25 Jun
Posted by: john christopher 5 Comments
Catergory: Accessories, General, Installation, SP series
In the Vandercook sp-15 manual it states the press should be set on synthetic rubber pads - with packing in order to correct any unevenness. Does anyone use these pads, if so what are they like - their depth for example - I can envisage something like a mouse mat.
John Christopher
11 Jun
Posted by: john christopher 4 Comments
Catergory: SP series
On the sp15, the motor unit and ink drum are held under the press bed within a unit mounted on two pivots. Two springs create tension on the unit enabling it to spring back up after the impression cylinder has travelled over it. What I want to know is how ’springy’ this assembly should be [...]
03 Jun
Posted by: Jason Dewinetz 2 Comments
Catergory: Manuals, SP series
I’ve come across an SP-15 for sale, but it’s in pieces and I’m hoping to find a manual for the model so that I can inventory all of the bits to make sure everything is there. Obviously I’d also like to make sure that I rebuild the press correctly. Does anyone out there happen to [...]
03 May
Posted by: Duncan Dempster No Comments
Catergory: Lubrication, Motors, SP series
Following up on the discussion a few days ago, which I think alarmed many of us into checking on our motors, I’m having some trouble finding my way around the gear box on my SP20. I’ve posted photos on flickr: if anyone can point me in the right direction I’d be thrilled. The problem is [...]
29 Apr
Posted by: Jenni Won 8 Comments
Catergory: Inking System, Oscillator/Worm Gear, Rollers, SP series
Rather suddenly my rollers decided to crap out by not inking the form evenly. I am using photopolymer plates.
The Problem
Form is not being inked evenly. Ink is heaviest at the beginning of the form (the area the form rollers hit first). Based on the image above, it appears that the rollers are not freely [...]
19 Apr
Posted by: Brian Queen 6 Comments
Catergory: Oscillator/Worm Gear, SP series
I’m having a problem with my steel roller (the large one that oscillates) binding against the inner form roller when the carriage returns. After returning one or two inches it binds regardless of location, i.e.: If I lift and lower the oscillating roll, it still binds at any point on the return trip. One side [...]
09 Apr
Posted by: Carrie Hersom 5 Comments
Catergory: Grippers, SP series
I have a problem with sticky grippers on my SP-15. Everything was working fine, then they became stiffer and stiffer until they didn’t want to open at all. As far as I can tell the foot pedal assembly is fine. I’ve taken apart the gripper assembly, cleaned and lubricated it. While it seems to work [...]
09 Apr
Posted by: Sylvia Chevrier 1 Comment
Catergory: SP series
My SP-15, now in full use for several months, has a squeak in the area of the operator’s side of the carriage which I can’t seem to locate precisely or get rid of. The noise occurs mid-way in travel down the bed, and happens only when on print, not on trip. I routinely oil all [...]
23 Mar
Posted by: Nicholas Wilson 6 Comments
Catergory: Moving, SP series
New poster, long time lurker.
So, we run a silkscreen shop in Columbia, SC call The Half and Half. I learned how to use C&P clamshells at school, and later traveled to Hatch Show Print to learn their Vandercooks. We want to expand our abilities to letterpress, and I have a lead on a few vandercooks, [...]
03 Mar
Posted by: aleeandpress 3 Comments
Catergory: Bearings, SP series
I have had a lot of slurring today that I have not been able to get rid of no matter what I try. The ink looks really uneven too. I have brand new rollers and printed 2 jobs last weekend that were perfect. Nothing is different today except that my print looks horrible. After a few [...]
26 Feb
Posted by: Tara Bliven 2 Comments
Catergory: Oscillator/Worm Gear, SP series
Hi there,
Does anyone know how to temporarily stop the oscillation of the oscillating roller on an SP-15?
I have a project I’m hoping I can do a blending technique with, and I was thinking it would go much easier if there’s an easy way to stop the oscillation of that top roller. The area I’m [...]
17 Feb
Posted by: Tara Bliven 6 Comments
Catergory: Inking System, Motors, SP series
Hi there—This is my first post. I have an SP-15 (serial #26151), and I looked through my manual, but am still unsure of the part names. It appears the gear on my motorized roller is broken. This is the gear that the belt / pulley (?) runs on to actually move the roller. [...]