“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-9 etching press is a compact, professional-grade tabletop press built for printmakers who want high-quality results in a smaller, micro-press size. With its 9″ x 18″ bed, it’s perfect for artists with smaller home studios and artists who travel—without giving up the performance that Conrad presses are known for.
Even though it’s small, the E-9 is built to the same standards as larger Conrad presses. It offers the same smooth operation, precise pressure, and durable construction you’d expect from professional studio equipment, just in a more manageable format.
Lightweight (configurable to less than 50 lbs) and easy to move, the E-9 is ideal for artists who need flexibility—whether you’re setting up a home workspace or taking the press to a class or workshop. It delivers consistent, professional results while staying compact and easy to use.
Take a closer look at the E-9 and see how a small press can still deliver big performance.
Press Direct Drive System
Small Size. Serious Performance.
The Conrad E-9 Standard press uses a simple, direct drive system with an open spoked wheel mounted to the lower roll, making it easy to operate in a compact tabletop setup.
Conrad Drive Options
Spoked Wheel
The 15″ spokes give you plenty of leverage, so even with a smaller press, it still feels smooth and easy to turn. You can move the bed across the full width without extra effort, which makes printing feel controlled and comfortable.
This model is a great option if you want a portable, professional press at a more accessible price point. Even with its smaller size, the E-9 can handle everything from light relief work to heavier intaglio printing with consistent results.
Enclosed Captain’s Wheel
We also offer an enclosed captain’s wheel for the E-9 if you want a smoother, more comfortable way to run the press. Even on a smaller tabletop press, it gives you better control than a standard hand crank and feels more natural to use.
The 20″ circular design lets you grab the wheel from different positions, so you can keep a steady motion without putting extra strain on your hands or arms. That makes it easier to apply consistent pressure, even during longer print sessions.
It’s a great option if you want your micro etching press to feel just as smooth and controlled as a larger studio machine. And on top of that—it looks great and feels solid every time you use it.
Pressure System
Spring Into Smooth.
The Conrad E-9 etching press may be compact, but it uses the same pressure system found on much larger professional presses. That means you’re getting real studio-level performance in a small, portable tabletop machine.
Spring Assisted
At the core of its performance is a spring-assisted pressure system that keeps constant tension on the upper roll. This helps eliminate backlash—the small amount of looseness that can make pressure hard to set accurately on lower-quality presses.
With the spring system in place, every adjustment feels direct and predictable. When you change the pressure, the press responds right away. It makes it much easier to dial things in and get consistent results, even on a smaller press like the E-9.
Custom Printmaking Bearing Blocks
The E-9 also uses custom bearing blocks designed specifically for printmaking. These are built to handle the real demands of a working press, keeping the rollers moving smoothly while staying properly aligned under pressure.
This helps the press run smoother, quieter, and more accurately over time—just like a full-size studio press.
Solid Aluminum Uprights
Everything is supported by thick, solid uprights that keep the frame rigid and stable while keeping the weight down. The bearing blocks sit securely within the frame, so nothing shifts or flexes when pressure is applied.
The result is even pressure across the entire bed and a press that feels solid and reliable every time you use it—proving that even a small, portable press can deliver true professional performance.
Press Bed Plates
Flat Bed. Big Results.
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
Big Diameter. Big Difference.
Even though the Conrad E-9 etching press is compact, it uses the same high-quality rolls found on much larger presses. That means you’re getting real professional performance in a small tabletop format.
Roll size makes a big difference in how a press feels. Larger diameter rolls ease onto the plate instead of hitting it abruptly, which helps the press move smoother across the plate, blankets, and paper. The result is more even pressure, cleaner prints, and better control from start to finish.
Conrad E-9 Upper Roll Options
Standard 3 Roll – Solid Steel
The 3″ standard roll is built from a solid piece of steel, giving it the strength needed to handle real printmaking pressure without bending or flexing. It uses thick 1.5″ bearing shafts, keeping everything rigid and aligned—even under heavy load.
This is the same level of construction used on larger presses, just scaled to fit the E-9. It’s a reliable, all-around option that works well for everything from relief printing to full intaglio work.
