In a 2010 post, I examined Vandercook’s claim to be “the originators of the modern proof press.” In it I discussed presses shown in a 1906 catalog issued by the British manufacturer Harrild & Sons (courtesy of Steven O. Saxe). In the comments, Eric Holub shared images from a 1904 catalog for Soldan’s, another British firm. Here’s another contender thanks again to Steve Saxe, with whom […]
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Challenge 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 […]
MoreMore TagChallenge 15MP carriage bearing adjustment
Hello all, I made the first adjustments to the lower two eccentrics on either side of the carriage today, gaining a much more even impression across the width of the bed. Special thanks to Gerald Lange, Fritz Klinke, and others for their very helpful posts/articles here on the Blog re: this topic. The remaining issue, […]
MoreMore TagReprex No. 2 Missing drive gear
I recently acquired a Reprex No. 2 [No. 1] proof press. While everything on this Reprex appears to be in excellent shape, it is in fact missing the drive gear on it’s form roller. The original manual I have specifies that there should only be one drive gear, and the part number for this gear is […]
MoreMore TagReprex II question
I need some feedback please. We use a Reprex II in our studio. During the last class, last 15 minutes the carriage would stop mid travel like it hit a brick. Checked all the usual culprits- something on the gear track, high furniture, bad lock up, etc. Even changed some furniture to make sure none […]
MoreMore TagExcello Proof Press
This display ad appeared in most issues of Graphic Arts Monthly, vol. 1, 1929, but does not appear thereafter. Neither was it advertised or mentioned in The Inland Printer or Photo-Engravers Bulletin before, during, or after 1929. (Perhaps, there wasn’t enough interest in this product, and likely Black Tuesday—the infamous crash of the stock market on […]
MoreMore TagReprex No. 2 Questions
Hello – I have a few questions about my Reprex No. 2. I was hoping some other Reprex owners might be able to share some operational insight. Thanks in advance! In the Reprex PDF it is recommended to lubricate the following items: cam shaft, cams, and linkage in ink system lifting mechanism rider and form […]
MoreMore TagPotter Restoration
I have a Potter-Challenge that needs attention. I need photos that will help me to understand how the paper gripper mechanism connects with the pedal. The grippers are missing and at the moment the pedal lifts the cylinder and thats about it. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Bernard in South Africa
MoreMore TagSetting Impresion Bearings
Hello All, I’m having a grand old time trying to set the bearings on my Challenge 15mp and it’s been over two weeks of adjusting, proofing and re-adjusting. The main issue I’m finding is that my carriage shifts once the rear impression bearing comes in contact with the rail, causing the rollers to rise and […]
MoreMore TagCHALLENGE 21MP
Hi All, I am helping to restore her Challenge 21MP. It seems the inking rollers and assembly are missing. Maybe dutifully taken off the press after printing and forgotten about. The cores and rubber are not as much of a problem to replace as the gear and other metal parts that attach to the rollers. […]
MoreMore TagL.W. Claybourn
Leslie William “Lex” Claybourn (1883–1956) was a printing process pioneer who was issued over 200 U.S. patents. Like Horace Hacker and R.O. Vandercook, Claybourn worked to improve photoengraving and process plates and to reduce makeready. In 1921, he established Claybourn Process Corp. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which made, among other machines, a multicolor press that printed […]
MoreMore TagAsbern vs Vandercook
Hello I’m a graphic designer in Spain. I’m planning on setting a press here. I’ve been offered an Asbern AD1 and a Vandercook Universal I. The Asbern is cheaper but I don’t really know if the Vandercook is much better, if it’s really worth paying more. As you can see, I have no experience in […]
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