We have a Vandercook 4 and the foot activated lever that opens the gripper stopped working. The lever is attached to the chain that then goes up through the cabinet and across under the bed to a push rod that pushes out the lever that works the grippers. The problem is in the connection between […]
MoreSP-20 roller bearer
I seem to be having an issue with one of the bearers (is that even the right term?) on the rear form roller on my SP-20. I can’t lower the roller height to type-high on that side. I can on the user side, but not on the opposite end. No problem with the front roller. […]
MoreVandercook 01
Finally uncrated the Vandercook 01 I bought on the classifieds. Now to start cleaning.
MoreNYC circa 1954
Here’s the cover and spreads from an eight page booklet (5×7″) showing Vandercook’s Eastern Office and Demonstration Room. Formerly located at 323 East 44th Street, this aerial photo suggests that it had a view of the distinctive United Nations building (foreground), which was completed in 1952. Posted for New York friends in advance of my […]
More215 Vibrator Issues
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 […]
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