Sylvia Chevrier, Author at vandercookpress.info

SP-15 Ink Drum Scratches/Resurfacing

I read with interest Ray Nichols’ prior post regarding the resurfacing of his SP-15’s ink drum. The drum on my own SP-15 is also scratched, presumably from the previous owner’s use of the automatic washup system (the blade was missing when I bought the press, and I haven’t replaced it). The scratches on the drum […]

SP-15 Trip Spring Question

Yesterday when printing I noticed that the usual sound of the trip springs on my SP-15 seemed different/quieter. Upon examining, I found that the spring on the operator’s side is no longer fitting snugly under what is referred to as “Dowel B” on sheet #302 “SP Series Replacement Trip Spring” diagram that Paul has posted […]

SP-15 Ink Drum Squeak Problem

Hello, I am hoping someone will have an idea of why my press has developed an extremely loud, shrill squeak that is emanating from the ink drum/vibrator assembly. The noise occurs each time the drum [oscillator] travels away from the operator’s side of the press, primarily when the rollers are engaged at feedboard position. The […]

SP-15 new rollers/image problems

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 […]

SP-15 roller height problems

I have a couple of questions regarding roller adjustment on my SP-15. Recently when checking the roller height, I discovered that the ink stripe on the gauge was about twice as thick in the middle of both rollers than on the ends, leading me to think that the rollers are for some reason slightly sagging […]

SP-15 squeak problem

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 […]

Humidity/Rust

After just a few months here in the Pacific Nortwest, my previously unrusty SP-15 is beginning to show slight signs of rust on the cylinder rack teeth. In looking in the archives, I noted that Evapo-Rust has been recommended for rust removal. Should I look into getting some type of machine to reduce humidity in […]

Sp-15 trip spring reference

Thanks to Paul’s recent post regarding trip spring replacement, I was able to discern that my SP-15’s trip/print problem is that both springs are broken. I spoke with Fritz today for advice and ordered new ones. I know there was a photo recently posted by John Cristopher showing a carriage off the press with the […]

SP-15 maximum sheet size?

Hello, I posted once previously regarding the SP-15 I recently bought and have been cleaning up. This is taking longer than I thought but it is looking better! Meanwhile I’ve been reading and enjoying learning about the press. I am somewhat confused, however, about the maximum sheet size which is listed as 14-3/4 x 20 […]

SP-15 in need of thorough cleanup

My newly purchased SP-15 is now moved into its new home and I’ve been able to take a close look at it for the first time (I bought it based only on photos so couldn’t see all details). It looks to be in very good shape (no rust or dents) with no major parts missing. […]

Flooring under SP-15

Hello, I have just purchased a Vandercook model SP-15. I’m just starting out in letterpress printing and have taken some workshops but hadn’t expected to be owning a press of my own quite yet. But as luck will have it, I had one fall on me, so to speak. My question is, I’m going to […]