I just came across a Model 4, serial number 14252 on Philadelphia Craigslist. I’m not in a position to buy a 2nd press but it looks in good condition and isn’t on the census. http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/for/5804281998.html
MoreVandercook 320 G for sale
I am selling my Vandercook 320 galley proof press. The press is from 1939 and in great condition. It has its original dark green paint which I have been told indicates that it was initially owned by the Army. There are some cosmetic scratches and blemishes but all of the parts are well oiled and […]
MorePolishing drums on a SP-15
So I’m rehabbing my SP-15 currently. The rollers melted a long time ago, and the printer has been sitting in a garage for 20 years. There was some light rust and goop on most surfaces that I was able to remove. I followed the advice here and removed a lot of the rust with WD-40 […]
MoreInk Drum on #4
The ink drum on the recent #4 was frozen in place–bound up by years of uncleaned ink, and it was also in contact with the operator side of the recess where it sits. After much penetrating oil and some heavy manual ink removal, I loosened the lock nuts on either end of the drum, and […]
MoreMiscellaneous Parts Identification
I recently picked up a Vandercook Universal I – very dirty but in generally good mechanical condition. Along with it came a bunch of parts (extra gripper bar, brass sheet guides, star wheels, etc.). There are 2 parts that I can’t find on the press and I’m wondering if they’re for a different model. See photo […]
MoreVandercook 4 rehab!
Yup, lucky me! I found one in a tin barn in the northern Catskills. It needs some love, but after half a day with penetrating oil, Simple Green, scotch pads, wire brushes and q-tips, etc., the drum turns over and the motor whirs; the press is level and the bed is clean. The belt for […]
MoreWater based inks on a Vandercook?
Anyone have experience using water based inks on a vandercook? I’ve used oil based for my prints for over 20 years now but am curious about water based mainly to speed up my dry times between colors. Ive ordered some sample sizes of Graphic Chemicals water soluble relief ink line to experiment with myself but […]
MoreVandercook No 4 cylinder alignment
The cylinder check spring broke on our No. 4. I got a replacement spring from Fritz and the press is printing again. My question is concerning the position of the cylinder at the feed table. With the cylinder at the feed table, the grippers are at about the 12 o’clock position (just a little before […]
MoreFoot Pedal Chain, Linkage Problem
Hello all, I’m having issues with the foot pedal. A screw on the underside of the bumper fell to the floor causing the carriage not to go all the way back to the inking drum unless we pushed the spring back. It seems like there is too much slack in the chain and nothing is lifting the […]
MoreTraveling Sheet Delivery Tray
Hi Everyone, I’m looking to add a traveling sheet delivery tray to my Vandercook 4. Is there any specification(s) available that I could use to fabricate with? Or general thoughts on this as I setforth? Thanks! Matt
MoreRe-assembly and conversion (to manual) of Universal II (power carriage)
Hello printers, An alumnus has just donated a Vandercook to our university; after saying, “sure, we could use another”, I learned that it is a Universal II power carriage w/ adjustable bed and that owing to the weight of the press, moving it from its former home (the second story of a barn) required dissassembly. […]
MoreThe Printers’ Album
The Printers’ Album was the house organ of the Challenge Machinery Company. It featured articles on the business of printing, equipment manufacturing, production tips and tricks, and display ads for Challenge products. The five covers that are shown here from 1925–26 are among the best and illustrate some of their manufacturing processes. The magazine began […]
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