I’m having some troubles with a Vandercook #4, and I’m more or less completely inexperienced with it. The trip mechanism is not connecting enough when the foot pedal is depressed. There is about a centimeter of space between the trip assembly and the rod when not engaged, so when you hit the pedal, it just […]
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Model 17: No Holds Barred Help Needed
As the new owner of a Model 17, I have a question, maybe two, regarding dead bars and Handy Bars. But first let me say how grateful I am to Fritz Klinke who has been incredibly helpful with providing historical and operational details about my press; to Daniel Morris; and also to all of you who […]
MoreSP-15 maximum sheet size?
Hello, I posted once previously regarding the SP-15 I recently bought and have been cleaning up. This is taking longer than I thought but it is looking better! Meanwhile I’ve been reading and enjoying learning about the press. I am somewhat confused, however, about the maximum sheet size which is listed as 14-3/4 x 20 […]
MoreVandercook Electric Galley Proof Presses – For Sale in Chicopee, MA
John Barrett at “Letterpress Things”:http://www.letterpressthings.com/ is trying to find a home for a Vandercook 22 and an HS27. The 22 needs some work and new rollers, but the HS27 is in great shape and probably ready to run. The price is negotiable on both of these. These presses do not have gripper bars so the […]
MoreHelp ID these Vandercook? mystery inking parts
Dylan Fareed and I went out to visit John Barrett at Letterpress Things today and he asked me to drag some proof press roller assembly parts back to The Arm to attempt to identify them. I think the second one is a 219 rider roller assembly, but I have no clue on the rest. Anyone […]
MoreSeeking some inking parts for the new #3
I picked up this Vandercook #3 (serial 13165) a few days ago and am interested in tracking down the parts it is missing. The press seems to have been partially disassembled to replace the rollers and the associated parts were lost before it was put back together. Here is a list of what I am […]
MoreUniversal III Under Power!
A video… This is the most recent press to cross the threshold at The Arm. It didn’t take too much fiddling to replace the microswitches across the back of the press, clean out the control box and get it cycling back and forth, but it is pausing for a full five second count at the […]
MoreEnglish-made Hybrid Revisted
Donald Kerr at the University of Otago [New Zeeland], informed me of his institution’s Vandercook made by Pre Press Ltd. of London. His photos show a carriage nameplate stating that it is a No. 4 However, the cabinet and feed board styling (and presumedly the inking system were it present) is that of a 215. […]
MoreAdjustment of grippers on SP-15
The grippers work fine on our SP-15 when we use the foot pedal to insert the paper, but they do not properly release the paper at the end of the print. Other than adding some shims behind the bracket that activates the gripper lever at the end of the print action, is there another method […]
More#4 worm gear needs an evaluation
The oscillating metal roller on my recently acquired #4 has been having a little bit of trouble making making its way back and forth when I ink up. It was sticking just as it reached it closest position to the operator, when the worm gear was no longer visible, I guess at the point where […]
MoreSP-15 in need of thorough cleanup
My newly purchased SP-15 is now moved into its new home and I’ve been able to take a close look at it for the first time (I bought it based only on photos so couldn’t see all details). It looks to be in very good shape (no rust or dents) with no major parts missing. […]
Morevice grip and trip
i just bought a lovely vandercook 4, there is a vice grip spring loaded attached to the bar that runs across the width of the press under the bed…when i return the carriage, the vice grip engages and makes a clunking sound. what gives? the previous owner said he thinks there was some problem with […]
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