This thread continued in new post with new image. “Sleeve attachment for hand-activated grippper bar”:http://vandercookpress.info/vanderblog/2008/08/06/sleeve-attachment-for-hand-activated-grippper-bar/

Thanks Kyle. New thinking is appreciated. There is enough inside clearance to allow a clip bracket and may be the way to go.

As to the tube-sleeve, if I’m understanding you correctly, slipping it down from the top over the existing trip lever (MR-125) would be obstructed by the push rod yoke.

*even better* a tube-sleeve you could slide over the lever — would be very sturdy.

@ Paul — what if rather than a cross bracket attaching handle B to the Trip Lever with screws, you had a simple folded or machined clip/bracket that wrapped around the lever, then bolted onto the new arm assembly. Should be relatively simple to engineer — and no holes in your original parts…

Interesting idea. Let us know how it turns out. I may want to make this modification to the 325A at the University.

Thanks, Patrick. You are correct on both points. “B” may be best for my purposes. Still, this would require drilling holes into the original part. I doubt that clamping it would be sufficient. I have emailed those No.3 owners I know on the census about this topic.

This is a great idea, Paul. I like option B because it’s removeable, although I guess with version A you might have more structural integrity and could still switch back to the original lever, if necessary.

We’ve actually been able to do some tight registration on our No. 3, but I think this would be a nice addition to our press. Obviously the foot pedal is better, because it leaves both hands free to align paper, but this would be a far easier part to manufacture. I know a few good machinists who might find this an interesting project. Perhaps Vandercook 3 users can unite!