I have just acquired the above press, and am looking for people who have experience using one. The serial number is 8596. I want to use it for printing invitations and other small pieces.
This is a tabletop, hand-ink press with a crank and a 16×21 bed. I cannot seem to find a visual of it on the Press Models Index on the Vandercook site. If anyone has info, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
SN 8596 is listed as a Model 1 shipped on 12/8/39 to the American Type Founders Co., in Los Angeles. ATF was a distributor and who they sold it to is not listed. So I assume it is not one of the showcard style of presses indicated by the 01 model number. The #1 went through a number of design changes over it very long production run with Vandercook.
Perhaps you are looking at the “01” and not the No. 1. or vice versa. Your serial number is the key: contact Fritz at “NA Graphics”:http://nagraph.com (970-387-0212) who holds the original records.
Thanks Paul! I will be sure to maintain it per your instructions. But I am curious about the pictures you say are in Press Models Index – I looked again and the No. 1’s pictured do not have the hand crank that mine has, and the bed on the those pictured seems much larger. Could you direct me to the proper image? Thanks again.
There are three images of the No 1 in the Press Models Index. Although, each are shown with the cabinet.
This is a fairly simple machine. The main consideration, as with all model, is to frequently clean and wipe with a _lightly_ oiled rag these surfaces:
• cylinder bearers (smooth raised ends contacting the bed bearers)
• bed bearers (smooth rails parallel to press bed)
• Under rails (surface on which the bottom bearings contact)
Keep in mind that oil attracts dirt. A build-up of debris on the bearers will affect impression.
Make this your routine before every use.