The research and development division of NA Graphics has taken up the challenge of figuring out why ink migrates from one side to the other on Vandercook inking assemblies. To that end, we are working in conjunction with Dave Seat, who is in residence this week in our main research facility here in Silverton, to work on this problem. In question is a 219 New Style press that has a severe problem with the ink. We have the upper and lower assembly here to work on and we tentatively conclude it is a weight distribution problem in the main oscillating roller. And for field research, we would like to ask anyone who has been experiencing this problem with their Vandercook to do a simple experiment–ink up your press, see that the ink migration is taking place, then take the oscillating roller out and replace but in reverse position, and see if the ink migrates in the opposite direction. We think we have the solution, but need to have this part of the equation verified. Thanks,
Fritz
I’m curious if Fritz or anyone else has found any further info. regarding a fix for the ink migration away from the operator’s side on SP-15s? My press has had this problem (slightly) for some time and I’ve developed workarounds to deal with it, but would like to properly fix it if possible (It’s not likely I’ll be able to apply Gerald’s solution of moving in the near future). Thanks!
As for the vertical adjustment on the 219, there needs to be some play in the oscillating roller up and down so that the 2 rider rollers are in proper contact with the ink rollers. Screw down on the end that is light–the end opposite the worm, and it will lift the whole assembly on that end, including the rider rollers. Interesting that the rider rollers have a deliberate play designed into them of about .030–the difference between the end shaft diameter and the bronze sleeve ID. Dave Seat and I still think it is a weight distribution problem–the revised assembly was delivered Tuesday and we’ll soon hear about the results.
Over on LetPress, Daniel Morris brought up skew adjustment on the No. 3 and 4, and wondered if the 219 and 320 series had anything similar. The 219 does not have that skew adjustment, but it does have a vertical adjustment on the ends of the oscillating roller shaft; it levels and alters the relative pressure of oscillator and riders. I think it is present on both old and new style upper frame assemblies. As for the 320 series, my 325 has no adjustments on the rider assembly, just a floating oscillator.
Duplicate reply from Letpress cross-post:
Fritz
I had experienced this problem at one time and the ultimate solution, after
exhausting ALL efforts, was simply to move. From an environmentally
controlled (air-conditioned, sealed building) studio to an open air studio
(tin roof, no insulation, lots of natural air flow). Problem solved. Never
to return (fingers crossed). Don’t have any idea why this would have changed
the phenomenon.
I noted a while back you suggested that the rider roller might be the
problem, specifically, as I recall, wear on the brass ends (?). And I think
you suggested turning the rider end for end at that time?
Switching the oscillator or the rider I did not try, though pretty much
everything else imaginable. It certainly is a freaky experience. When the
problem occurred it seemed to infect one press after another (a total of
four Vandercooks). And the only solution seemed to be a switch in
environment (for all).
Hopefully, your research and development division will find the solution to
one of the most vexing and voodoo-like of Vandercook problems.
Gerald
http://BielerPress.blogspot.com