Paul, I’ll be moving an older Model 15 this weekend. Sky Shipley suggested I reach out to you (press is in Presscott :) because the Vandercook is “on cribbing, inverted.” He thinks we’ll need to right it to load but we’re not sure what the smartest way to go about this might be. Can we […]
MoreUnderstanding hand-cranked rollers
Hello! I’m trying to understand non-electric/non-motorized cylinder press that still have inked rollers (for cylinder presses, I’ve only printed with ones that have power ink distribution, or handinked with a brayer). For cylinder presses that instead use non-motorized handwheel ink distribution (like the Vandercook 3 or similar Challenge models), does anyone know how often you […]
MoreSeeking lock-up bar
Seeking lock-up bar for a Vendercook no. 3 in need of lots of love. No luck yet from Briar Press or eBay. Also, any recommendations on the best place to seek roller repair/replacement for this model? All my gratitude!
MoreSP-15 foot pedal cable replacement
I have a SP-15 press that uses a cable to connect the foot pedal to the gripper head release. The cable has broken, twice, and I am wondering what type of cable I should be sourcing that will be a better solution. Is there a mechanical work around to replace the cable? Thank you […]
MoreRoller length for Challenge 15GP
We recently rescued a Challenge 15GP proof press at the San Jose Printers’ Guild. We already have one that was surplus from the art department at San Jose State last year. It came with rollers that were too long and rested on the rails, so I cut them back to just under 15″ long, since […]
More4T front metal rider roller loud squeaking and uneven inking
Hello! I just purchased my first Vandercook (4T) and all seems well except the front rider roller is very loud, and the side away from the operator doesn’t ink evenly at all. I can’t figure out from the manual if these rider rollers should have Nyliners on them? Attached a video to show the sound […]
MoreUNUM | 2026 Nationwide Posterpalooza Collective
In 2026, we will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. To observe this momentous occasion, we invite you to participate in the 2026 nationwide Posterpalooza Collective: UNUM. This is an open call. Come one, come all. Artists are invited to submit letterpress prints on any theme of […]
MoreSP-20 grippers raising on return to feedboard
Yesterday while printing a plate the press started “clanging” about 3 inches away from the feedboard, the grippers rising correspond with the sound. It seems to be louder on the left side of the press, away from the hand crank. While it doesn’t affect the quality of prints, I am worried that something is wrong […]
MoreWarped Trip Rack Replacement
Among the things that can fail on these decades-old presses are the trip racks on early Vandercook Universal Is (before s/n 24219). These machines have the X-14854 Trip Rack with (2) 7/8″ diameter bushings, meaning wide slots and narrow side walls relative to the width of the rack, which can warp and eventually prevent carriage […]
MoreHow do I update my email address, and where do I order the long awaited Vandercook Manual 4th edition?
MoreVandercook Universal III Power—The slowdown
I acquired a Vandercook Universal III P AB with tower and power in 2019 when I moved to Rochester, NY. The press came with original paperwork from 1970 and was kept in pretty great condition all around. We used the press to print covers for the P22 chapbook series in quantities of 1500 (2-color.) This […]
MoreLever that holds the top rollers up loose
The top rollers fell on my hand while I was cleaning the rollers the other day because the lever latch (image below) that holds them the oscillator in place when up is loose and does not always click in place. Could someone advise how I go about stabilizing it? Many thanks!
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