Hello everyone, I’m looking for a clearer trip-print lever system diagram or blueprint than the one in the manual. My no. 4 was pretty complete parts-wise, besides a few knobs and bumper springs, but one thing I noticed at the beginning was that the trip-print lever mechanism was “disengaged” and wouldn’t do a thing. I […]
MoreCategory: Restoration
Western “the British” 4c proofing press
Finally- after major refurbishment, which included taking off the plinth bases, de-greasing, de-rusting and painting the underneath-photo of press, yes I know the handle is wrong to the form rollers lifting mechanism I will change it, also photo of the collared bolts that Mick Hopper made for me.
MoreHelp me be sure about what I’m doing
Hello everyone, I’d like your input please. I need to know… Is NevrDull abrasive? I know their website says it’s not abrasive, but, does it remove steel from surfaces? I read somewhere, some time ago that whenever your cleaning fabric turns gray it means that there’s metal being removed. Also.. Is a Nylon scouring pad […]
MoreReel rod
Is it possible to remove the reel rod on the No. 4 ? I want to get in there real good with a brush, it’s nasty in there. I found two hex nuts and tried both ways but couldn’t get it out. I also unscrewed the ratchet but I can’t see how the reel rod […]
MoreRestoring a Vandercook 03 [updated]
Hello everyone! I’ve undertaken the task of restoring my 03. I’ve started with paint thinner to degrease the bearings system where the previous owner had it all greased up, and thus it gather a severe amount of gunk. I disassembled the carriage and down to the impression cylinder. I’ve gotten most of the grime off. […]
MoreScrew threads: British vs. American
This will likely be of interest to owners of British-built Vandercooks: Chip Coakley (the Jericho Press) emailed me with the serial number on his No. 4 made by Pre-Press Ltd. and to let me know that its original brass bearing blocks had British Standard Whitworth interior threads. When he bought replacement blocks from NA Graphics, […]
MoreRe: is it worth it?
Hi again, thanks for your input. Here are some more pics of the unit and parts not attached. Is this unit too far gone for restoring? (keeping in mind I have never had anything to do with this!) I don’t even know how it works! Please forgive my ignorance. I might yet give it a […]
MoreIs it rare? Is it worth restoring?
Greetings all. First time here for me. I have in my shed a Western Manufacturing (Reading) Ltd. England ‘The British’ 4C Mk2 under license from Vandercook serial 6453/4. Can you tell me when it was made? I had a look at the site , but can’t see one here. All the bits roll and move […]
MoreUniversal III Register Rack Question
We are cleaning up a newly acquired UNI IIIP, and have noticed something which is disturbing. Under the register rack (X-2831), is a shim that looks approximately 2pts thick and resides nearest the feed table. A smaller shim is at the end nearest the floating rack. We are assuming that these have been put in place to solve a […]
MoreVandercook decals for Uni I?
Hi all, Does anyone have, or now where I can track down a decal/sticker for my Uni I AB. The one I ma after is the oval one on the front left of the cabinet. Failing that has anyone evr produce a good high res bitmap or vector file of this decal that I can […]
MoreCleaning a 325G
Hi All I’m cleaning up my 325G and noticed someone had painted the Bed, Bearers and Racks. Will that affect printing (packing, etc.) and is it necessary to strip it all down to bare metal? If so, can anyone advise on the best and/or least toxic way to go? Thanks for any help! Steve
MoreMy first SP-15…
Hello, fellow printers. After years of searching for an SP-15, I’ve finally acquired one from Kurt Hansen in Auburn, California. It has been sitting for some time, however, and needs some service before it’s ready to roll. Though I am familiar with the operation of the press, I am not trained in how to restore […]
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