The symptom: The top of the bed has less impression. At first I thought maybe the adjustable bed could be at fault, but a level revealed it pretty even from top to bottom center, but the operator side corner top appears to actually rise, in complete contradiction to my problem of less impression at the […]
MoreChallenge 15MP oiling question
Hello All, I have a Challenge 15MP (similar to the Vandercook SP15). Not having an extensive manual for this particular press, I am not sure I’m finding all the appropriate oil ports to lube it correctly. Does anyone have a schematic showing proper oiling points for this press? If not, is there one for the […]
MoreAuto washup setup for Universal 1
I’m setting up the wash-up tray for my school’s Universal 1. I’m not sure of exactly where to place two rails that form the fixed support for the tray, and I’m also not sure if the moveable support for the tray has all the parts. Also I have two long pieces of steel with triangular […]
MoreOil for Automatic inking system / Universal 1
I have taken apart the automatic inking system on a Universal 1, cleaned it, and put it back together. Behinh the machine where the threaded rod goes into when ink system is fully open has what appears to be an small oil opening with a red flip lid. There is no oil in it now, but […]
MoreRemove handle on Vandercook SP-15
Does anyone know how to remove the arm of a SP-15 press without damaging anything ? Thanks
MoreRag disappeared into my No. 4 — help!
One my my worst nightmares just happened. I was cleaning the ink drum of my No. 4 and carelessly let the rag slip with the drum rotating. I immediately switched off the power and hoped to see the rag on the shelf below the drum. But it is nowhere visible. I fear it may be […]
MoreFlorida service trip
I’m planning to drive from Mobile, Alabama to Sarasota to tune up some Vandercooks at Ringling College of Art & Design May 21–22. If anyone is interested in a service call before or after these dates, please contact me as soon as possible.
MoreVandercook No.4 for Sale
Hello, I have a Vandercook No.4 that I have had for over 25 years, it is very clean & well cared for. I am an artist & print maker. I removed the inking roller & paper-grabber mechanism fro easier use when doing my prints, I have all the parts & all the nut’s & bolts […]
MoreSP-20 Motor Noise, Chain Bounce
Hello – Paul kindly inspected my press before I purchased it. During his inspection he noted that the motor was loud, but quieted down quickly. Paul suggested checking the motor mounts, but those checked out fine. I’ve been trying to figure out the odd motor noise and today I noticed something. The noise seems to […]
MoreVandercook 15-21 maintenance
I’ve acquired a 15-21 and am pretty much teaching myself. I have the manual from NAGraphics for this model, have read and absorbed a great deal but don’t know the history of this press, feel like there are things that might need some attention by a professional. I live in Western Massachusetts and wondering if […]
MoreTension Bars on Vandercook #2
I have a vandercook # 2 serial #3046. After taking a short coarse on Letterpress at the South West School of Art in San Antonio on there #14 , I have a question on the #2 having two tension bars for the packing—Is this for a double tapered packing or maybe a felt pad? Ratchets on both […]
MoreSP-20 Cylinder Wiggle
Hello – Ready for my daily SP-20 question? I truly appreciate all the shared knowledge and help I’ve received along the way. Anyway, a few days ago I noticed that I can wiggle the cylinder back and forth with out the cylinder moving down the bed. There is 1/16th to 1/8th of play before the […]
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