I have taken apart the automatic inking system on a Universal 1, cleaned it, and put it back together. Behinh the machine where the threaded rod goes into when ink system is fully open has what appears to be an small oil opening with a red flip lid. There is no oil in it now, but […]
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Uni I power carriage trip issue
Hello Vanderblog, This is my first post, and hopefully will be resolved simply. Thank you in advance for any and all feedback. My press, when set to auto cycle, does not engage the trip mechanism on the return of the carriage. The image will print ever so slightly on the tympan (depending on my packing […]
MoreUniversal III relay contacts…
We have a Vandercook Universal III. I had a few spare relay contacts, but have just burned out a couple. Anyone have an idea if there is a way to get these or does anyone know if you could adhere the actual contact? I was thinking that maybe there was a way to get the […]
MoreReplacing the wooden bushing on a Universal 1 inking drum
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 […]
MoreSeeking 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 […]
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