Post-press

Joanne Gardner tracks down the solutions to your technical troubles

Q I run a small business making greeting cards and want to expand into hanging calendars. I already have a printer that will do the job, but what other kit will I need?
Laura Farley, via email
A It sounds like you’re sorted on the print side of things, so you really just need to stock up on finishing kit. Butonz.com sells calendar-making kits, which could be an easy way to ensure you have what you need. You’ll need a thumb-cut punch to make the semi-circlular cut in the top of the wire-bound calendars. You also, obviously, need a wire binder as well as a calendar hanger and calendar paper. Most calendars use white No. 4 wires (if you use very thick paper you may need thicker ones). The hangers Butonz supplies are 56mm, fine for most A5 and A4 calendars. There are various kits, most including a binder, punch plus wires and hangers. They start at around £200. Visit www.butonz.com or call 01626 330775.

Q Do you know of a company with a Horauf machine that could produce a cover with a size of 150x110mm when open. Yes, I know it is small, but the quantity required is large.
Brian Parker, via email
A I’m not sure the small size will necessarily be a deterrent for many specialist book printers and diary printers, but, after getting more information from you regarding a fluted lining, I’m wondering if that might put a few off. Fergus Kilroy at diary manufacturer Pegasus National (0161 442 2388, www.pegasusnational.com) says as much: Size is no problem, [but] working with flute material can be difficult. However, he would very much like to see a sample or picture to make a true judgement call. Contact him on 0161 432 0575 or at fergus.kilroy@pegasus-national.com. You’ve already tried TJ International with no luck, so perhaps try another diary printer: Charles Letts (0131 663 1971, www.letts.co.uk). The ‘large’ quantity, for those finishers out there just itching to know, is 50,000.

Window stickers #2
I have another two-man outfit interested in speaking with Simon Bowles, who was looking for a small window sticker printer to collaborate with. Digital window stickers, reel-fed or sheeted, turn out to be one of Labels First’s (www.labelsfirst.com) fastest growing markets. Conact Gary Lovell on 01344 636387 or sales@labelsfirst.com. Hope it works out. I feel like Cilla Black. Hope I get to wear my hat at the merger knees-up.

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