I was levelling my press yesterday (SP15) and found a ‘spare part’ (?) lying beneath the press. It has the same greyish colouration of the press and looks like it could be vital? The press is still printing, though might prefer to have the piece if indeed it belongs somewhere? Is it part of […]
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Shims under cylinder and ink racks, Uni I
Our Uni I originally had red shims under the geared racks for the cylinder and ink racks. As it was disintegrating and falling out, we removed it on cleanup but haven’t found a source for replacement. Does anyone have a resource for this or a recommendation for an alternate material?
MoreVandercook 4T Roller Issue
I have a Vandercook 4T press here in Prague. Now after 5 years of not being used (here in Prague – it could have been unused for longer than that), I have decided that I should give it a go. I had to change the plug, but all seems to be working fine, apart from […]
MoreProblem with 219 –metal flakes
Hi Paul, On page 15 of your book, you explain that if you allow grime and so forth to accumulate on the bedrails or cylinder bearings, you will see metal flakes appear on the bed rails. I have been printing a book for the last few months, probably 300 press runs per day 3 days […]
More325G For Sale in Denver
Private seller offering a Vandercook 325G for $11,000. Rollers are 3 years old, excellent condition. Equipped with ink fountain, custom-made photopolymer magnetic base, Blanchard ground to be flat. Several backup plates. A 325 was a newspaper proof press. This one is hand cranked and instead of a motor and ink drum the rollers (behind the carriage […]
More#4 Drive Belt Replacement
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
MoreNo. 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 […]
MoreUniversal I AB P — Bed Intelligence
Howdy all — I confess upfront that I am a newbee, so for any of my assumptions that are off, bring clarity. I am hoping to tap the knowledge stream here to ask if you can help with getting my press resuscitated from a 20-year nap in a basement. I have managed, with the gracious help […]
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 […]
MoreVandercook 320G not staying engaged in Print
Hi. I’m hoping someone here can help me figure this out! I am printing on a Vandercook 320G, and I’m having trouble with it staying engaged in PRINT. Is it possible to over oil it? The bar that runs in front of the cylinder that rotates as it engages into print, (sorry I don’t know […]
MoreCarriage hesitation on Uni III
Over the past month or so, the carriage on our Uni III has developed some hesitation from when you hit the green cycle button and when it actually begins moving down the bed. This morning it finally just stopped cycling, or at least it would do a couple cycles and then stop at the control 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 […]
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