In the Vandercook sp-15 manual it states the press should be set on synthetic rubber pads – with packing in order to correct any unevenness. Does anyone use these pads, if so what are they like – their depth for example – I can envisage something like a mouse mat. John Christopher
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Sp15 Motor and Ink Drum Unit
On the sp15, the motor unit and ink drum are held under the press bed within a unit mounted on two pivots. Two springs create tension on the unit enabling it to spring back up after the impression cylinder has travelled over it. What I want to know is how ‘springy’ this assembly should be […]
MoreNo 1 Vandercook Proof Press
My father had this press in his studio. S/N 8774. He was a graphic designer and used the press for making type galley proofs for small ads. It’s been in storage for 15 years. I’d like to find a home/sell it. Located in Mt. Morris, Illinois–100 miles west of Chicago; 30 miles south of Rockford. […]
MoreManual for SP-15?
I’ve come across an SP-15 for sale, but it’s in pieces and I’m hoping to find a manual for the model so that I can inventory all of the bits to make sure everything is there. Obviously I’d also like to make sure that I rebuild the press correctly. Does anyone out there happen to […]
MoreUni I Bullet Catch?
Can anyone provide a picture and approximate dimensions of the bullet catch that holds up the ink distribution rollers for cleaning on a Uni I? Ours has gone a-miss and I have a VERY KIND friend willing to machine us a new one–but I have no idea what it looks like!
Moreoiling motors revisited– and chainline
Following up on the discussion a few days ago, which I think alarmed many of us into checking on our motors, I’m having some trouble finding my way around the gear box on my SP20. I’ve posted photos on flickr: if anyone can point me in the right direction I’d be thrilled. The problem is […]
MoreFeedboard for 219 Old Style
I’m missing a feedboard and metal lip for my 219 OS. Does anyone have a replacement or has anyone rigged a workable system without an original piece? Any help would be much appreciated. Jordan
MoreSerial number location on early models
This post is in response to a query on Letpress: Vandercook first issued serial numbers on presses in 1914. Until about 1925 they were located directly on the press bed at the right end midway between the lock up pins. It may be hidden by a removable bed plate and/or rust and oxided ink. This […]
MoreI, too, am having roller problems on my SP-15
Rather suddenly my rollers decided to crap out by not inking the form evenly. I am using photopolymer plates. The Problem Form is not being inked evenly. Ink is heaviest at the beginning of the form (the area the form rollers hit first). Based on the image above, it appears that the rollers are not […]
MoreBuying a Vandercook
Dear all, apologies if my first post is somewhat ‘how long is a piece of string’. I am looking to buy a Vandercook (in terms of model I am guided by what becomes available but very possibly a 4), but my interest is printing rather than engineering, whilst I appreciate some maintaince and running repairs […]
MoreUniversal III forward / reverse switches
Does anyone have a working forward / backward switches for a Universal III they would be willing to sell? I also need the microswitch that is on the lower backside of the press closest to the feedboard, but this doesn’t seem quite as critical. Any help would be appreciated. Ray Nichols / Lead Graffiti
MoreUni I cylinder adjustment
Hi, folks. I am writing about a damaged Uni I that I have been working on intermittently over the past 10 months. When the press was shipped to me, it was struck and dragged along the right-hand side of the carrriage. Obviously I’ve learned my lesson where crating is concerned but I cannot for the […]
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