I just replaced the rollers on my SP-15 and am having trouble printing the first time out. The rollers were purchased from another press owner, but were new and unused, still in original NA Graphics packing and boxes. This was the first time I’d changed the rollers but didn’t encounter any difficulties with changing over [...]
Archive for February 2009
EasyKaster honeycomb mold - Posted February 18, 2009
Vandercook made an extensive line of prepress equipment for mounting engravings. I have a Hacker block leveler and an seeking the honeycomb mold for an EasyKaster to make Vandercook Lite-Base. Any leads would be most appreciated. [Image from the Vandercook Graphic Equipment Catalog, 1965—PM]
Vandercook #3 for Sale! - Posted February 15, 2009
I am selling my beloved press! I have come to a very difficult decision, but have decided to sell my Vandercook. It is in excellent, excellent condition. It needs no work at all. Hardly any rust. Cylinder, rails, bed and rollers all in good shape. It has a delivery tray behind the carriage which makes [...]
Shamless self promotion - Posted February 13, 2009
In the spring, I will be teaching my Vandercook Maintenance workshop at three locations in the Northeastern U.S.: April 18-19 in Buffalo at Western New York Book Arts Collaborative April 25-26, in Manhattan at The Center for Book Arts May 2-3, in North Andover, MA at The Museum of Printing Currently, my itinerary allows time [...]
Challenge Proof Press Roller Specs - Posted February 10, 2009
Does anyone know the specs on the form rollers for a Challenge 15MP proof press ?
Universal 1 powered carriage drive clutch question - Posted February 8, 2009
folks – We have a Vandercook Universal-1 with a powered carriage. I am having a little trouble getting the drive clutch adjusted properly and I was hoping that I could get some help from other powered-carriage Vandercook owners out there. The clutch is attached (as you might expect) between the drive motor and gear that [...]
SP 15 Carriage Side Panel removal - Posted February 3, 2009
Hello all, I recently purchased an SP 15 and am finally getting around to cleaning/restoring it to printing condition. In the process I came across what appears to be a broken trip spring. Since the gears and trip mechanisms were an inky, greasy disaster I decided to pull the side plates and give it a [...]
WANTED: #4 motor speed reducer - Posted February 2, 2009
I am looking for a motor speed reducer for a #4. This press belongs to Gray Zeitz, who is the nicest person you’ll ever meet, has a beard like ZZ top, and has been hand setting & printing books at Larkspur Press for 35 years. He’s charged me with getting this press running, and this [...]

