14 May
broken spring on an SP-15
hi all
I’m calling on the fount of collective knowledge here with a technical question. I’m refurbishing an sp-15, and as I was cleaning up the underside of the cylinder carriage I noticed that a rocking lever arm (what is I assume part of the trip mechanism) was sprung with a flat spring on one side – the operator side – but not on the other side. Closer inspection revealed that the spring on the far side had snapped off at some point. My question is – it appears a very complicated operation to replace the spring, is it essential for the press operation?
with thanks and best wishes
john christopher
arcane device press
ps you can see what i’m talking about at http://www.flickr.com/photos/8286330@N03/497998636/
May 14th, 2007 at 9:12 amThat spring, and instructions for removing it, are in the SP-15 manual. The side of the cylinder without the spring will stay right where it is and will not raise and lower as the opposite side does. It is a necessary repair.
May 14th, 2007 at 11:56 amI’ve already mentioned here the possibility of pulling off the stub of the spring with a hook, rather than chiselling it off as per Vandercook instructions, but with the carriage off the press it should be a rather simple task.
I should have said, it is in one version of the SP-15 manual. I have two entirely different versions; one with line drawings and halftones, and one with halftones only.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:10 pmThe spring repair is shown in the version with halftones only. The same sheet is in the SP-20 manual.
John,
Where are you located? I know someone with a tool to change this spring.
Daniel Morris
May 14th, 2007 at 5:39 pmThe Arm Letterpress
Brooklyn, NY
Dan: Is this tool the original J-19553 Assembly Tool? Whether it is or isn’t, could you please post a pic.
May 14th, 2007 at 6:40 pmThanks for all your help everyone - i’m in the uk - unfortunately a bit far for the repairman! If someone could post the part number for the spring I’ll order one from Fritz together with the (half-tone) manual. When I looked at it I assumed I would have to take the whole carriage apart to repair it - please say that isn’t necessary…..
May 15th, 2007 at 1:28 amThanks again for all your comments - I’ve now chiselled the broken spring off with ease - just need the part number…
May 15th, 2007 at 9:10 amPaul,
The tool was custom made from the drawing in the manual by Perry Tymeson. Not a Vandercook original, but it works flawlessly.
Daniel
May 15th, 2007 at 11:34 amDon’t worry about the part number–I know what you need. We just need your information.
Fritz
May 16th, 2007 at 4:09 amnagraph@ekiva.net