Oversized 4.5″ Roll – Solid Aluminum
The 4.5″ solid aluminum upper roll is a great option if you want smoother printing without adding extra weight to your press. The larger diameter helps the roll ease onto the plate more gradually, which makes the press feel easier to turn and improves overall control.
This roll is machined from high-strength solid aluminum, so it’s lightweight but still strong enough to handle real printing pressure without bending or denting. It also won’t rust, making it a low-maintenance option for any studio setup.
Whether you go with the standard or oversized option, the E-9 gives you the same professional roll quality used on larger presses, delivering smooth operation and consistent results in a small, portable package.
Conrad E-9 Upper Roll Size Comparison
Micro-Gauge Dials
Precision You Can Feel.
Even on a compact press like the Conrad E-9, you can get the same micrometer gauges used on much larger professional presses. That means you’re not guessing where your pressure is—you know exactly where it’s set every time.
Instead of relying on feel, the micrometer lets you make precise, repeatable adjustments. It’s designed to move in .005-inch increments—about the thickness of a human hair—so you can fine-tune your pressure with real accuracy.
This makes a big difference when you’re printing editions or switching between techniques like intaglio, relief, or monotype. Once you find the right setting, you can go right back to it without starting over. It keeps your workflow consistent and saves time.
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 small feature, but it gives you professional-level control in a small, portable press, helping you get better, more consistent results every time you print.
Conrad E-9 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
Hold Tight. Print Right.
The Conrad E-9 press frame may be compact, but it’s built using the same heavy-duty design found on much larger presses. The base is made from thick steel that’s riveted and bolted together, creating a strong, box-style structure that stays solid while you print—no twisting or tipping, even under pressure. It also runs the full length of the bed, giving you stable support across the entire printing area.
The uprights are made from solid, precision-machined square aluminum, keeping everything perfectly aligned. This helps the press stay straight and accurate, even when you’re applying higher pressure—something you don’t usually find in smaller tabletop presses.
All of the key parts—the frame, pressure screws, bearing blocks, and lower roll adjustments—are aligned on the same centerline. That means everything works together without flexing or shifting, so you get smooth operation and even, consistent pressure, just like you would on a full-size professional press.
Press Bearings
Low Friction. High Satisfaction.
The Conrad E-9 etching press uses the same high-quality bearings found on much larger presses, so even though it’s compact, it delivers true professional performance.
These 1.5″ diameter anti-friction bearings are designed to keep the rolls moving smoothly, even under heavy pressure. They create less resistance than traditional bronze bushings, which means the press is easier to turn and feels more controlled while you’re printing.
The bearings are built into custom bearing blocks made specifically for printmaking, helping everything stay aligned and run smoothly. This setup has been proven for decades, giving you a press that operates clean, steady, and reliable—just like a full-size studio press, but in a small, portable format.
Conrad E-9 for the Classroom
Conrad. Class Is in Session.
The Conrad E-9 tabletop press is proof that a smaller, portable press can still deliver truely professional results. Its compact footprint makes it easy to fit into home studios, classrooms, or shared spaces—but it’s built with the same heavy-duty construction and precision you’d expect from a much larger press.
Even though it’s lightweight and easy to move, the E-9 runs smooth, applies even pressure, and gives you consistent, high-quality prints across a wide range of techniques. Whether you’re working at a desk, taking it to a class, or setting up in a small studio, it’s a press that’s ready to perform wherever you need it.
It can handle everything from light relief printing to full intaglio work, and the simple, intuitive design makes it easy to learn while still offering the control experienced printmakers expect. It’s a press that grows with you—whether you’re just getting started or refining your process.
Who is the Conrad E-9 for?
Educators and Students
Perfect for classrooms and learning environments where space is limited but quality still matters. Easy to use, durable, and built to handle repeated use.
Art Institutions, Co-Ops, & Print Shops
A great addition to shared studios where a compact, reliable press is needed for smaller projects or supplemental use.
Traveling Artists
Lightweight and portable, the E-9 is ideal for artists who want to take their press to workshops, demos, or different studio setups.
Experienced Artists & New Printmakers
Simple enough for beginners to learn on, but built with the precision and quality that experienced printmakers rely on.
Conrad E-9 Printing Capabilities
Print it all.
Conrad E-9. Highly versatile.
