The vibrator has been pausing and jumping, so last night I took it apart to see if anything was broken on the crescent or worm gear. Didn’t find any problems, but I cleaned everything and greased it thoroughly before reassembly. Tried it this morning with no ink and it still hesitates at some points in […]
MoreConsidering 325G
I’m considering purchasing a reconditioned 325G with new rollers and all fixed up for $6800. It’s a heftier press than I have ever used and uses in ink plate instead of an ink drum. Does anyone have serious problems with their 325G and/or warn against this purchase? I am in upstate NY/Rochester area — does […]
MoreSP-15 Rail Wiper & Motor Issues
Our SP-15 (#22182) at UA Fort Smith is missing the nylon wiper (X-20758) that apparently cleans the rails on both sides of the press. Looks like these were replaced at some point with a couple of pieces of thin metal. The other day, on the non-operator side, these bits of metal shifted and on the […]
MoreVandercook recruitment flyer
Among the Burt Roozee papers I recently acquired is this employee recruitment flyer. This rare, post-WWII ephemera is letter-folded and printed on both sides on the same coated sheet that Vandercook used for catalogs. The plant on N. Kilpatrick Ave., shown above, was built by the company in 1928, its replacement was built on W. […]
MoreVandercook No. 3 Gripper Lever
Finally got around to fabricating a hand lever for the No. 3 grippers. Works like a charm and no longer will I be rolling the cylinder back and forth in an attempt to properly grip/register sheets. I can share the specs with anyone interested… just let me know. Brad.
MoreMoving a Universal I
I will be bringing a Universal I from its long exile in Florida back to its land of origin, Illinois. Any suggestions on prepping it for the move other than securing the cylinder so it doesn’t roll? Thanks, Rob
MoreBurt Roozee
James Burton Roozee (1918-1998) joined Vandercook & Sons in 1940 and eventually became its last Director of Engineering. Self taught and interested in all things mechanical and electronic, his name appears on several U.S. Patents including the “quick change” form rollers, ink monitor and automatic wash up unit for the Universal and SP series presses. […]
MoreRe: is it worth it?
Hi again, thanks for your input. Here are some more pics of the unit and parts not attached. Is this unit too far gone for restoring? (keeping in mind I have never had anything to do with this!) I don’t even know how it works! Please forgive my ignorance. I might yet give it a […]
MoreIs it rare? Is it worth restoring?
Greetings all. First time here for me. I have in my shed a Western Manufacturing (Reading) Ltd. England ‘The British’ 4C Mk2 under license from Vandercook serial 6453/4. Can you tell me when it was made? I had a look at the site , but can’t see one here. All the bits roll and move […]
MoreSP 15 Measurements
Hello Printers, I need measurements for the SP15 that are slightly more specific than the floor space quick specs which are provided on this site. I’m going to be moving one soon (without the handle and feedboard) and need the base measurements. I am not near the press right now, so if someone who has […]
MoreSP20 Form Roller Screws
I’m attempting to remove the hardware from my SP20 roller cores to ship them off to be recast. I’ve removed the tiny set screw from inside the larger, outer, screw on the end of the roller, but now I can’t seem to remove the larger, outer screw. I don’t want to turn it too hard […]
MoreMounting magnetic plates
I was wondering if anyone has tips on mounting magnetic [steel-backed] polymer plates onto the block [magnetic base]. I’m having trouble getting plates mounted square to the head of the stock. I’m not sure of the make of my block but it is extremely magnetic and almost rips the plate out of my grip each […]
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