On Nov 12, 2016, at 2:24 PM, Paul Koning <[email protected]> wrote:
> There are lots of paper manufacturers and lots of grades and thickness of
> paper. The thickness we're talking about is one that shows up in a couple I
> looked at. So it wouldn't surprise me at all if suitable paper could be had.
> The matter of cutting it to the correct shape is a different issue,
> admittedly.
It may not be all that difficult. Perhaps the right method here is a die-cut, a
common method for doing custom cuts of paper — often far more complicated than
punch cards. The basic idea is that you build a form up with steel rules that
define the edges you want cut. These rules essentially act as a blade. Then you
mount this on a press, and run through a stack of paper as if you’re printing,
but in fact you’re just cutting.
Here’s a basic overview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1NKLPYS0Vo
A few years back, while photographing letterpress printers (see
http://johnlabovitz.com/projects/letterpress), I met a fellow (Rob Barnes) in
Denver who specializes in die-cutting. Like most die-cut operators, he uses
mid-20th century Heidelberg letterpress printing presses. I have no idea if
he’s interested in a retro-punch card project, but it might be worth contacting
him.
http://www.vintagepressworks.com
Frankly, I think the harder task is to find a good stock of appropriate paper.
Best,
—John
