The Hollander beater is the standard machine employed by professional papermakers.  Each one is custom built and can be quite expensive.  This particular machine can handle 3lbs of dry fiber, the vat holds 15 gallons.

Here is the roll and bedplate cover removed for view.  The bedplate has ridges that run diagonally to the ribs on the roll, creating more of a separating action rather than a shearing or cutting action.

fine adjustments can be made to vary the clearance between the roll and bedplate

"chips" of half-stuff are slowly fed into the machine set at high clearance, then gradually adjusted down

abaca and cotton linter chips soaking - let the fibers soak overnight in filtered water

two cotton linter vats pigmented

Care must be taken not to overuse the pigments, for they are highly concentrated.  Observe the water portion of the vat once the pulp has settled to the bottom.  If the water is clear, the pigment has been bonded to the fibers.  If the water shows color, the pigment is too concentrated, and more pulp needs to be added.

The couching blankets are felted wool or other thick cloth.  The blankets are kept wet (to allow the sheet to adhere).  The press boards are varnished several times to a glassy surface.  These are what physically contacts the press.

A good press is a must for proper drying in a production setting.  Book binding presses work great, if you don't mind a slight bit of physical effort. 

Water Filtration System - important if you want to make chemically inert (acid free) paper.  However, most water supplies are actually on the positive PH (base) side of the spectrum.  The important chemicals to filter are sulfur (forms sulfuric acid) and iron, which can cause discoloration as it oxidixes through the years.

 

Sheets are layered between the couching blankets, with the pressing boards on the outside of the "package".  Multiple sheets can be pressed at one time.  The stack, when pressing multiples, is called a "post".

handmade paper: materials

this press is build from a large bottle jack with a specially constructed frame.  three cranks of the lever once contact with the pressing boards is made is ample pressure.  a twist of the handle allows the springs to open the press. wire has been run through the springs to protect against injury in the event of a broken spring.

the wood must be waterproofed. a hole was drilled and a connector attached. tubing runs from the hole to direct water to a bucket.

pulp preparation: mechanical

coloring pulp

the bats of halfstuff are stripped in half, and torn into one inch squares. this is black denim ready to be soaked.

water

couching blankets and boards

presses

strainers
squeeze bottles
plastic eating utensils
sponges
buckets
roller (if drying on windows)
sizing, retention agents, etc.

other supplies