We 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 […]
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UNUM | 2026 Nationwide Posterpalooza Collective
In 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 […]
MoreWarped Trip Rack Replacement
Among 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?
More4th Edition of Vandercook Presses: Maintenance, History and Resources Now Available
The 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
MoreVandercook SP20 primary roller isn’t level
I noticed the primary roller of our SP20 was only making partial contact with the form rollers resulting in uneven inking. It seems to be slightly uneven with the operator side going lower. I already tried adjusting the form rollers but that didn’t work. How would we fix this issue?
MoreVandercook SP20 For Sale
FOR SALE – Vandercook SP-20 proof press in great condition. New rollers, automatic wash-up, and a ductor roller for additional inking (part of the ink monitor that’s included but not functional). Serial no. 26720 manufactured in 1967 – will print up to 19.5”x 28”. Perfect for posters or larger prints and works well for smaller […]
MoreVandercook 320G For Sale
FOR SALE – Vandercook 320G proof press in working condition with used rollers that ink a slab sitting behind the impression cylinder. This press is completely operated by hand (no motor required) and boasts a large sheet size of 20”x30”. Serial no. 5348 manufactured in 1930. Perfect for posters or larger prints using woodblocks or […]
MoreRemove feed board SP-15
Hello I am about to move my first press home and wonder what tools are needed to remove the feed board? It is out of town so I need to take what I need with me. thanks. Ray Bidegain
MoreWorn chain on one of our Universal 1 presses
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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