Hello, I have a Vandercook No 2 proof press. Very simple. No inking. Just a bed and a roller. It has some lite rust on the cylinder. What is the best way to remove this? Thanks, Laurie
Archive for July 2009
Uni-III Power carriage motor querie - Posted July 24, 2009
[This post deserves a second look--PM] I have recently rebuilt a Uni-III Power and was perplexed when I could not satisfactorily adjust the “braking” of the carriage at either end of travel. I adjusted the clutch to book spec, checked the micro switches, contacts and rheostat, all were functioning properly. With no other known adjustment I turned my attention to the gear-motor where I removed the top cover (a 2 inch disc affixed with 3 screws) and found an adjusting nut just below the oil level. Given that the access hole was large enough for a socket and was overkill for an oiling hole I put a socket on the nut and turned 1 revolution clockwise. To my amazement the braking was now responsive and with a few more adjustments I can operate the press at about 65% speed with no hard slamming of the carriage.
My question is, has anybody else made this same adjustment and to what success? Is there any literature on this gear-motor anywhere?
Purchasing my first Vandercook - Posted
Hello all,
I am looking to purchase a larger sized Vandercook, preferably an SP20, Uni III or 219. I live in Denver, but definitely willing to travel for the right press. I appreciate any offers or advice. Thanks for your time!
-Roger
215 Inking Roller Gear Issue - Posted July 23, 2009
I have had some inking issues today. Some passes were ok, while in other passes, inking of the type on the form was uneven. I noticed that the back ink roller, the one that hits the drum, was having trouble with its gear/clutch not aligning properly on most passes (see photo). The front roller gears aligned just fine. I tried several fixes, including taking the collar off and putting it back, making sure that the allen screws were in the right place and the collar at the correct position. This did not fix the problem. I even switched the rollers and the problem still occurs with the back roller. Finally, I removed the washer that had been attached to the brass plate to keep the gear and clutch from clattering. The washer on the forward roller had fallen off, so this was the only difference I could see between the front and back rollers that might cause the back one to not catch properly. Didn’t help. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks.
Vandercook Uni I motor help - Posted July 21, 2009
I had my motor rebuilt and put it in the press today, however, like an idiot I didn’t take a photo of the wiring. I need help with wiring this back up. I have attached photos of the wiring. If anyone can help please contact me here or offline at casey@inkylipspress.com.
The pink circles are wires that are on the press. The yellow circles come from the motor
Oil level on Universal I Power carriage motor - Posted July 13, 2009
My Universal I Power carriage motor has been leaking oil for the three years I have owned it so I finally took it apart and fixed the leak. After reassembling the motor I filled it with oil but I am unsure how high the oil should be. Should I fill it to the screw on the front middle, #1, or the screw on the upper right, #2. Thanks in advance for any help.
Universal 1 hand trip issue - Posted
Hi all,
I have been talking to Fritz and trying to figure out why the Universal 1 hand press I own always wants to flip back to Print and not stay on Trip. I can hold the Trip/Print handle on Trip and it will stay in Trip mode, but as soon as I let go it goes back to Print. This press has had this issue since I bought it- I didn’t think it was that big of a problem but I also have only printed on it maybe five times. Do you think it could be the BR7 spring? I am wondering if the press has a wrong replacement spring on it that is too long and is pushing out too much. The serial number of the press is 21838. Thanks.
Suggestions on which press to buy - Posted July 12, 2009
Hello All,
I own a custom invitation business and have been sending my work out to a press. I would like to purchase my own press and begin doing my own printing. I have a fairly large studio so I am not really worried about size. I do mostly short runs of 100-200 invitations, printing the envelope, invitation, rsvp card, info card, and save the date for each one. I am mostly interested in quality, spot on registration, and even ink distribution. I have been researching Chandler and Price clamshell presses but recently read on this site that a Vandercook could offer a higher quality print. As for cleaning, maintenance, and printing, is there one or two models that are better than others? Thank you for your time.
Courtney
T-Shirt for 100 Years of Vandercook (?) - Posted
Are there any plans to have a special T-Shirt (or even Apron) celebrating the 100 years of Vandercook? It could make a nice companion to the Print Bundle. And lots of people would buy it if priced reasonably.
Perhaps a t-shirt design competition could stir-up the bubbling creativity amongst vandercook users :)
Just a thought.
Regards.
/thomas/
PS. I edited this blog entry to address it to everyone (not just Paul:)
Vandercook 4: motor replacement - Posted July 7, 2009
The Book Arts Program needs to replace the motor on our No. 4. I’ve written down all the specs from the maker’s nameplate – the current motor was manufactured by Westinghouse (no longer in business) – and contacted a few local companys about replacement. I was told I would need to bring the motor in. The current motor hasn’t completely died and the press is still being used by a class, so I would prefer to purchase a new motor to switch out and minimize downtime. Anyone replaced with another (contemporary) manufacturer? If so, would you be willing to discuss specs? Should we just wait until the class is over and have the motor rebuilt? Thanks.
Vandercook 219 Power – 3 phase to Single Phase? - Posted July 2, 2009
I recently purchased a Vandercook 219 power, and I’m weighing my options on switching it from 3 phase to single phase. Is it possible to switch out the motor to a single phase motor, or should I just go with a rotary converter?
Thanks!
Vandercook No. 4 gears grinding - Posted
I purchased a Vandercook #4 about 2 years ago, which had been working beautifully until about a month ago. The roller gears have been grinding against each other when sitting idle. Here’s a link to a video showing the problem.
I would appreciate any help I can get. Thank you!
