I have a few extras of the original knobs (complete with insert and set screws) for the control panel on the Universal I and III power carriage presses. If you are missing a knob or have a damaged one let me know. I could sell them, but would prefer to trade for any of these [...]

I have been trying for a while to find an old style Vandercook sheet side guide for one of my 320Gs and also one of the newer ones for one of my Universal IIIs. If anyone has a spare they could sell or happens to know where I might be able to find one it [...]

I am trying to fix up a Vandercook 4T. When I press on the foot pedal, the pedal moves but the grippers don’t. At first I thought that the chain had stretched but when i look at the joint where the bar from the foot pedal connects to the bar that moves the chain, I [...]

As of last Friday, my boss has asigned me the job of putting back together the disassembled Vandercook Composing Room Cylinder we have here in our shop. I have been having a hard time locating pictures of this model. Does anyone have any photos of it, or dare I say, any instruction manuals for it? [...]

I am about to have a replacement dead bar made up for one of my Universal IIIs and the original I am using as a pattern has a raised center block.  Does this block serve any function?  Should I include it in the reproduction or would I be wasting time and money? Does anyone else [...]

I know that Hacker Mfg. was acquired by Vandercook, but this gauge appears to pre-date that merger. Does anyone have any information on Hacker gauges from this era? This particular gauge has two standards (.159 and a .759) which add up to type-high. I would guess it was to be used for checking planed blocks [...]

Daniel Morris asks if the No. 3 and No. 4 roller assemblies are interchangeable. I am answering in a new post so that I may add images –PM The top frame assembly (one large diameter steel oscillating roller and two small diameter steel riders) is identical (and removable). The difference is in the bottom frame [...]

Here’s the beginning of a sad story. How will it end? I do not know. For how shall I begin my query, how shall I transmit my distress? Our trusty Universal I automatic has lost control of itself. This press’s dilemna has been building up ever so gradually year by year, run by run. I [...]

I was recently contacted by the daughter of Edward Nolan, the manufacturer of both Nolan and Reprex proof presses. She provided me with photos and press clippings on her father’s enterprises, which allowed me to update my notes on these “Other Brands”:http://vandercookpress.info/other.html. See also my post “Reprex Once-over”:http://vandercookpress.info/vanderblog/?p=96. Nolan had a range of mechanical interests [...]