Ergonomic Squeegees for Manual Printing?

[sonicweaponprinting]

Hey guys, I've been thinking about getting some new squeegees when my new press arrives, and I've been using some thinner and thicker wooden squeegees, but have also been looking at the Metal aluminum? type Ergo Squeegees.

I am doing all manual printing, and I've seen some that are black on one side, metal on the other, and some that were all metal, and then even that crazy looking Newman shovel looking squeegee ... Anybody use any of these, and any the have preferred over the other for any reason?

If it helps, I've been printing mostly as a 'pusher' vs a puller only because I've been seeing my press just doesn't clear ink as well on prints no matter how even my off contact when I pull vs. when I Push (pushing tends to always give me a nicer screen clear when pushing)

Any preferences?

[Gabe]

i pulled the squeegee for 10+years don`t waste your money on ergonomic B.S.
keep your wrists straight when working the stroke
if you want to spend the money use it instead in good tension screens
Gabe

[Gabe]

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[Dottonedan]

I don't have an answer to your question but I would like to add to the question since it fits this thread.


I was in a large shop today. 4 14 color's and one 18 color. So I call that a large shop. I was introduced to the Production Mgr. While talking, he was working on a manual press and printing with an auto blade. I didn't ask, but I found that odd and was curious to how much of an issue it might be ergonomically. I mean, after a while of holding that odd shaped top part that fits into the sleeve of the arm seems like it would cause problems.


Anyone else use auto squeegee holders while working on a manual?

[Nick Bane]

same as doublestroke said, many years of pulling squeegees and id agree, no ergo stuff, just the normal wooden squeegees.  keep your wrists straight, elbows in, and print.  good tension screens a big plus.

and Dan,  yeah id never print manually with any of my auto blades, and yes i have contemplated it before, and no, i decided it would not be a good idea for me. M&R auto blades.  i cant imagine how much that had to suck.  but again, as you said, his shop. all just my opinions of course.

[sonicweaponprinting]

Thanks for the feedback guys. Only reason I asked was after long runs my elbows and wrists begin to hurt (even pushing sometimes).

One of the biggest concerns I have when getting my new press is making sure the platens are at the correct height. My business partner and I are two diff heights, although we may end up spending equal time at the press. Is there a sure way or some insider tips on best way to guage that your pallets are at an optimal or ergonimic position before attaching every press arm and platen and deciding it needs adjustment afterwards.

I am about 5'8 in height and my other printer/partner is about 6 foot tall, was thinkin we may have to split the difference or something.

[Frog]

I have never had adjustable platen height, but I remember raising my old Hopkins about 1.5" on 2x4 blocks, and have also seen platforms added for short folks.

I suspect that someone out there has figured an optimum height in relation to a person's height and perhaps arm length.

And, from my own experience, once I tried pushing, that became my method for all  full sized two handed prints. (I still pull small one handed prints.)

[Nation03]

I just picked up a couple of Ergo-Force squeegees. They aren't bad. Pull and push well. Not sure if I really like them that much though. On the bright side, they're easier to clean. But to be honest, the metal is less forgiving than wood, so it can get a little uncomfortable after a while. More so if you are a puller, like me. Pushing is very comfortable with them though. I'm going to give standard aluminum handles a try. I really do like how easy and clean the metal handles are. I think the ergo force squeegee handle is just a little too thick, and I have pretty large hands. I'm going to give the EZ squeegee a try also. Looks pretty comfortable. It's all about preference. Once I try one of each I'll decide which one I really want to stock up on. Nothing wrong with wood though, they're cheaper and they last a long time.

[ZooCity]

I prefer the feel of the "jumbo" wood handles to anything but wood isn't the ideal squeegee holder.

We use a lot of the ergoforce holders, they work perfectly for a push stroke.

The EZs actually look alright, I might try one out.  I like the embedded magnet.

I always thought a great idea would be a special handle that locks on top of auto squeegees.  Then you could invest in those from the get go.  Printing with an auto squeegee as it is, with no special grip, sounds freaking awful. 

[tpitman]

I've used aluminum handled squeegees pretty much from the get-go. Easy blade change, throw 'em in the sink and wash 'em with whatever and they're like new. Got them from Saati.
That guy using the auto squeegee probably didn't have anything else. I can't imagine any other reason for using a squeegee off an auto.

[Binkspot]

I use the wood squeegees.

The height of the pallets is pretty much set already. There is about 3" of adjustment with the leveling feet on the Sidewinder, the pallets there is only about a 1/4" for leveling. I'm 5'9"and the guy who usually prints on the manual is 6'3" and it is fine for both of us, pallets are about the height of my groin. You will find on long prints you are better off being a little higher so you can maintain a constant pressure on the squeegee the whole length of the print. My wife is 5'3" and she stands on one gallon ink pails to to reach the back of the screens.

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

I have 6 Ergo Force Squeegees. I like them a lot, but not for the purposes you are wondering in the original post. In fact I DISLIKE VERY MUCH one particular edge on the profile that "bites" into my thumb a little on a long job.

But for EVERY other aspect (and I'm a pusher) they are clearly superior. I tape my squeegees for ease of clean up, and even though I'm pretty good at it after these many months, I suspect you would soon like taping them too. You can get 4 edges before sharoening or replacing them. But my favorite part is the back of the extrusion supports the blade more, allowing for a softer durometer, and more ink deposit.

I called the manufacturer (Ed Long at InkInnovations.net) about the sharpish edge that bites my thumb, and he said he was considering a solution. But as time has passed, I've gotten used to it I guess. That's been a while ago, so he may have a redesign by now. I'm not sure I'd even replace mine now, especially since the Mayans learnt me our time is now so short......so, so.sad.....

Sniff sniff.

Actually, I'm a BIG fan of these. You can even assemble a long one and a short one for short runs of over sized stuff.

They are slick (and somewhat heavy) and will slip down and fall in your ink at first...with WB inks. You'll figure out out though, and he has some catch wires that extend out to minimize the cursing.  I rarely use them anymore.

[Nation03]

I have 6 Ergo Force Squeegees. I like them a lot, but not for the purposes you are wondering in the original post. In fact I DISLIKE VERY MUCH one particular edge on the profile that "bites" into my thumb a little on a long job.

But for EVERY other aspect (and I'm a pusher) they are clearly superior. I tape my squeegees for ease of clean up, and even though I'm pretty good at it after these many months, I suspect you would soon like taping them too. You can get 4 edges before sharoening or replacing them. But my favorite part is the back of the extrusion supports the blade more, allowing for a softer durometer, and more ink deposit.

I called the manufacturer (Ed Long at InkInnovations.net) about the sharpish edge that bites my thumb, and he said he was considering a solution. But as time has passed, I've gotten used to it I guess. That's been a while ago, so he may have a redesign by now. I'm not sure I'd even replace mine now, especially since the Mayans learnt me our time is now so short......so, so.sad.....

Sniff sniff.

Actually, I'm a BIG fan of these. You can even assemble a long one and a short one for short runs of over sized stuff.

They are slick (and somewhat heavy) and will slip down and fall in your ink at first...with WB inks. You'll figure out out though, and he has some catch wires that extend out to minimize the cursing.  I rarely use them anymore.

I agree about the pinch. I prefer to pull and it gets annoying. These have improved my push stroke though. I never was able to get a nice print from pushing, but I have better control with the ergo force.