I have been studying the directions in various posts and articles regarding adjusting the cylinder carriage bearings and was hoping for clarification on a couple points.
First, on a Universal III, which bearing set are the impression bearings (x-12216) and which are the trip bearings (x-2688)? It seems that the lower set which ride on the top of the bottom rail are the trip bearings. Is this correct?
Hi Ron
Hmm. Everytime I look at the article in regard to your question, I just get a headache. And I have not been ignoring you, I just get a bit stopped in my tracks.
I think I have figured out my best response:
It has been years since I have even had the need to do this. At the time, it seemed right, and no one has questioned it since. Maybe just do it that way and try not to think it out theoretically?
Gerald
Hi Gerald,
Thanks for chiming in. I cannot imagine that you have anything to worry about. These are the statements that I am having a hard time understanding:
“The bottom bearings control the amount of impression. Turning the eccentric to raise the bearings upward reduces the play in the cylinder, thus increasing impression. These bearings are adjusted in “trip” mode (off impression)”
I had assumed that this was referring the to trip bearings. I am probably misreading it, thus the issue with your understanding my query. I guess in hindsight it does make sense to me, if the second sentence is referring to the impression bearings. But then the next sentence suggests that these are adjusted in trip mode.
I appreciate any additional clarification / assistance, as I want to ensure I understand this as to be a dutiful caretaker / operator of the equipment.
Ron
You had me worried there for a minute. I went and looked at the article again but I am unsure what you are asking. As Eric suggests, yes, the “trip bearings” would effect roller height. But I am not exactly sure how to address the assertion that bearing adjustments (trip or print mode) would compensate for play in the cylinder?
Gerald
Thanks Eric. That certainly make sense to me. I just cannot figure out how they control impression as Gerald points out in his article. It seems that they are out of the picture when the press is in print mode, and that the cylinder bearers are riding on the bed bearers with the impression bearings controlling the play in the cylinder.
I have to believe I am missing something…. perhaps his statement applies to the SP-15 and not the Universal series and I am misreading.
The trip bearings, since they affect carriage height, would also seem to control roller height, which hangs from the carriage. Misadjusted, the rollers will be at different levels on trip and print.
Thanks Paul. I am happy you did reply, I was wondering if the predicted world demise perhaps only applied to the Vanderblog community :)
I guess where I am getting confused is that in Gerald’s article titled Adjusting Cylinder Carriage Bearings he points out that this set of bearings (trip bearings) control impression and cylinder play. But, in Fritz’s comments in your article on Operator Errors Fritz seems to focus on the impression bearings. I understand that all the bearings are important to the full equation, but I would like to better understand which set or if both sets are important to print quality/control.
Hi Ron, Sorry for the slow reply. You’re correct. Bearings 2 and 4 are the trip bearings.