On a recent trip to Cambridge, Massachusetts, I met Cameron Nobile, the Digital Fabrication Lab Manager at Lesley University’s College of Art and Design, who helped me repair a Universal I. With the resources at his disposal, we discussed his replacing the cracked clear acrylic dust cover. From the photo, one can see the […]
MoreMore TagCategory: *Model
Universal I Ink Drum Repair
I traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts, earlier this month to make press repairs at four print shops. At Lesley University, the main concern was an unlevel ink drum. I had anticipated that one of the ink drum bushings (F-760) had broken or slipped into the drum’s hollow. After removing the drum, my assistant, Chris Bradford (a […]
MoreMore TagUniversal III for sale
Selling one of my Vandercook Universal IIIs – Power carriage, adjustable bed and tape tower. Asking $15k, contact me at aj@masthaystudios.com with any questions. Thanks
MoreMore TagUni III – Gripper Problem at End of Bed
Hi – I have my (early) Universal III up and running and it’s printing very well and all is great except for the paper release/gripper problem at the end of the bed. I posted on this awhile ago and have been tinkering with the problem on and off ever since and still no luck. I […]
MoreMore TagUpdating wiring to add ground
I want to share my recent experience updating the wiring on an SP-20 motor to add ground. (Disclaimer: I am not an electrician although I consulted with an electrician.) My press arrived with the power cord cut off where it exited the press. So, I needed to add a plug anyway and decided it would […]
MoreMore TagSP-20 No Impression
I’m working on the rebuild of my (previously) dismantled SP-20 and I’m finally ready to test the impression. After calculating the correct amount of packing for a .019″ sheet (.024) on a cylinder with an undercut of 040 I proceeded to attempt a blind proof. There was nothing, not even when I added another .006 […]
MoreMore TagVandercook #17 Composing Room Cylinder $4000
Vandercook #17 17×25 printing area This press is functionally complete other than a missing side guide, I use a plastic clamp as a substitute. This press was built from several broken junk presses, I am moving onto a new project and need some room. This press saw weekly use in our shop until we replaced […]
MoreMore TagUniversal one in kit form
I recently bought a Uni 1 that was taken apart and painted gloss black. The cylinder is on. Who can help me get it back together. I would sell as is for $10,000 as is or $15,000 assembled with new rollers etc… Norman Hicks +1 415 725 1670 Hicks Frothers Printing Equipment, LLC
MoreMore TagUniversal III – Gripper Bar Questions
As a result of a plumbing mishap a few weeks ago I have had to clean and re-lubricate the gripper bar on my Universal III AB. In the processes of doing this I’ve run into a few questions and potential problems, and I want to get clarification if I can before I do anything incorrectly. […]
MoreMore TagUniversal III Cylinder Rack – damaged screws / rocking
Hello everyone! Looking for some advice on how to proceed, I don’t want to do anything irresponsible here. I had a recent plumbing mishap above my in-home studio which deposited some light debris onto my Uni III AB. After a particularly thorough and careful cleaning of the press, I noticed some problems. In the process […]
MoreMore TagProofing press stopper hardware inquiry
Hello! I have a question pertaining to the hardware on a number 01 vandercook proofing press. Provided are images of said hardware. I will call them “stoppers” as that is what they do-they prevent the roller from rolling off the press bed. Recently a colleague caused the roller to get stuck partially off the press […]
MoreMore TagUni 1 Form Roller Gear Spinning Out
Our Uni 1’s back form roller gear is spinning out on the starting teeth of the rack. I’ve changed the roller height, made sure the end screws on the roller core are tight, made sure the spring beneath the starting teeth is free of debris (it depresses with finger pressure). I’ve had this issue on […]
MoreMore Tag