Well, now we have had a little practice with replacing a wooden bushing on a Uni 1 inking drum. I last posted on October 2011 when a bushing had gone on our Universal 1. We just had the wooden bushing go on our other Uni 1 (serial number: 28671). So, I thought I would share […]
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Seeking Washup tray for universal-II OR measurements/plans to build
Hello- looking for a wash-up tray for my universal II. Would pay good money if you have one; comparably, compensation could be arranged/negotiated even if you have one and do not wish to sell it, perhaps you could take detailed pictures and measurements of the part for my purposes of reproduction. I’m looking into trying […]
MoreUniversal-III Power issues
Well I have had a reasonably smooth time with my U-III since 2011. After fixing some initial issues I have been using it at least twice a month for printing everything from business cards to large format linocut posters. It came to me with a braking issue which could be managed with increasing the braking […]
MoreInking issue – Universal 1
Hi everyone, I recently acquired a Universal 1 and have a couple questions related to maintenance. I have been keeping the rollers raised by raising the lever for that purpose when the press is not in use, but wasn’t sure if I also needed to raise the oscillator and a single rider fully away from […]
Moreuniversal 1: core on form roller slipping out of bearing socket
hello! i’ve attached a couple of short videos and images of the problem i’m experiencing as printing today on my universal 1. basically, as the vibrator oscillates, it is actually pulling the core of the front form roller out of its bearing block on the right side, so that the roller is coming in contact […]
MoreAdjusting Cams on Universal I Power
I have a early model Universal I Power that I have recently purchased. When running the automatic carriage it has a tendency to slam into the end of the run and upon returning to the feed board slamming into that. I have adjusted the speed and the brake using the dials on the operators side, […]
MoreUni I Drive Gear and Roller Height Adjustment
I have a Uni 1 manufactured in the 60s, still being cleaned but also being used to print. I have two observations/questions which I welcome help on… 1. The drive gear (if that is the correct term) oscillates when the press runs and the rollers are engaged. A woodruff key was missing and replaced but […]
Moreautomatic gripper Uni I
I’m struggling with the automatic gripper on my Vandercook Universal I. I took it off, cleaned it, oiled it etc. but it still doesn’t jump back in position to open the grippers automatically. I wonder if the spring that sits between the side of the bed and the lever is not the cause. Can you […]
MoreUniversal III Janette Motor – Lubrication
PHOTO CORRECTED BY MODERATOR. I received my new-to-me Universal III AB this week and have been dutifully cleaning and oiling this magnificent press. In the process I’ve run into a snag owing to my lack of experience with small motors. I cannot figure out where to oil the motor. Hoping someone may have experience with […]
MoreInk Drum Bearing Replacement
Somehow the wooden ink drum bearing on the operator side of my Universal III managed to work itself loose and ended up inside the drum, leaving the drum loose on that end of the shaft. I managed to remove the wood composition bearing from another spare ink drum I had and pressed it onto the […]
MoreUniversal III (hand) carriage question
Greetings! I have recently made a purchase of a Universal III press and am currently ironing out shipping. The sole wrinkle in getting this press into my studio is that the carriage is too wide for a few interior doors (this is a old home) by three inches. My two options are to keep said […]
MoreUniversal III Power carriage drive motor/gearbox
Hello I’m the new owner of a Universal III P which arrived less the carriage drive motor/gearbox/clutch assembly. I have a very good machinist/electrician who has suggested he could adapt a small variable speed motor gearbox combination to fit. Trouble is he has no idea about motor hp, gear ratios, whether the motor would have […]
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