Long-Distance Letterpress: DIY Wood Type

Why you should take this class

Ryan Molloy is known for his unconventional wood typeface designs: movable type that breaks the rectangular mold, so to speak. How does he do it? The answer is a computer numerical control (CNC) router—a modern-day pantograph. Like laser cutters, desktop CNC routers have become more and more commonplace, providing printers with a handy tool for creating their own unique wood type and illustrations. Whether used as a block leveler or as a means to carve an image, the CNC provides designers, printers, and printmakers with a range of useful applications for relief platemaking.

What you’ll learn

In this edition of Long-Distance Letterpress, we’ll explore how a CNC router can be used for creating letterpress wood type and engravings. Using examples from his own work, Ryan will demonstrate and answer questions on the following:

• how to plan your design for execution
• how to prepare your materials for machining and printing
• key terminology for using a CNC router
• using relevant software and prepare a file for machining
• various techniques one can use for creating the relief
• useful tips for prototyping and fabrication

Prerequisites

This workshop consists of a demonstration and interactive Q&A, with no advance preparation or supplies necessary to participate — just make sure you’re using the most recent version of Zoom. Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator is useful but not required.

Who should take this class?

Letterpress printers, printmakers, designers and artists interested in learning about digital fabrication methods.

Will this class be recorded?

All of PiP’s classes are live and unrecorded — you’ll find they’re a lot more fun and interactive this way.

Visit our FAQ page to learn more about PiP’s class policies.