I’m teaching a workshop at Northern Kentucky University where they have an SP-15. It’s been many years since I have used this press. We’re having a problem with the tympan paper coming undone at the back. The ratchet that holds the tightening bar in place appears to me to be set backwards, at least it […]
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SP 20 handle problem
I am trying to figure out how to tighten the action on the CM-37 handle of the inking system. This press has always had problems with uneven inking and after eliminating trip mechanism issues and replacing glazed rollers, ink distribution on the form is still occasionally lighter on the operating side. I think it has […]
MoreMy first SP-15…
Hello, fellow printers. After years of searching for an SP-15, I’ve finally acquired one from Kurt Hansen in Auburn, California. It has been sitting for some time, however, and needs some service before it’s ready to roll. Though I am familiar with the operation of the press, I am not trained in how to restore […]
MoreSP20 Manual
I became the proud owner of a beautifull Vandercook SP20 this week. We moved it from Leiden in the Netherlands to Brussels on friday. The press is in reasonable condition I think, allthough before starting to operate it I would like to give it a decent cleanup, regrease and finetune all machine parts. Could Anyone […]
MoreStuck SP-20 Grippers
I’m rebuilding the gripper assembly on a very dirty SP-20. The pins are jammed in the holes due to the previous owner’s habit of just shooting WD-40 around the pins instead of lubricating them with graphite powder or grease. I’ve tried pulling them out, but they seem glued in there. I don’t think bent pins […]
MoreVandercook SP33 Power
Hello, A Vandercook SP33 Power, is it a good versatile letterpress ? Pointers on what to look for positive, negative ? Value of this letterpress in Like new shape with all kit for replacement oem electrical parts and all tools and parts delivered in 1961 ? Find some printing supplies is possible in 2010 for […]
MorePSI of pressure exerted by flatbed press?
Can anyone tell me just how many pounds of pressure are exerted while printing on Vandercook flatbed presses (SP-15) or indeed other models such as C&P platens?
Morefrozen bearings & paper gripper, SP-15
Loosing up bearings and grippers.
MoreSP15 ink drum gear
Hi All, New to the site from UK. We have an SP15 needing restoration in the workshops (we usually do hand presses). It is hand cranked and has powered inking. One of the nylon? plasticky gears that drives the ink cylinder has basically disintegrated and I was wondering if anyone Stateside does spares? Any help […]
MoreSP-15 motor oil level
I read that one should periodically check the oil level in the SP-15 motor gear box. I removed the plug and can see the oil is at a level below what I believe is the worm-gear shaft. What is the appropriate level that should be maintained and what specification of oil should be used? Is […]
MoreA Question about Cylinder Rack Shims
I’m having some issues with low ink distribution in the first inch or so of my form. I noticed that the area coincides with the first few inches of the cylinder rack which is separate from the rest of the rack and slightly raised with some plastic shims. Does anyone know the reason for that […]
MoreBalancing the Cylinder on an SP-20
Is anyone familiar with balancing the cylinder on an SP-20? Our 20 never seems to print well and we’ve balanced the base & made sure the rollers are seated properly to no avail. I’ve asked around locally & balancing the cylinder came up. Any instruction would be greatly appreciated–a step-by-step breakdown would be even more so. […]
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