“I have been working with presses manufactured by Conrad Machine Company since 1976. I have used them as a student, a college professor, and as a professional printmaker. As a college professor, I have seen the use, and abuse, that presses take in a printmaking studio and Conrad presses not only withstand this constant use but have given me years of trouble-free service. As far as I am concerned, this is one of the best tests of any piece of studio equipment. Conrad presses are reliable, extremely durable, and easy to operate. The quality of prints pulled on these presses is outstanding.”
-John Roberts,
Professor of Art,
Keene State College,
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a Closer Look.
The Conrad E-37 etching press is built for printmakers who want maximum size and capability while still retaining the essence of a tabletop press. With its massive 37″ x 60″ bed, it gives you the space to take on truly large-scale plates, oversized prints, and ambitious projects that simply aren’t possible on smaller presses.
This is a press designed for big work. Whether you’re printing large editions or pushing into full-scale pieces, the E-37 gives you the room to print with confidence.
Like all Conrad presses, the E-37 is built to professional standards, with options for different drives, roll sizes, and configurations to match your workflow. Whether you’re focused on intaglio, relief, or a mix of techniques, it’s designed to handle demanding printmaking while delivering the smooth operation and consistent pressure Conrad presses are known for.
If you’re ready to think bigger and print bigger in a tabletop format, the E-37 is built to make it happen.
Press Planetary Geared Reduction Drive System
Keep Calm and Crank On.
The Conrad planetary gear drive is a proven design with decades of use on thousands of presses. It will keep your press running smooth and reliable, no matter the size. And on a press as large as the E-37, that kind of performance really matters.
Conrad Press Planetary Gear Drive
What makes the Conrad gear system different is how it handles power. Instead of requiring strenuous operator input, the planetary gears work together inside a compact housing to multiply torque while keeping the motion smooth and controlled. Even with a massive 37″ x 60″ bed, the E-37 still feels steady and easy to turn—no jerky movements back and forth, no fighting the press.
That’s a big deal on a press this size. You need the strength to handle large plates and heavy intaglio work, but you also want it to feel manageable. The planetary drive gives you that balance—strong, direct power without the bulk or maintenance requirements of chain-driven systems.
The 6:1 gear ratio is dialed in to feel just right. It gives you plenty of power to move through pressure comfortably, while still keeping the press moving at a smooth, steady pace. Even on a press this large, it doesn’t feel slow or heavy—it just works.
Do All Presses Have Gearing?
Some presses claim to have “gearing,” but that is often just an advertising slogan. Many presses that claim to be “geared” simply attach an underrated gear on a handle and another on the press roll. That’s not true gear reduction, and will not give you the same control or performance—especially on a large-format press like the E-37.
A true planetary system is built for serious, large-scale printmaking. It delivers smooth, even performance under pressure, and it’s built to last—so you can count on consistent results, print after print.
Conrad Drive Options
Spoked Wheel
On a press as large as the Conrad E-37, ease of use really matters—and the open spoked wheel makes a big difference. Instead of the back-and-forth motion of a hand crank, you’re always pulling down on the spokes, which feels more natural and takes less effort—especially when you’re printing larger work.
With 23″ spokes forming a 48″ wheel, you get a huge amount of leverage. That makes it much easier to move the press smoothly, even under heavy pressure. The open design also lets you grab the wheel from different positions, so you can keep a steady rhythm without straining your arms or shoulders.
It also gives you better access to the bed, which is helpful when you’re working with larger plates on a press this size. Everything feels more open, more comfortable, and easier to manage.
Enclosed Captain’s Wheel
For even more comfort and 360 degree control, the enclosed captain’s wheel is a great option on the E-37. The full circular design gives you a natural grip and lets you move around the wheel as you print, so you’re not stuck in one position.
At 44″ in diameter, it provides serious leverage, making it easier to apply consistent pressure across the entire press. Even with a large 37″ x 60″ bed, the press still feels smooth and manageable.
This setup is especially helpful for longer print runs, where comfort and steady motion really matter. And on a press this size, it just looks right—big, solid, and built for serious printmaking.
Pressure System
Keep It Tight, Print It Right.
