I recently posted about a problem I was having with new form rollers, and was just about to get back to dealing with that yesterday when a broken trip spring stopped me. It’s been awhile since I needed to replace one of these, but I have done so in the past without much issue. One […]
MoreMore TagChain tension issue on Universal I
This press recently got a rag stuck between the drum sprocket and the chain. After removing the rag and reconnecting the chain, I’m finding that the chain is alternating in a tight and loose pattern and dragging on the pedal mechanism. I’m concerned that the sprockets are misaligned or bent. I did try changing the […]
MoreMore TagProblem with new rollers
I recently sent out an extra pair of SP-15 cores to be resurfaced. On receiving the new rollers, I transferred over the roller blocks/bearings and adjusted the height, but the rollers are not taking the ink well, it is streaking as if the rollers were skipping over the drum (the ink coverage on the drum […]
MoreMore TagUnresponsive grippers: Vandercook-4
I have been helping to get a recently-acquired Vandercook-4 up-and-running for a commercial digital printer new to the medium. The press was shipped from the UK, after having been reconditioned in advance of the sale. All looked to be in good working order, except the grippers. They did not move when the pedal was depressed. […]
MoreMore TagImbalance of Ink of Drum and Rollers of SP-15
I noticed that the ink on the drum and rollers on my SP-15 bunch to one side, so I get uneven ink coverage when printing. I’m attaching a couple of photos. You’ll see that on the right side is where it’s light and almost translucent, and the ink tends to bunch on the left side […]
MoreMore TagEarly Hacker questions
I posted back in 2015 about a sad Hacker #4 that was being donated to the San Jose Printers’ Guild. We have spiffed it up a bit and have used it every year since then to print posters at the annual Bay Area Printers’ Guild and Wayzgoose. Since the press only had holders for two […]
MoreMore TagReassembly after new rollers on 215/4
I just got new rollers for my Vandy 215/4 and gave the parts on the roller frame, gears, etc a thorough cleaning. When i try to put the pin in the clutch block, it does not seem to want to go either way. What am I doing wrong? (BTW, ain’t them new rollers purty??)
MoreMore TagReprex Carriage Back Side
These Reprex No. 1 photos are posted in reply to Cranky Sue’s Briar Press post, where image views can’t be enlarged.
MoreMore TagSP15 form roller adjustment knobs stripped?
My form rollers are too low, but the adjustment knobs seem totally ineffective. I got the press somewhat recently and it was a student press before I got it, so who knows what it’s been through. I think the knobs are likely stripped — does anyone have experience with an issue like this? Is it […]
MoreMore TagSP-15 – snapped bolt
Hello from Newfoundland, Canada! Yesterday a bolt snapped off on my SP-15 in the assembly that lifts and lowers the top two steel rollers. This assembly is located in the area marked in red. I’m looking for a replacement bolt, and have contacted Fritz @ NA Graphics, just wondering if anyone has any information/insight into […]
MoreMore TagNoise on Vandercook 215
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 […]
MoreMore TagWestern 4c forme roller gear wear & noise
Hi Paul, I’ve recently taken on a Western 4c which whilst operational hasn’t been looked after very well in certain areas. Consequently there are some issues, one of which is a kind of whining noise that is audible as the cylinder travels across the bed. This only occurs when the forme rollers are engaged. Close […]
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