A proof press resource
We have three Universal I presses in our printshop and a number of the plexiglass dust covers have cracks from use. In the past, I had tried fabricating covers, but they never came out with the correct angle. So, I decided to do it right, and make a ‘buck’ to drape the heated plexiglass over. […]
MoreHello, we recently acquired a refurbished Vandy SP20 at UT Austin and it is having issues. The worst problem we’re having is the form rollers not making contact with the ink drum. We bought two new springs from Fritz for the ink drum and replaced those, so I think that is at the proper height. […]
MoreHello folks, I’m trying to tune up the Universal III here at Arion Press and keep it in good order. The power carriage has been hitting hard at both ends unless I keep the braking knob turned up all the way, and even then it will hit hard at higher speeds. I’ve been trying to […]
MoreHello: I feel like I ask y’all lots of questions. I truly appreciate all the help you have offered this novice user. My questions today are these: I am running out of height adjustment for the front form roller before it is high enough for proper printing. Is the hand crank on the front form […]
MorePaul, I’ll be moving an older Model 15 this weekend. Sky Shipley suggested I reach out to you (press is in Presscott :) because the Vandercook is “on cribbing, inverted.” He thinks we’ll need to right it to load but we’re not sure what the smartest way to go about this might be. Can we […]
MoreSeeking lock-up bar for a Vendercook no. 3 in need of lots of love. No luck yet from Briar Press or eBay. Also, any recommendations on the best place to seek roller repair/replacement for this model? All my gratitude!
MoreI have a SP-15 press that uses a cable to connect the foot pedal to the gripper head release. The cable has broken, twice, and I am wondering what type of cable I should be sourcing that will be a better solution. Is there a mechanical work around to replace the cable? Thank you […]
MoreWe recently rescued a Challenge 15GP proof press at the San Jose Printers’ Guild. We already have one that was surplus from the art department at San Jose State last year. It came with rollers that were too long and rested on the rails, so I cut them back to just under 15″ long, since […]
MoreIn 2026, we will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. To observe this momentous occasion, we invite you to participate in the 2026 nationwide Posterpalooza Collective: UNUM. This is an open call. Come one, come all. Artists are invited to submit letterpress prints on any theme of […]
MoreAmong the things that can fail on these decades-old presses are the trip racks on early Vandercook Universal Is (before s/n 24219). These machines have the X-14854 Trip Rack with (2) 7/8″ diameter bushings, meaning wide slots and narrow side walls relative to the width of the rack, which can warp and eventually prevent carriage […]
MoreHow do I update my email address, and where do I order the long awaited Vandercook Manual 4th edition?
MoreThe essential Vandercook proof press repair manual, based on the author’s workshop, featuring over 400 drawings, photographs, and data tables. With notes on significant models and other brands, bibliography, and index. 7¼ × 10″, 230 pp, letterpress printed cover, and twin loop wire binding. Order
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