Hey All, I have a Challenge 15MP which is the knock off of the SP-15 and am having two issues that I would love some help figuring out. Question #1: Oscillating Roller Recent home construction resulted my contractor accidentally flooding the room where I keep my press with very fine concrete dust. I cleaned off […]
MoreUniversal 3 electrical issue
Looking for advice on an issue that just came up on my Universal III. In my infinite wisdom I decided to swap out the beat up faceplate on the controls with a replacement that I had. While disconnecting the on/off switch, some of the connections became loose and one completely came off. I was told […]
MoreVandercook 4 Gripper Pedal problems
I have just acquired a Vandercook 4 and am working on getting it in printing shape. As it sits, the pedal-operated grippers aren’t working properly. The pedal, in its resting state, is pretty low to the ground, making it impossible for the chain to pull far enough to open the grippers. When I push on […]
More#3 Vandercook For Sale
Up for sale is a Vandercook #3 serial number 15004. The press was in very rough shape when my wife and I purchased it. As far as I know we are the second owners. We meticulously removed every component and used a method called electrolysis to remove the 60+ years of grease, grime, and rust […]
MoreSP15 spare part, broken trip spring
I was levelling my press yesterday (SP15) and found a ‘spare part’ (?) lying beneath the press. It has the same greyish colouration of the press and looks like it could be vital? The press is still printing, though might prefer to have the piece if indeed it belongs somewhere? Is it part of […]
MoreShims under cylinder and ink racks, Uni I
Our Uni I originally had red shims under the geared racks for the cylinder and ink racks. As it was disintegrating and falling out, we removed it on cleanup but haven’t found a source for replacement. Does anyone have a resource for this or a recommendation for an alternate material?
MoreVandercook 4T Roller Issue
I have a Vandercook 4T press here in Prague. Now after 5 years of not being used (here in Prague – it could have been unused for longer than that), I have decided that I should give it a go. I had to change the plug, but all seems to be working fine, apart from […]
MoreProblem with 219 –metal flakes
Hi Paul, On page 15 of your book, you explain that if you allow grime and so forth to accumulate on the bedrails or cylinder bearings, you will see metal flakes appear on the bed rails. I have been printing a book for the last few months, probably 300 press runs per day 3 days […]
More325G For Sale in Denver
Private seller offering a Vandercook 325G for $11,000. Rollers are 3 years old, excellent condition. Equipped with ink fountain, custom-made photopolymer magnetic base, Blanchard ground to be flat. Several backup plates. A 325 was a newspaper proof press. This one is hand cranked and instead of a motor and ink drum the rollers (behind the carriage […]
More#4 Drive Belt Replacement
I’ve replaced the MM144 drive belt on my #4 and adjusted the motor mount to accommodate it. My question is: What is the proper belt tension? How do I how measure and adjust it accordingly? Thanks! Matt
MoreVandercooks vs Earthquakes
Recently, while in California, I was asked about the best way to secure Vandercooks to prevent their movement during an earthquake. I hadn’t given any thought to this before. The facilities head at one institution doesn’t want to bolt them to the concrete floor, and faculty wants to be able to move them around the studio as needed. […]
MoreNo. 4 Uneven Inking on Rider Rollers
Hello all, I’m trying to troubleshoot an inking problem on my Vandercook No. 4, Serial No. 14509. I’m finding that my rider rollers (the small steel rollers front and back) are not getting inked evenly. (See image, the front rider roller is not completely inking towards the right side) When I roll the cylinder down […]
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