Uneven inking on #4 (see pin question)
Thanks to all who have advised on my previous thread.
I’d like to go back to my original problem, as it still persists despite new rollers, and that is/was uneven inking over the bed of the press, lengthwise. I had a form set up with two plates, one close to the grippers, and the other about 8.5 inches away from the grippers. The front part printed fine, while the back was light, despite raising the impression on the packing and even putting a bit of tape under the plate. I was printing red ink, about .5” square. This is still happening, despite new rollers. I was reluctant to add ink for fear of overinking. I’m thinking of reprinting, doing it as 4 runs instead of two (two colors involved in the whole print job) putting all plate close to the grippers. Any other ideas? Thanks.
Hello Katie,
Are you printing on a Boxcar base?
Have you made sure that there is nothing on the bed of the press that would keep the base from sitting flat?
Have you leveled the press on the floor? Is there any abnormal wear to the bearers?
Is your cylinder packing tight, consistent and in good shape?
Are both plates made of the same stock?
I could go on, but that’s already a lot of questions!
Daniel Morris
November 1st, 2007 at 6:07 pmThe Arm Letterpress
Brooklyn, NY
As a matter of fact, I am using a boxcar base. Nothing on the bed. Press not completely level (it’s on an old wood floor and levelling feet have long since disappaeared. Packing is good. Plates are of same stock.
November 2nd, 2007 at 12:11 pmOne thing occurs to me; the ink is VERY stiff. More fluid inks seem to work better across the bed…?
Am going to reprint and turn the paper, keeping plates near the grippers. Will make further diagnostics after next week’s move. Thanks.
Based on the information tendered in the back and forth of these two threads, I’d suggest you have your cylinder bearings adjusted by a competent press mechanic.
If control over inking/impression is being lost down the length of the bed, and the obvious other suspects have been considered, bearing adjustment is likely the answer.
November 8th, 2007 at 2:41 am