you print.
Press Bearings
Turn Light. Print Right.
On the Conrad E-24 etching press, we use large 1.5-inch diameter roll bearings to keep the press running smooth and steady, even when you’re printing under heavy pressure. These are high-quality, self-aligning bearings, so they naturally stay centered and reduce friction as the press moves, making it easier to turn and more consistent to use.
They’re also fully sealed, which means they’re protected from ink, dust, and debris that are common in a printmaking studio. Because of that, they’re completely maintenance-free—no greasing, no servicing, just reliable performance.
What you get is a press that feels smooth and dependable every time you use it, without having to worry about upkeep.
Conrad E-24 for the Classroom
Conrad. Learn It. Print It. Love It.
The Conrad E-24 tabletop etching press is built for printmakers who want maximum workspace and true professional performance without stepping up to a full floor press. With its generous 24″ x 48″ press bed, the E-24 gives you the freedom to print bigger plates and more ambitious work, all while fitting into studios where space still matters. It’s a large tabletop press—but it’s built like a serious studio machine.
What makes the E-24 stand out is how it balances size, strength, and control. You get the same smooth operation and consistent pressure you’d expect from a full-size press, but in a format that’s easier to move and work around. Whether you’re printing occasionally or running full editions, the E-24 stays reliable and easy to use.
The E-24 is designed to handle everything from light relief work to heavy intaglio printing, and it adapts easily to different techniques and workflows. The layout is simple and intuitive, but the construction is built for long-term use—so it’s a press that can grow with you as your work evolves.
Who is the Conrad E-24 for?
Educators and Students
The E-24 works great in classroom settings where students need a press that’s easy to use but strong enough to handle daily use. The larger bed gives instructors more room for demos and student projects, while the smooth operation makes it easier to teach proper technique. It’s built to hold up in busy learning environments.
Art Institutions, Co-Ops, & Print Shops
In shared studios, the E-24 offers the space and durability needed for multiple artists. The larger capacity makes it more flexible for different projects, and the solid construction ensures it can handle frequent use. It works well as a main press in smaller studios or as an additional press in larger shops that need more printing capacity.
Professional Printmakers
For professionals, the E-24 delivers high-level performance without the footprint of a floor model press. The larger bed opens up more possibilities for bigger plates and editions, while the smooth, controlled pressure makes it ideal for detailed intaglio work. It’s a strong option for artists who want serious capability in a more manageable setup.
Experienced Artists & New Printmakers
The E-24 is a great fit for both experienced printmakers or those just starting out. Beginners will find it straightforward and easy to learn, while experienced artists will appreciate the added size, precision, and reliability. It’s a press that supports growth—whether you’re learning the process or pushing your work further.
Conrad E-24 Printing Capabilities
Print it all.
Conrad E-24. Highly versatile.
The Conrad E-24 is the perfect press to print almost any style of printmaking. From low pressure work like monotype prints to heavy pressure photogravure, the E-24 can do it all.
The Conrad E-24 Etching Press can easily print the following media:
- Monotypes
- Wood blocks
- Linocuts (mounted & unmounted)
- Type high blocks
- Letterpress
- Drypoints
- Engravings
- Intaglio/Etchings (copper, zinc, etc.)
- Photogravure/Photopolymer
- Collagraphs
- Plate lithography
Press Warranty
Built to Last a Lifetime.
All Conrad Machine Co. Presses come with the printmaking industry’s best 25-Year Warranty. At Conrad Machine Co., we 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.
Press Specs.