The Conrad E-9 is the perfect press to print almost any style of printmaking. From lesser pressure work like monotype prints to heavy pressure photogravure, the E-9 can do it all.
The Conrad E-9 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: | 215.75” x 18” x 13” |
| Press Frame Dimensions: | 11.75″ x 18″ |
| Maximum Paper Size: | 9″ x 18″ |
| Maximum Print Area Size: | 9″ x 17″ |
| Bed Height of Frame (Working Height): | 5″ |
| Bed Height (Working Height) on Stand/Workbench: | 34.5″ |
| Stand/Workbench Height: | 29.5″ |
| Enclosed Star Wheel (Captain’s Wheel): | 20” Diameter |
| Open Spoked Wheel (in place of hand crank): | 14.75″ Spokes (Total of 30″ Diameter Open Wheel) |
| Standard Upper Roll: | 3” Diameter Solid Steel |
| Standard Lower Roll: | 2.25” Diameter Solid Steel |
| Oversized Upper Roll: | 4.5″ Diameter Solid Aluminum |
| Composite Bed Dimensions: | 9” x 18” x 1/2” |
| Aluminum Bed Dimensions: | 9” x 18” x 1/2” |
| Press Weights: | E-9 Standard with Steel Rolls: 80 lbs. E-9 Standard with ALU Rolls: 56 lbs. |
Press Accessories
Friends for your E-9.
Printmaking works best when everything is set up to work together—and that’s just as true with a small, portable press like the Conrad E-9. Even though the press is compact, having the right tools around it makes a big difference in how smooth the process feels and how consistent your prints turn out.
Things like felt blankets, tarlatan, brayers, inking rollers, and quality inks and papers all play a key role. Good blankets help spread pressure evenly across the bed, tarlatan gives you control when wiping plates, and well-made rollers help apply ink clean and evenly. When you’re using the right materials, you spend less time fixing problems and more time focusing on your work.
Conrad offers a full range of accessories and studio supplies designed to work together, so it’s easy to build a complete setup around your E-9. Even in a small, portable setup, you can get professional-quality results—with smoother printing, better consistency, and a more enjoyable workflow from the start.
Press Stand / Workbench
Even with a compact press like the Conrad E-9, having a solid base makes a big difference. A sturdy stand keeps everything stable, so you get smooth operation and consistent results every time you print.
Conrad press stands are built from all-steel construction, giving you the strength and rigidity needed to support the press under pressure. Even though the E-9 is portable, it still performs like a professional machine—so it deserves a strong, reliable foundation.
A properly sized stand helps prevent wobbling, shifting, or vibration, which keeps your pressure even across the bed. It’s also designed to bring the press to a comfortable working height, making longer print sessions easier. Caster options are available too, so you can move your setup when needed without sacrificing stability.
The result is a compact, portable setup that still feels solid, steady, and professional.
Printmaking Felt Blankets
Felt blankets are essential for proper intaglio printing because they help distribute pressure evenly across the plate and paper. High-quality blankets allow the paper to be pushed into the recessed lines of the plate, improving detail and ink transfer.
Using the right blanket set also protects both the plate and the press while ensuring consistent results across every print. A good set of blankets is one of the most important tools in achieving professional-quality prints.
Registration Grid & Protective Bed Cover
A registration grid and protective bed cover help keep your printing process accurate and your press in good condition. The grid makes it easier to align plates and paper consistently, which is especially important for multi-layer prints or editions.
At the same time, the protective bed cover shields the press bed from scratches, ink, and wear, helping preserve its flatness and longevity. Together, they improve both workflow and equipment protection.
Printmaking Supplies Perfect for E-9
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-9 Press
There’s never been
a better time to print.
With the Conrad E-9 etching press, you don’t have to choose between portability and performance—you get both. Its compact, lightweight design makes it easy to move, transport, or take to classes and workshops, while still delivering the smooth, precise, professional-quality prints you’d expect from a full-size press.
Whether you’re working from a home studio or printing on the go, the E-9 is the perfect press for you.
Shop Conrad E-9 Press NowFAQ
The Conrad E-9 has a print area of 9″ x 17″.
You can easily clean the upper roll on your E-9 with scotch brite.
The Conrad E-9 can print paper sizes up to 9″ x 18″ including A4 paper.
