Workshop safetyWash hands after handling typeVentilate for solvent and powderKeep both hands behind the bladeNo lead dust — never dry-sweep

WORKSHOP & SAFETY

Ventilation Fan

Extraction that moves solvent vapour and lead dust out of the room you are working in.

3Printing stage Rank 28 of 28

Line drawing

Specification
Airflow	200–600 m³/h for a small workshop
Type	Axial window fan or centrifugal extractor
Ducting	100–150 mm, as short and straight as possible
Air changes	8–12 per hour for solvent work
Noise	45–65 dB(A)
Filter	Not needed for extraction to outside
Make-up air	A vent or a gap, or the fan does nothing
Placement	Across the room from the make-up air, at bench height

Working parameters
Airflow	200–600 m³/h
Air changes	8–12 per hour
Suitable stock	Not applicable
Processes	Solvent wash-up, ink mixing, lead type work, paper dust
Compatibility	Must exhaust to outside; recirculating units are not suitable
Make-up air	Required, or the fan starves and does nothing
Noise	45–65 dB(A); quieter is better because you will actually use it
Maintenance	Clean the blades monthly; paper dust builds fast

Overview

A letterpress workshop produces solvent vapour from wash-up and fine dust from type and paper. Both are heavier than air or near it, both accumulate at bench height, and both are removed by air movement rather than by any other means. A fan is not a comfort feature.

The right fan is the one that extracts to outside, not the one that recirculates. An extractor hood over the wash-up bench, or a window-mounted fan pulling air across the room, is what is needed. A desk fan that blows air around the room only moves the vapour from one place to another.

3Printing: Ink, packing and impression on the press.

Safety

Before you use itExtraction has to go outside. A fan that recirculates air through a filter moves the vapour around the room and gives a false sense of protection.

Before you use itA fan needs make-up air. In a sealed room, an extractor pulls against a vacuum and moves almost nothing. Leave a vent or a door ajar.

Before you use itPaper dust builds on fan blades and is combustible. Clean the blades monthly, and never let a fan run unattended for long periods in a dusty room.

Before you use itNever use a domestic vacuum cleaner to clear paper or type dust. It will exhaust the fine fraction back into the air. Use a vacuum rated for fine dust, or damp wipe.

Using it well

Position the fan so the air moves across the bench, past you, and out. A fan behind you pushes vapour into your face.
Run the extraction for ten minutes after you finish, not just while you are working. Vapour lingers at bench height after the job is done.
A smoke pencil is a cheap way to check that the airflow actually goes where you think it does. Most workshop layouts have a dead spot right where the work happens.

What it works with

Papers and substrates

Not applicable

Type and fonts

Not applicable

Processes

Solvent wash-up
Ink mixing
Lead type work
Dust control

Note. Specifications are conventional working ranges for this class of tool, not a measurement of any particular machine. Follow the instructions that came with your own equipment, and treat every figure here as a starting point to check rather than a limit to trust. Nothing on this page is for sale and no manufacturer had any input into it.

SafetyPrint

Ink Solvent

The wash-up liquid for rollers and type — and the main vapour source in the workshop.

Printing stage

SafetyCompose

Lead Type Handling Kit

Tray, tongs, wipes and a wash bottle, for handling lead alloy without taking it home.

Composition stage