| Overall Press Dimensions: | 32.75” x 48” x 18.25” |
| Press Frame Dimensions: | 27.75″ x 44.75″ |
| Maximum Paper Size: | 24″ x 46″ |
| Maximum Plate Size: | 24″ x 44″ |
| Bed Height of Frame (Working Height): | 7.25″ |
| Bed Height (Working Height) on Stand/Workbench: | 36.75″ |
| Stand/Workbench Height: | 29.5″ |
| Geared Reduction Drive: | Geared Reduction Drive with 12″ Polished Aluminum Handle |
| Enclosed Star Wheel (Captain’s Wheel): | 44” Diameter |
| Open Spoked Wheel (in place of hand crank): | 23″ Spokes (Total of 48″ Diameter Open Wheel) |
| Standard Upper Roll: | 6” Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Standard Lower Roll: | 4” Diameter Solid Steel |
| Oversized Upper Roll: | 10″ Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Composite Bed Dimensions: | 24” x 48” x 3/4” |
| Aluminum Bed Dimensions: | 24” x 48” x 3/4” |
| Steel Bed Dimensions: | 24” x 48” x 3/4” |
| Press Weights: | E-24 with composite bed: 351 lbs. E-24 with aluminum bed: 436 lbs. E-24 with steel bed: 551 lbs. |
Press Accessories
E-24 Press Essentials.
Getting the most out of the Conrad E-24 etching press starts with having the right setup around it. Printmaking isn’t just about the press—it’s about how all the tools work together. When everything is dialed in from the beginning, the press runs smoother and your prints come out more consistent.
Items like felt blankets, tarlatan, brayers, inking rollers, and quality inks and papers all make a difference. On a larger press like the E-24, good blankets help spread pressure evenly across the full bed, tarlatan gives you better control when wiping plates, and quality rollers help lay down ink evenly. When your materials are working with you, not against you, the whole process becomes easier.
Conrad offers a full lineup of accessories and studio supplies designed to work together, so it’s simple to build a complete setup around your E-24. With the right tools in place, you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time printing—with better, more consistent results every time.
Press Stand / Workbench
A strong, stable base makes a big difference when you’re running the Conrad E-24 etching press. Our all-steel press stand is built to handle the added size and weight of the E-24, keeping everything solid while you print.
With a properly sized footprint (27″ W x 40″ L x 29″ H), the stand helps eliminate wobble, shifting, or vibration—so your pressure stays even across the entire 24″ x 48″ bed. It’s designed to bring the working height to a comfortable 34.5″, and you can choose to add caster wheels for mobility without changing that height. The result is a steady, reliable setup that makes printing easier and more consistent.
Registration Grid & Protective Bed Cover
A registration grid and protective bed cover help keep your workflow organized and your press in new condition. The grid makes it easy to line up plates and paper, which is especially helpful when printing editions or working in multiple layers.
At the same time, the protective cover keeps the press bed safe from scratches, ink buildup, and general wear. It helps maintain a smooth, flat surface over time, so your press continues to perform the way it should. Together, these simple tools make printing more accurate, efficient, and worry-free.
Printmaking Felt Blankets
Felt blankets are a key part of getting great results with the E-24. They help spread pressure evenly across the larger bed, allowing the paper to press into the recessed lines of the plate and pick up fine detail.
A good set of blankets not only improves print quality but also protects your plate and press during use. With the right blankets in place, you’ll get cleaner prints, better ink transfer, and more consistent results from start to finish.
Printmaking Supplies Perfect for E-24
Having the right printmaking supplies in your studio helps create a smooth, efficient printmaking process, so you can focus on printing, not problem-solving.
Start your complete professional studio setup with Conrad Press supplies:
- Hand Inking Brayers
- Tarlatan
- Printmaking Plates
- Printmaking Paper
- Printmaking Inks
Get an E-24 Press
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Take your studio to the next level with the Conrad E-24 etching press.
The generous 24″ x 48″ bed, gives you the space to take on larger plates, bigger editions, and more ambitious work.
With its larger capacity, smooth operation, and professional-grade performance, it’s built for serious printmaking in a tabletop platform.
Shop Conrad E-24 Press NowFAQ
The Conrad E-24 can print an 24” x 44” plate, based on bed choice.
The Conrad E-24 accommodate paper up to 24″ x 46″ including A1 paper.
No, you do not need micro gauges to adjust the pressure or print with your E-24 etching press. Without gauges, you can adjust the pressure by feel.
You can use a scotch brite pad or #0000 steel wool to remove any surface rust on the E-24 press upper roll. In a shoe-shine motion, rub the upper roll in the direction of the turning marks to polish the roll and remove rust.
You can use mineral spirits or similar solvent to clean ink and dirt from your E-24 rolls. Do not use water based products, as they can cause surface rust to develop over time.
