Hello Everyone, This is my first post here, so I ask that you bear with me if I say something obvious or written about previously. I have two adjustment questions. The first involves the inker base, image below. It seems to be at a pretty severe angle to me. Is there an adjustment for this? […]
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SP15 issue – uneven inking along length of bed
Not sure why I always run into issues when on deadlines… Having an issue where I get an impression but there just isn’t any ink on the form and would love to hear any thoughts on what the problem/solution might be. The uneven inking is happening for the length of the press bed. Was printing […]
MoreMore TagChallenge 15MP been in storage for 40 years
I have recently lucked onto a Challenge 15MP that is lightly used and been stored in a dry building for 40 years. It has some light surface rust but nothing that fine steel wool can’t take care of. Everything moves and ball bearings seem to be fine. Here’s my question: can I adequately clean and […]
MoreMore TagHow to replace drive belt for Challenge MP-15?
The drive belt on my Challenge MP-15 just broke. I found a link to buy a new one from Grainger, based on a link Paul had posted for an SP-15 (the specs seem correct, 18″ long, 1/5″ pitch, 90 teeth). Any details on how to remove the ink drum? I assume the procedure is very […]
MoreMore TagSP-15 Questions
Hey All, I have a Challenge 15MP which is the knock off of the SP-15 and am having two issues that I would love some help figuring out. Question #1: Oscillating Roller Recent home construction resulted my contractor accidentally flooding the room where I keep my press with very fine concrete dust. I cleaned off […]
MoreMore TagThe Printers’ Album
The Printers’ Album was the house organ of the Challenge Machinery Company. It featured articles on the business of printing, equipment manufacturing, production tips and tricks, and display ads for Challenge products. The five covers that are shown here from 1925–26 are among the best and illustrate some of their manufacturing processes. The magazine began […]
MoreMore TagChallenge 15MP Chatters
My daughter has a Challenge 15MP. Sometimes when she returns the carriage to the feedboard, the gears “chatter,” that is, the gears are not matching up and it makes the carriage shake. I’ve looked at it and don’t see anything obviously wrong. I did note that she does not turn the power inking off when […]
MoreMore TagChallenge 15KA, manual and trip operation
Does anyone have access to a manual for a Challenge 15KA? I was helping Green Pea Press in Huntsville Alabama get theirs up and running from a pile of press parts. We are still having trouble with the trip operation. This particular press doesn’t have the roller mechanism installed yet. We were able to get […]
MoreMore TagChallenge M Series Worm Gear Fabrication
I am having a new worm gear and crescent fabricated for a Challenge M series press.* I intend to have a couple of extra sets made. The cost per set will be $1,150 with free shipping within the US and Canada. This is less than having a one-off made. The Challenge census lists forty-one 15MA/MP and four 21MP. The gear […]
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FOR SALE: Vandercook Universal III, C&P Pilot, Challenge Cutter & More
We at Tweedle Press have moved on to greener pastures and although we are reluctant to part with our beloved equipment – we feel certain that they would be happier to be used more often. See below for a list of the major pieces we are selling out of our house in Woolwich, Maine (about […]
MoreMore TagRegistration Problem on a Challenge 15KA
I produce limited edition woodcuts on a 15KA Challenge Proof press and in the middle of a run for some reason the ‘top’ element on the block registers with image on the sheet and the ‘lower’ element on the block is printing 3/16th if an inch off register (lower on the sheet). The distance between […]
MoreMore TagChallenge 15MP oiling question
Hello All, I have a Challenge 15MP (similar to the Vandercook SP15). Not having an extensive manual for this particular press, I am not sure I’m finding all the appropriate oil ports to lube it correctly. Does anyone have a schematic showing proper oiling points for this press? If not, is there one for the […]
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