On a press as large as the Conrad E-37, the pressure system is what makes everything feel smooth and easy to control. Even with a massive 37″ x 60″ bed, it’s built to give you even, consistent pressure across the entire surface—so your prints come out clean and uniform every time.
Spring Assisted
A big part of that comes from the spring-assisted pressure system. It keeps constant tension on the upper roll, so everything stays tight and engaged while you’re printing. Without that, you can get small amounts of looseness—called backlash—that make it harder to set pressure accurately.
With the spring system, adjustments are immediate and direct. When you change the pressure, the press responds right away. That makes it much easier to dial things in, especially when you’re working on large prints or running multiple passes.
Custom Bearing Blocks
Conrad also uses custom bearing blocks built specifically for printmaking. These are designed to handle the real forces of a large press and are designed to stay parallel in the press, with excessive side-to-side movement.
You might not see it right away—but you’ll feel it. The press runs smoother, quieter, and more controlled, making it easier to print—even at this size.
Solid Steel Uprights
The E-37 is built around thick, solid steel uprights that give the press its strength. On a press this size, keeping everything aligned is critical—and these uprights make sure nothing shifts or flexes under pressure.
The Conrad press design supports the full length of the bearing blocks inside the uprights, locking everything into place. This keeps the upper roll steady, even when you’re printing large plates under heavy load.
Because the frame stays rigid and the bearings stay parallel, the rollers and bed stay perfectly aligned. That means even pressure from one side to the other, and no rocking motion of your roller.
Press Bed Plates
Precisely Flat. Exceptionally Consistent.
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.
Scroll to explore more – – – >
Press Rolls
Roll with Authority.
On a press as large as the Conrad E-37, roll size plays a huge factor in how easy it is to print. Simply put—the bigger the rolls, the smoother everything feels. Instead of dropping onto the plate, larger rolls ease into it, helping the press glide across the plate, blankets, and paper. That means more even pressure, cleaner prints, and less effort—even when you’re working at a large scale.
Conrad E-37 Upper Roll Options
Standard 8″ Roll – Tubular Steel
The 8″ standard roll is built to handle the demands of a press this size while keeping things smooth and controlled. The larger diameter helps the press move through pressure more easily, so you’re not fighting it with every turn.
Made from high-strength structural steel tubing, it’s designed to stay rigid under load without bending or deflecting. It’s a strong, reliable option that keeps pressure consistent—especially when printing larger plates on the E-37.
Jumbo XL Oversized 10″ Roll – Tubular Steel
For the smoothest and easiest printing experience possible, the 10″ Jumbo XL roll takes performance to the next level. The larger diameter roll makes a noticeable difference—it helps the press roll onto the plate more gradually, reducing resistance and making everything feel easier to control.
Not only does Conrad offer larger rolls than any other press company, what really sets our rolls apart is how the are built. Instead of using thin and weak steel pipe, Conrad uses true structural tubing with 50% thicker walls than competing presses, designed specifically to stay rigid under heavy pressure. Other presses rely on internal bracing and welded insert to compensate for weaker materials, but Conrad does not cut any corners.
Conrad rolls are built with heavy-duty structural tubing and solid end plugs, made from one-piece solid steel so they stay strong and straight—even under extreme pressure. The result is a roll that moves smoothly, holds its shape, and makes printing on a large-format press like the E-37 feel controlled, consistent, and surprisingly easy–all while keep weight down.
Conrad E-37 Upper Roll Size Comparison
Press Bed Stops
Safe Printing = Smart Printing
On a press as large as the Conrad E-37, keeping everything controlled and easy to manage is key—and that’s where bed plate stops come in. They act like built-in limits that keep the bed from traveling too far in either direction while you’re printing.
With a 37″ x 60″ bed, you’re working with a lot of surface area, so having that control makes a big difference. The stops help keep everything within a safe range, so you don’t have to worry about over-running the bed during a print.
They also make your workflow more consistent. The bed stops in the same place every time, which makes setup easier and helps you stay in a steady rhythm—especially when printing larger pieces or running multiple prints.
It’s a simple feature, but on a press this size, it adds a lot of confidence. Everything feels more controlled, safer, and easier to handle from start to finish.
