I have the copper, rounded tack iron from Rick, and i like the rounded sides because you can angle / lean into dimples and creases on the cover. It was the only tack iron I could get when i couldn't find that little black one.
I have used Rick's chamfered board in pressing and it worked great actually. I used it when i thought i needed a hard surface on both sides of the front cover for some creases. It helped and didn't jack up the spine in any way with that chamfered edge tucked in there.
I love the chamfered board. On the right book with good staples I use it during my humidity application to give the steam a chance to go right into the ticks on the spine. I use the steamer along the spine with the board on the inside cover then press. and I have gotten more non color breaking ticks out than I ever have with a tack iron alone. But it has to be the right book with solid staples
I love my dot tools. I have micro dots to big ball dots that I can work stubborn cover dents out. I can work out spine ticks with my dot tools going under the cover!
Thank you for providing me with the confidence to get started with this hobby. Had my first full successful press of a Bronze Age book that was in pretty bad shape and now it's looking pretty at me from behind its Mylar bag. So satisfying.
Great info- I don’t use SRP anymore, have had problems with cockling - I use 20 lb copy paper, but some brands do have imperfections like you mentioned about SLP. Like your videos- always watch all of them
I've been using Teflon sheets made for heat presses. Used same sheets 100's of times for a year. They can be washed if necessary.. Bought two packs of twelve 12"x16" sheets $10 each pack at Amazon. Cut them all in half for total of 48 12"x8" sheets.. I press six comics at a time. Use four sheets per comic. One on each side of both covers. Plus, one backing board in the center.
Yeah, I was gonna say, if overused (Absorene), it can remove colour (especially yellow). Other than that, I concur with your points. Rick makes some great products. I do press occasionally with the chamfer boards when I don't want to stress out the staples/spine (generally older books). Good intro video...Btw, I buy my SRP from Uline. I have to cut them. Have never had an issue with "knots". Some look sketchy, but, I experimented with some of my old, who cares books (and the odd modern as an experiment) and never had an issue with knots transferring any type of imprint. Whatever works...
You're right about that. Those older books scare me though, although I do them from time to time. I've found that they are actually easier in many ways. The covers are tougher, take moisture better, and generally fix easier. The key is the avoid stressing the spine/staples
I'm brand new to pressing and am excited to get started. I've been gathering supplies and doing loads of research. I've tried to find that Hanger 9 iron everywhere that I can think of locally and online with no success. Do you know of an alternative? I see on immaculate comics that he has one, but it has a big spoon shaped end on it and I'd rather the small flat end. Thank you for all of the videos!
@@ImproveCollectingComics I'm careful with handling them but I use the same elite SRP paper for about 2 weeks before replacing them. Not sure which is more cost effective, haven't taken the time to do the math. Also, I've never seen any defects/paper knots in them.
Do you think that CGC favoritizes people who spend thousands regularly with them? I just sent in 8 books in identical condition, all cleaned and pressed, no sun spots or foxing, with a couple with tiny bindery defects on the corners of the spine. They sent back two 9.8 slabbed, and the other six were rejected. I'm confused as they are all in identical flawless condition.
I hope they don't. I would look them over carefully for hard to see imperfections (at all angles in good light) and if they are obvious 9.8s, I'd resubmit
Sad to hear about the Uline SRP paper. I haven't looked at mine closely. I still probably have over 900 full sheets left. They are good for baking bacon, but I don't think my heart could take that much bacon.
I have the copper, rounded tack iron from Rick, and i like the rounded sides because you can angle / lean into dimples and creases on the cover. It was the only tack iron I could get when i couldn't find that little black one.
Most of the time, it doubles as the iron and ball bering for me.
@@bigghoww Yes that's a good way to put it
Love your videos, Jim. Always great recommendations from what you know works. You’re a real asset to our community! 🙏
I appreciate that!
Thanks Jim for all of your informative videos. 😊
I have used Rick's chamfered board in pressing and it worked great actually. I used it when i thought i needed a hard surface on both sides of the front cover for some creases. It helped and didn't jack up the spine in any way with that chamfered edge tucked in there.
didn't think about cutting the absorene pad in half... nice. That pad is gold.
I love the chamfered board. On the right book with good staples I use it during my humidity application to give the steam a chance to go right into the ticks on the spine. I use the steamer along the spine with the board on the inside cover then press. and I have gotten more non color breaking ticks out than I ever have with a tack iron alone. But it has to be the right book with solid staples
Agree completely! That's pretty much what I do as well
I love my dot tools. I have micro dots to big ball dots that I can work stubborn cover dents out.
I can work out spine ticks with my dot tools going under the cover!
Love the breakdown of what you use to work your magic 🙂
Thanks David! I keep seeing videos of people saying they have like 100 tools they use. I have like 5 lol
Thank you for providing me with the confidence to get started with this hobby. Had my first full successful press of a Bronze Age book that was in pretty bad shape and now it's looking pretty at me from behind its Mylar bag. So satisfying.
Great to hear!
Great video! Your channel is encouraging me to finally start cleaning and pressing my own books.
