Several people have written to me about the Vandercook to be auctioned later this month on Bidspotter. This press, Vandercook’s first production model, is a circa 1909 Trip Action High Side Arm Press aka the Rocker. (Vandercook didn’t stamp serial number into their presses until 1914 and it’s not known how long the Rocker was […]
MoreRider Roller on SP15
Hello All, I’m working on cleaning up an SP15 that hasn’t been touched in maybe 30 years. I have all the rollers lubricated and in their right places (as far as I can tell) but when rolling the carriage down the press bed, the rider roller isn’t moving. It almost seems as though it’s a […]
MoreSoldan Lightning Proof Press
Greetings all. Approximately 6 years ago I took delivery of a proof press that remained in storage (in bits) until November 2010, when it was dragged kicking and screaming out of hibernation and pieced back together using the only picture I had. The picture showed the press assembled and in situ where it had come […]
MoreHow Best to Clean Dried Ink Buildup on Ink Drum
I’m cleaning up a Uni-I AB, and there is quite a bit of hard, dry ink build up around the ink drum. I tried chipping at it, but I don’t want to accidentally scrape the drum. Is the best course of action to remove the drum? Is that tricky? I don’t see an easy way […]
MoreLeveling casters
I’d like to consider installing leveling casters on the 2 SP-20s and SP-15 I recently purchased. The casters I’m considering are here I’d like to know if anyone has tried these, or other solutions for making your presses semi-mobile. thanks!
MorePhiladelphia Vandercook teachers?
Looking for experienced Vandercook printers, to teach hands-on workshops in Port Richmond, Philadelphia– off of a Vandercook No. 3 Proof Press. I am not quite ready to teach, but want to use the studio & equipment– for classes. I would love to begin as soon as late February. Please be in touch, as proceeds from classes will be shared. […]
MoreHelp with ink distribution roller Challenge 21MP
Hi folks! I’m hoping that your collective knowledge can help with a Ink Distribution Roller issue. I have a Challenger 21MP. I’ve restored it and it is in great shape….except for the Ink Distribution Roller. I’m not familiar with the guide mechanism for oscillating the roller. When I opened the roller I found the shaft […]
More#4 Rider Bushing Replacement
Hello all. I was fortunate enough to attend Paul’s workshop in Chicago last week and learned a great deal, but the one thing I was unable to retain is what exactly the process is for fixing these missing (broken?) bushings in my riders. As I understand it, there are taper pins holding the assembly together, […]
MoreUni I motor & chain
The motor/chain on my Uni I recently started getting louder. I applied some serious grease and it seemed to quiet a bit, but not much. I also noticed the rollers aren’t distributing ink thoroughly on one end (closest to the chain). I experimented with raising and lowering the roller height and it doesn’t make much […]
MoreUNI III Missing parts
Hi – I am missing the friction fingers (X-21714), and I want to understand the function. Also, the UNI I parts list has a friction spring (X-21715) listed. I am guessing that this was dropped on the UNI III as it does not appear in my UNI III manual. or is the Vandercook technical writing team again doing […]
MoreBunting Base(s) and Uni III
Hi – We have a MB 811 Bunting base and looking at alternatives to get a larger form for posters, Etc. Has anyone purchased a custom built base to accommodate such endeavours? We have not priced the alternatives, but we are wondering if this is a good approach or if one should acquire a few […]
MoreRollers stop spinning
Hello, we have an SP-15 used by college students in a typography studio. A problem occurs with the rollers when you move the carriage over the the bed. To start the rollers ink up fine and evenly, but as you begin to turn the carriage handle all of the rollers suddenly stop spinning. They seem to […]
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