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MAKEWORKS
Equipment/Pasta-Machine Etching Press
Moderate30 minutes$10–$30Safety: Low Risk

Pasta-Machine Etching Press

A thrift-store pasta roller is a real intaglio press for the price of takeout.

Time
30 minutes
Cost
$10–$30

Steps

  1. 01

    Clamp the pasta roller to a strong table at the widest setting.

  2. 02

    Make a 'sandwich' to feed through: bottom plexi → inked plate (face up) → damp paper → felt → top plexi.

  3. 03

    Tighten the roller setting until you feel firm resistance — not so tight you stall the crank.

  4. 04

    Crank the sandwich through smoothly in one pass.

  5. 05

    Open and peel the print off the plate.

Materials
4
  • — A hand-crank pasta roller (Marcato, Imperia, or any clone — thrift stores have them)
  • — Two thin sheets of plexiglass or smooth plastic, slightly narrower than the roller opening
  • — Felt or thin wool blanket cut to fit
  • — C-clamps to mount the roller to a sturdy table

Safety

Low Risk

Mostly hand tools and inert materials. Standard studio hygiene applies.

Quick checklist
  • ☐Work in a ventilated area; keep food and drink out of the studio
  • ☐Read each material's safety data sheet (SDS) before starting
  • ☐Have water, soap, and a first-aid kit accessible

Heuristic guidance derived from listed materials. Always consult each material's safety data sheet (SDS) and a qualified instructor before attempting.

Notes

Surprisingly capable — handles drypoint, collagraph, and even shallow etching plates up to ~10 cm wide. A laundry mangle scales this up to A4.