Go for it, you won't regret it :)
Love your videos. Can't wait for your classes!
Thanks! I'm just planning the release of the alpha version of the community right now. It won't be long now!
Great info- I don’t use SRP anymore, have had problems with cockling - I use 20 lb copy paper, but some brands do have imperfections like you mentioned about SLP. Like your videos- always watch all of them
Thanks!
You didn't say where to get the pack of srp paper?
Yes, I recommend the brand listed on my website improvecollecting.com
I've been using Teflon sheets made for heat presses.
Used same sheets 100's of times for a year.
They can be washed if necessary..
Bought two packs of twelve 12"x16" sheets $10 each pack at Amazon.
Cut them all in half for total of 48 12"x8" sheets..
I press six comics at a time.
Use four sheets per comic. One on each side of both covers.
Plus, one backing board in the center.
Just be careful if they have a pattern on them. Teflon can press an imprint on the books CGC calls "canvassing"
Over 1000 pressings with Teflon sheets never had a problem.
Great information.
Thanks for watching!
Great Video Jim . The parchment paper is for cooking .. I use the same box you have for pressing or cooking lol … look at the box :)
Another great video. I’m scared to press my own books, but I need to get over the fear. I think you’re helping.
You can do it! It's not as hard as you may think... just make sure you practice a ton before doing anything with any value
the newsletters are great so far
Thanks for the feedback!
Cheers Jim for putting me onto the Katbite SRP. Luckily it’s available in the U.K. and a damn site cheaper than the T-Shirt SRP I’ve been buying. 👍👍👍👍
You're welcome! Enjoy!
Yeah, I was gonna say, if overused (Absorene), it can remove colour (especially yellow). Other than that, I concur with your points. Rick makes some great products. I do press occasionally with the chamfer boards when I don't want to stress out the staples/spine (generally older books). Good intro video...Btw, I buy my SRP from Uline. I have to cut them. Have never had an issue with "knots". Some look sketchy, but, I experimented with some of my old, who cares books (and the odd modern as an experiment) and never had an issue with knots transferring any type of imprint. Whatever works...
I must have gotten a bad batch from Uline :(
#1 most important thing for pressing for me is my lamp. Can't see half the defects without direct light!
I agree! I have like 6 lamps on my desk!
Thanks Jim, keep up the great work/
Thanks for all your help Jim. I would love one of the chamfered boards, but he wants $50.00 shipping to Canada. Keep up the good work!
Ouch. I'll see if I can find a solution to that, added to the to-do list
I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to make your own, if it's just a backing board. Probably with really fine grit sand paper along the edge.
I bought a press from your list and I have a quick question.Do you remove the padding that comes with the press?
You keep one of them on the bottom under the plate. I throw out the one that has a marbled look to it and keep the other
@@ImproveCollectingComics thank you sir
Thanks Jim. What was the brand on that tack iron that you can't find anymore? Hagler? I'll see if I can find one.
Hangar 9
Do some videos on gold and silver age. Those books are more challenging. If you can get good at those you can do anything. Great videos
You're right about that. Those older books scare me though, although I do them from time to time. I've found that they are actually easier in many ways. The covers are tougher, take moisture better, and generally fix easier. The key is the avoid stressing the spine/staples
I'm brand new to pressing and am excited to get started. I've been gathering supplies and doing loads of research. I've tried to find that Hanger 9 iron everywhere that I can think of locally and online with no success. Do you know of an alternative? I see on immaculate comics that he has one, but it has a big spoon shaped end on it and I'd rather the small flat end. Thank you for all of the videos!
Check my website, I should have an alternative listed. improvecollecting.com
Hi, have you ever tried to use the SRP Immaculate's reccomends and sells, Elite silicone paper. To me they work great.
I’m wondering how you’d review them ? I’m thinking about grabbing some ….
I don't believe so, I tested 4 or 5 different brands from Amazon and the Uline ones
@@ImproveCollectingComics I'm careful with handling them but I use the same elite SRP paper for about 2 weeks before replacing them. Not sure which is more cost effective, haven't taken the time to do the math. Also, I've never seen any defects/paper knots in them.
SRP is great for baking pretzels in the oven lol
That too lol
I have comics - can i hire you to help me clean press submit to cgc ?
Email me jim@improvecollecting.com. I don't do it as a business but would love to see what you have
Do you think that CGC favoritizes people who spend thousands regularly with them? I just sent in 8 books in identical condition, all cleaned and pressed, no sun spots or foxing, with a couple with tiny bindery defects on the corners of the spine. They sent back two 9.8 slabbed, and the other six were rejected. I'm confused as they are all in identical flawless condition.
I hope they don't. I would look them over carefully for hard to see imperfections (at all angles in good light) and if they are obvious 9.8s, I'd resubmit
Sad to hear about the Uline SRP paper. I haven't looked at mine closely. I still probably have over 900 full sheets left. They are good for baking bacon, but I don't think my heart could take that much bacon.
I have a ton as well, I am going to move it to the kitchen lol