Looking for advice on an issue that just came up on my Universal III. In my infinite wisdom I decided to swap out the beat up faceplate on the controls with a replacement that I had. While disconnecting the on/off switch, some of the connections became loose and one completely came off. I was told […]
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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?
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 […]
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. […]
MoreUniversal III roller gear issue
I have taken a break from printing (it’s been 4 years) and now I’m ready to get back into it. I took pretty copious notes, but for this issue, I can’t remember how to adjust or what the problem is exactly. This piece that’s circled keeps coming loose when I put the rollers in and […]
MoreUni 3 Roller Bracket
I’m not sure of the actual part name. See photo. It’s a bracket that goes on the bar that raises or lowers the rollers. I’m wondering if it should be loose or fixed? I thought there was a screw holding it on, but it’s a rivet of some kind, so I cannot tighten it. But […]
MoreUniversal III Tympan Issues
We have successfully used mylar/acetate tympan on our SP-15s for years, but when we tried one on the Uni III, it keeps slipping. There could be multiple causes: 1. The mechanism for holding the tympan on the Uni II is not suitable for acetate; 2. the acetate is thinner than we usually use ( I […]
MoreMiscellaneous Parts Identification
I recently picked up a Vandercook Universal I – very dirty but in generally good mechanical condition. Along with it came a bunch of parts (extra gripper bar, brass sheet guides, star wheels, etc.). There are 2 parts that I can’t find on the press and I’m wondering if they’re for a different model. See photo […]
MoreWater based inks on a Vandercook?
Anyone have experience using water based inks on a vandercook? I’ve used oil based for my prints for over 20 years now but am curious about water based mainly to speed up my dry times between colors. Ive ordered some sample sizes of Graphic Chemicals water soluble relief ink line to experiment with myself but […]
MoreRe-assembly and conversion (to manual) of Universal II (power carriage)
Hello printers, An alumnus has just donated a Vandercook to our university; after saying, “sure, we could use another”, I learned that it is a Universal II power carriage w/ adjustable bed and that owing to the weight of the press, moving it from its former home (the second story of a barn) required dissassembly. […]
MoreUniversal III Roller Height
I need to adjust the roller height on our Universal III and am wondering if there is a trick to it. I was able to turn the knobs on the back rollers slightly, enough to get to a good height. But the front roller knobs do not move at all. Wondering if there is a […]
MoreUniversal Manual and website specs
I was looking through my Universal 1 manual and found the Max Plate or Form Size to be 15″ x 22″. The website indicates this measurement to be 13″ x 22″. Needs correction I suppose on one or the other. Casey iLp
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