Hello,We need to replace a worn chain on one of our UNIVERSAL 1, #21175, 1961The chain has stretched and is now rattling along the inner shelf of the press. I have used shims in the motor mount in the past to take up some of the slack, but I would like to find a source […]
MoreRoller bearings seized
The bearings inside the tracking wheels, that run along the underside of the bed, of my proof press are seized up. In the attached photo, you can see the two that are on this side of the press. I’m trying to figure out how to get them turning freely. They appear to be sealed bearings. […]
MoreFaster, better, stronger
This site has completed the migration to a new hosting service. I’m striving to make it more responsive on your browser, tablet, and phone, and I welcome your input.
MorePublic Letterpress Organizations Page
I have added a new page with a data table listing public letterpress organizations that have flatbed cylinder proof presses. I welcome the addition of new entries: Public Workshops
MoreSP15 motor dead
Hello! Our SP-15 motor just stopped working. The power is still running to the press, because the light bulb next to the power switch still lights up. The motor is warm, but not hot. The press had been operating for only about 10 minutes when this happened. We haven’t had this problem before. I see […]
MoreVandercook SP20 locking up in both directions
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MoreVandercooking in Brazil
Dear friends of Vandercookpress.info. I’d like to share a bit about the history of this press and my hypotheses about its journey to Brazil. Perhaps you can help me clarify some questions. I purchased this Vandercook No. 3 (serial 8122) in the second half of 2022, in São Paulo, from a mechanic who had acquired […]
MoreVandercook UNI III Power slowdown
I have noticed a problem with my UNI III Power slowing down and not running to the end of the bed after 40 or so impressions. I thought it might be an electrical problem, but went through all the electrical troubleshooting I could, and no joy. So I took a look at the clutch. It […]
MoreDrum Springs for my SP20
Quick question about replacement springs on my SP20. The press is currently on long-term loan to a friend, and since their adopting it, we have now broken 3 drum springs in less than 3 years. I know at least one of them was an hardware-store spring which happened to work, but one, maybe two, were […]
MoreNew Sheet Delivery Tray for the Uni I
I just made a new sheet delivery tray for the Uni I. It travels with the carriage and provides a place to put just-printed sheets. It is a huge timesaver since it’s right there. The design is simplified from the original but it works just as well. The pins at the end are threaded and […]
MoreNo 1 Vandercook Proof Press, SN: 8391
I am trying to assess the value of a Vandercook No. 1 Proof Press, SN: 8391. I have found information on the No 1 series of press but I cannot seem to find any information specific to that serial number which would help me ascertain the value. It looks different than all of the images […]
MoreSP15 roller height changes erratically
I’ve been experiencing an issue with the roller height on an SP15. I calibrate the rollers, and after pulling a few proofs, I can tell something isn’t right. I check the rollers again, and find they’ve shifted, drastically — sometimes after just two or three impressions. It isn’t happening all the time. On Saturday I […]
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