This press is similar to a #4. I was trying to raise the form rollers (the lollipop showed them as being too low). I was able to raise the form rollers on the operator side, but not on the gear side. I suspected the form roller bearing bar had come loose (it has two bolts that often come loose) so I tightened the bolts by hand and the noise started. I then loosened the bolts but the noise did not stop. Any advice is appreciated! Harper-215 Noise-11-12-23a
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The large screws adjust the roller height. and the middle screw locks them by contacting the the bearing bars.
I see what you mean about the distance between the block that holds the roller and the brass frame. I’m not clear what controls that. Is it the screws that raise and lower rollers, or the Allen screw in the middle? I did not take apart the oscillator, but I can check to be sure the screw is not too tight. The rollers are 2.5″ plus some change. I probably need new ones, but that will have to wait. Meanwhile, I got it back together and gradually got rid of the noise by lowering the rollers and oiling the shafts of the rider rollers. Quiet as a sewing machine. Now, to add ink and see if it still behaves. (I could not figure out how to add the latest video, sorry.)
In your photo, the gap at the front roller is less than the rear roller.
Did you disassemble the oscillator, too? Perhaps the crescent holder is too tight. It should turned until it bottoms out then backed off at least 3/4 of a turn.
I took it all apart and cleaned it again, and finally got it back together so that the back form roller no longer makes any sound. But when I add the oscillating roller, it either will not move or makes a LOT of noise. I’m due to work on a paying job next week and a workshop after that, so I’m stuck. NA Graphics said that nyliners are becoming hard to get and Fritz was going to check stock but I did not hear back. The existing nyliners seem to be ok to me. I have run out of ideas.
I confess that after all these years (since 2001) I do not know exactly how this mechanism works. I just use it to raise or lower the rollers. My manual does not show these parts from this angle. Is there any way to get more pages for the manual?
Does this look right? It occurred to me during the night that perhaps there is not enough space between the two bars, and that is causing the roller core to be squeezed too tightly, making the noise.
The roller diameter should be 2.50″
The gap between the frame and the bearing bars should be level but the distance is variable because of the actual diameter of the rubber and the desired roller height in relation the the mass of the printing form.
I got everything cleaned and put back together. I put the form rollers back on the press, and voila, the noise is coming from the back form roller. It has oil, but it may be up too high or down too low. I tried moving its height both ways but it never did help. I’m unclear on how far apart the two black (in my case) blocks should be. I’m also wondering if switching the rollers would make any difference?
Nyliners need to be replaced if the flanges are very grimy, scored, or chipped. Just expect that they are and don’t bother cleaning. NA Graphics should have them in stock.
I’m going to take it all apart and clean thoroughly, checking for stripped bolts and screws. I suspect I may need new nyliiners. How does one tell?
The bearing bar bolts should be tight, so if they come loose then the threads might be clogged if not stripped. it’s more likely that the sound is due to an uneven gap between the brass frame and the bearing bars.
Adjust the rear and front roller height screws on one side so that gap is even, then make small turns of the screws to slowly raise the bars and thus the rollers on that end.
If, after loosening the middle lock screw and you can’t turn the roller height screws then they’re very likely clogged with ink and grime.
Also, make sure to periodically oil the cores at the notches on the frame.
It appears that Vaseline is needed on the worm gear and the shaft on the opposite end.