Micro-Gauge Dials
Measured Moves. Better Grooves.
With the vast scale of the Conrad E-37, dialing in pressure accurately is a big deal—and that’s exactly what the Conrad micrometer gauges are designed for. They take the guesswork out and show you exactly where your pressure is set every time you print.
Instead of going by feel, you can make small, precise adjustments. The micrometer moves in .005-inch increments—about the thickness of a human hair—so you can fine-tune your pressure with real accuracy. Once you find the right setting, you can come back to it anytime, which is especially helpful when working on large prints.
This becomes even more important when you’re running editions or switching between techniques like intaglio, relief, or monotype. You can quickly adjust or repeat settings and keep everything consistent across the entire bed.
It also helps keep both sides of the press balanced, so you don’t end up with uneven pressure from one side to the other. On a press this size, that level of control makes printing easier, more efficient, and much more consistent.
Conrad E-37 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
Stay Strong. Print Long.
The Conrad E-37 press base is built from heavy-duty steel that’s riveted and bolted together to form a strong, box-style frame. On a press with a 37″ bed, that kind of strength is critical—it keeps everything solid so the press doesn’t twist, flex, or tip, even when you’re printing large, heavy plates. The base runs the full length of the bed, giving you steady support from one end to the other for smooth, even printing.
The uprights are made from thick, solid square steel and are precisely machined to stay perfectly aligned. This keeps the press running straight and stable under pressure, which is especially important at this size. It also adds to the long-term durability, so the press holds up over years of use.
All of the main components—the frame, pressure screws, bearing blocks, and lower roll adjustments—are aligned on the same centerline. That means everything works together without shifting or flexing. The result is a press that runs smooth, stays in alignment, and delivers consistent, even pressure across the entire bed every time you print.
Press Bearings
Glide Mode: Activated.
The Conrad E-37 is the largest tabletop etching press made by anyone, so needless to say, everything needs to move smoothly—and that starts with the 2-inch diameter roll bearings. These oversized bearings are built to handle the demands of a 37″ x wide press, keeping the movement steady and controlled even under heavy printing pressure.
They’re self-aligning, which means they naturally stay centered as the press runs. That reduces friction and makes the press much easier to turn, even when you’re working with large plates and higher pressure.
They’re also fully sealed, so ink, dust, and debris can’t get inside. That means they’re completely maintenance-free—no greasing, no extra work, just consistent performance.
The result is a large-format press that still feels smooth and easy to operate. Even at this size, the E-37 runs clean, steady, and reliable every time you print.
Conrad E-37 for the Classroom
Conrad. Print Smarter, Not Harder.
The Conrad E-37 etching press is built for printmakers who want maximum size in a tabletop format. With its massive 37″ x 60″ bed, it gives you the freedom to work on large plates, oversized prints, and ambitious projects—all without moving to a full floor press.
What makes the E-37 unique is how it combines huge capacity with smooth, easy operation. Even though it is the largest tabletop presses available today, it still runs clean and controlled. The pressure stays even across the entire bed, and the press feels steady and manageable—even when you’re printing big work.
It’s designed to handle everything from light relief printing to heavy intaglio, and it adjusts easily to different techniques and workflows. The layout is simple and straightforward, so it’s easy to learn, while the construction is built for long-term use. It’s a press that can grow with you as your work gets bigger.
Who is the Conrad E-37 For?
Educators and Students
The E-37 is a great option for classrooms that want to give students experience with large-format printmaking. The oversized bed provides plenty of room for demonstrations and student projects, while the smooth operation makes it easier to teach proper technique. It’s built to handle the demands of daily classroom use.
Art Institutions, Co-Ops, & Print Shops
In shared studio environments, the E-37 offers the size and durability needed for multiple artists working at a larger scale. The expanded bed makes it more flexible for a wide range of projects, and the strong construction ensures it can handle frequent use. It works well as a primary press in professional studios or as a high-capacity option in larger shops.
Professional Printmakers
For professional printmakers, the E-37 opens the door to truely large-scale work. The 37″ x 60″ bed allows for bigger plates and longer runs, while the smooth, controlled pressure makes it ideal for detailed intaglio printing. Even at this size, the press remains easy to operate and consistent from print to print.
