I’ve replaced the MM144 drive belt on my #4 and adjusted the motor mount to accommodate it. My question is: What is the proper belt tension? How do I how measure and adjust it accordingly? Thanks! Matt
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No. 4 Uneven Inking on Rider Rollers
Hello all, I’m trying to troubleshoot an inking problem on my Vandercook No. 4, Serial No. 14509. I’m finding that my rider rollers (the small steel rollers front and back) are not getting inked evenly. (See image, the front rider roller is not completely inking towards the right side) When I roll the cylinder down […]
MoreModel 4 Gripper Control Linkage Exposed
By request, here is a photo taken during our recent restoration of a Model 4, showing the hidden linkage for the gripper mechanism. This linkage is between the base and the bed and is accessible only by removing the bed. Stepping on the pedal pulls the chain downward, which pulls forward on the left end […]
More*SOLD* Restored Vandercook 4 *SOLD*
Price: $16,500 This 1954-manufactured press (s/n 16797) initially served in southern California. In 1975 the shop where it was located closed and it was removed to storage in a shed in southern Arizona. It remained there until 2015 when it was purchased by and moved to Skyline Type Foundry in Prescott, Arizona. This poor old […]
MoreVandercook 4 Proof Press 4 Sale
Vandercook 4 for sale from original owner in Buffalo, New York. It’s in perfect working condition. Extras available. Asking price reduced to $13,000. Pickup or buyer arranges shipping. Press comes with paper delivery tray and lock up bar. For more Information call 716-853-3809 between 9:30 am to 6:00 pm EST or email rosenprinting@verizon.net ask for […]
MoreVandy 4 Ink Drum Rotation
At Skyline Type Foundry we’re well along in the complete restoration of No. 4, serial 16797, rescued last year from 40 years in a junkyard. Just now at the point of installing a new motor, and I realized that I don’t know which direction the ink drum should rotate, and therefore how to wire the motor. […]
MoreVandercook #4 (UK built version)
Hi Are all Vandercooks’ carriages interchangable with each other? The one I was hoping to get running is completely unrepairable being exposed to salty winds in an old building for about 20yrs. So I am considering looking for another carriage for it with or without automatic inking rollers and wondered if any model would be […]
MoreModel 4 on Craigslist – Philadelphia
I just came across a Model 4, serial number 14252 on Philadelphia Craigslist. I’m not in a position to buy a 2nd press but it looks in good condition and isn’t on the census. http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/for/5804281998.html
MoreInk Drum on #4
The ink drum on the recent #4 was frozen in place–bound up by years of uncleaned ink, and it was also in contact with the operator side of the recess where it sits. After much penetrating oil and some heavy manual ink removal, I loosened the lock nuts on either end of the drum, and […]
MoreVandercook 4 rehab!
Yup, lucky me! I found one in a tin barn in the northern Catskills. It needs some love, but after half a day with penetrating oil, Simple Green, scotch pads, wire brushes and q-tips, etc., the drum turns over and the motor whirs; the press is level and the bed is clean. The belt for […]
MoreVandercook No 4 cylinder alignment
The cylinder check spring broke on our No. 4. I got a replacement spring from Fritz and the press is printing again. My question is concerning the position of the cylinder at the feed table. With the cylinder at the feed table, the grippers are at about the 12 o’clock position (just a little before […]
MoreFoot Pedal Chain, Linkage Problem
Hello all, I’m having issues with the foot pedal. A screw on the underside of the bumper fell to the floor causing the carriage not to go all the way back to the inking drum unless we pushed the spring back. It seems like there is too much slack in the chain and nothing is lifting the […]
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