Hello, There’s a squeaking noise happening when my SP15 vibrator heads toward the non-operator’s side of the press. I have plenty of vaseline on the worm on both sides. I suspect my press isn’t level. Should I take the vibrator off and attempt to clean the worm, or try to level the press first? Thank […]
MoreUpdate: Found —Wanted: Worm gear and collar
Hi guys, I’m in the process of building a new oscillator for my SP15 and the machinist is already in the process of making the oscillator cylinder, and the shaft. He told me though, that making the worm gear is out of his possibilities with the machinery he has. He said that it would probably […]
MoreUnknown spring
This spring came with my No. 4 in the miscellaneous parts in one of the drawers. At first I thought it was a bumper spring (because I am indeed missing the two far side of the bed bumper springs), but then I compared it to the feed table side bumper springs, and it’s definitely not […]
MoreCritical dimensions for SP-15
Hi All, Could someone please help and let me know the critical dimensions for the SP-15, I have my press arriving in a few weeks and am concerned about logistics of a few poorly positioned stairwells, doors and the like. I can find the floor area dims here but not those for exact width with […]
MoreQuestion about Frisket Frame for Uni-I
Folks, I noticed that the Universal Parts manual shows a “Frisket Frame” unit for a Uni-I. Is this frisket only for the motorized Uni or would it also work on a manual (hand-cranked) Uni-I ? Thanks. /thomas/
MoreUniversal III Power Carriage, Braking Problem
I’ve read up on all the relevant old post I could find, and I still have a few questions about this. I’ve adjusted the clutch, and it’s still hitting at both ends on the lowest speed. Not very hard (yet), but enough to bounce of an inch or two. Sometimes the breaking dial helps, sometimes […]
MoreHelp Identifying this Vandercook
I was wondering what model this Vandercook is? Unfortunately I only have this one picture, but I am trying to figure out if it’s worth buying. Thanks in advance- Leslie
MoreVanderdook SP 15 Letterpress wanted for Nonprofit Arts Center
Or similar letterpress. We need by mid October for an event and will come to you to pick up. Please email details and price or call 520-288-6464 to discuss. Thanks!
MorePacking: What I have, What I need
My Current Packing. Is that an original Vandercook Mylar-Coated Underblanket? Hi All! On to my next newbie question. This is a photo of the current cylinder packing on my SP15, which has a standard .040 undercut. There are four layers: 1. Hanger : A red something that appears to be fabric coated with rubber. 2. […]
MoreHelp! I can’t get this screw out of my SP-15!
Hi All! This screw in the vibrator assembly of my SP-15, a screw which my manual tells me is properly know as the Crescent Holder, is stuck. It has been three days now soaking in alternating baths of WD-40 and PB Blaster, and it still won’t budge. It’s purpose is to insert the Crescent into […]
MoreMoving our SP-15 from a Basement
Hi All! Thanks to great advice obtained here and form the folks on letpress, we successfully moved an SP-15 and a C&P 8×12 this weekend, from a basement location to the shop out back of our house. Key to the process, other than caution and moving slowly and carefully, was the use of a Maasdam […]
MoreVandercook & Company Engravers
Revised. Author and printing historian Stephen O. Saxe sent me this advertisement he found in the June 1890 (and following) issues of The Printers’ Album, the house publication of Schniedewend & Lee, a printing equipment manufacturer in Chicago.* Vandercook & Company was operated by H.R. Vandercook and F.N. Tucker, circa 1880-1910. It was a separate business from […]
More