Experienced Artists & New Printmakers
The E-37 works for both experienced artists and those ready to step into larger work. New printmakers will find it surprisingly easy to use for a press of this size, while experienced artists will appreciate the added space, precision, and reliability. It’s a press that supports growth—whether you’re learning the process or pushing into large-format printmaking.
Conrad E-37 Printing Capabilities
Print It All.
Conrad E-37. Highly versatile.
The Conrad E-37 is the perfect press to print almost any style of printmaking. From low pressure work like monotype prints to heavy pressure photogravure, the E-37 can do it all.
The Conrad E-37 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: | 46.5” x 60.25” x 18.5” |
| Press Frame Dimensions: | 40.5″ x 60.25″ |
| Maximum Paper Size: | 36.5″ x 60″ |
| Maximum Plate Size: | 36″ x 56″ |
| Bed Height of Frame (Working Height): | 8″ |
| Bed Height (Working Height) on Stand/Workbench: | 37.5″ |
| Stand/Workbench Height: | 29.5″ |
| Enclosed Star Wheel (Captain’s Wheel): | 48” Diameter |
| Open Spoked Wheel (in place of hand crank): | 23″ Spokes (Total of 48″ Diameter Open Wheel) |
| Standard Upper Roll: | 8” Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Standard Lower Roll: | 4.5” Diameter Solid Steel |
| Oversized Upper Roll: | 10″ Diameter Tubular Steel |
| Composite Bed Dimensions: | 36.5” x 60” x 3/4” |
| Aluminum Bed Dimensions: | 36.5” x 60” x 3/4” |
| Steel Bed Dimensions: | 36.5” x 60” x 3/4” |
| Press Weights: | E-37 with composite bed: 900 lbs. E-37 with aluminum bed: 980 lbs. E-37 with steel bed: 1,278 lbs. |
Press Accessories
Friends for your E-37.
Getting the most out of the Conrad E-37 etching press starts with having the right setup around it. Printmaking isn’t just about the press—it’s about how everything works together. When your tools are dialed in from the start, the press runs smoother and your prints come out more consistent—especially on a press this size.
With a large 37″ wide bed, the right materials really matter. Felt blankets, tarlatan, brayers, inking rollers, and quality inks and papers all play a role. Good blankets help spread pressure evenly across the full bed, tarlatan gives you better control when wiping larger plates, and quality rollers help apply ink smoothly and evenly. When everything is working together, printing feels easier and more predictable—even at a large scale.
Conrad offers a full range of accessories and studio supplies designed to work as a system, making it simple to build a complete setup around your E-37. With the right tools in place, you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time printing—with better results every time.
Press Stand / Workbench
A press this size needs a solid foundation, and the right stand makes a big difference. The Conrad all-steel press stand is built to support the weight and size of the E-37, keeping everything stable while you print.
With a (39″ W x 60″ L x 29″ H) sized footprint, the stand helps eliminate wobble, shifting, or vibration—so pressure stays even across the entire bed. It’s designed to bring the press to a comfortable 34.5″ working height, and caster options are available if you need mobility without sacrificing stability.
The result is a strong, steady setup that makes printing on a large-format tabletop press feel smooth, controlled, and easy to manage.
Registration Grid & Protective Bed Cover
A registration grid and protective bed cover help keep your workflow organized and your press in top 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-37. 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-37
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-37 Press
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Take your work to the next level with the Conrad E-37 etching press. With its massive 37″ x 60″ tabletop capacity, you can finally print larger plates, bigger editions, and bold, full-scale work—all with smooth, controlled operation.
If you’re ready to stop working around size limits and start printing without restrictions, the E-37 is the press for you.
Shop Conrad E-37 Press NowFAQ
The Conrad E-37 can print a 36.5” wide x 56” long plate, depending on desired print borders.
The Conrad E-37 can print paper sizes up to 36.5″ x 56″ including A1 paper.
No, you do not need micro gauges to adjust the pressure or print with your E-37 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-37 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-37 rolls. Do not use water based products, as they can cause surface rust to develop over time.
