Dutch designer, printer, and press mechanic Thomas Gravemaker recently supplied a list of European-made cylinder proof presses known to him. This has allowed me to increase and update the Asbern, Korrex, and Vandercook censuses and to add two new censuses for Eickhoff and Grafix presses. Please review and let me know if you have any […]
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A New Collection of Articles by R.O. Vandercook
Fameorshame Press is pleased to announce the publication of Growth of an Idea, Selected Writings on the Modern Proof Press by R.O. Vandercook. Edited and with a Foreword by Paul Moxon. It is a collection of articles published between 1925–38 in the trade journals, The Inland Printer, Photoengravers Bulletin, and Printing Equipment Engineer, illuminating his thinking on developing his machines. […]
MoreMore TagUniversal I Dust Cover Fabrication
On a recent trip to Cambridge, Massachusetts, I met Cameron Nobile, the Digital Fabrication Lab Manager at Lesley University’s College of Art and Design, who helped me repair a Universal I. With the resources at his disposal, we discussed his replacing the cracked clear acrylic dust cover. From the photo, one can see the […]
MoreMore TagUniversal I Ink Drum Repair
I traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts, earlier this month to make press repairs at four print shops. At Lesley University, the main concern was an unlevel ink drum. I had anticipated that one of the ink drum bushings (F-760) had broken or slipped into the drum’s hollow. After removing the drum, my assistant, Chris Bradford (a […]
MoreMore TagUsed Press Parts for Sale
Happy new year! A new data table has been created listing used press parts for sale: https://vandercookpress.info/used-parts/
MoreMore TagNo. 4 Jumps
Our No.4 has a inking issue at approx 4 inches into the roll forward. what happens is a slight “jump” is felt and a faint reduction in inking of the plate for approximately 1/64th or smaller. results in a line that appears on the printer piece in the form of a lighter print. I have […]
MoreMore TagWhere’s R.O.?
Fritz Klinke asks: Can you spot R.O. Vandercook? Oakland Auditorium, home to 57 Grateful Dead concerts, also showed printing stuff. Probably 1920s. (Courtesy of NA Graphics)
MoreMore TagVandercook Employee Handbook
These pages from the Vandercook [Employee] Handbook No. 2 (ca. 1949) shows that the company provided good benefits. This copy belonged to David D. Vandercook. See also this recruitment flyer.
MoreMore TagNewly Discovered Vandercook Portraits
Recently, I acquired some Vandercook materials that had belonged to David Dodge Vandercook (1901–1975), who was Vice President of Engineering and Board Secretary for Vandercook & Sons. He was the second son of company founder Robert O. Vandercook (1866–1951). The company frequently used the portrait of R.O. Vandercook (above left) in promotional literature, but apparently, […]
MoreMore TagInstalling a Poco Draw Sheet
This post explains how a draw sheet (the top sheet that keeps the packing in place) is properly installed. For the Model 0, a dimension of 12 × 26″ will cover the face of the impression cylinder (18″ long) and two tails (4″ long) on each end to be inserted into the reel rod. The […]
MoreMore TagVandercook Census Poised to Reach a New Milestone
The Vandercook press census is about to total 2,400 presses. First compiled in 2006. It was thought that it might top out at 1,200. Three years later during the Vandercook Centenary, it was just short of 2,000. Although the pace has slowed in recent years, unknown presses still come to light. Presently, 8.5% of census […]
MoreMore TagThird Edition of Vandercook Presses available
I’m pleased to announce that after many delays the third edition of my book Vandercook Presses is finally available. This edition is thoroughly revised with much new information. To learn more and to order, click here.
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