die makers
MoreUNI-1AB
Good Day Vanderbloggers, I have recently acquired a “fixer-upper” UNI-1 needing everything related to the inking on the press including the drum, oscillating roller, rider and assembly, the form roller blocks, levers etc. I am looking for a parts machine (long shot) or will begin to fab what I need. I have contacted the usual […]
MoreVand Men
This photograph shows former Vandercook Vice President Bill Critchlow (4th from left) and his sales team. Vandercook had become a division of Illinois Tool Works in 1968. Several of these names appear on the serial number/model cards held by NA Graphics. Critchlow is married to E.O. Vandercook’s daughter Lynn. Joe Koyak (3rd from left) was […]
MoreArizona Rising
Recently, I spent six fun, but exhausting Vandercook-filled days in Tuscon. While there I tuned up a 215 at Chax press (at left) and a non-motorized SP15 at Heather Greene’s private studio. I then taught three workshops, gave an evening lecture at the University of Arizona and worked on four Vandercooks in the new book […]
MoreHarold E. Sterne
Harold E. Sterne (APA 502) died October 2 at age 81. Hal who co-founded NA Graphics is responsible for saving what remained of Vandercook—its records and parts inventory—from being dumped when he bought what was then called Vandersons. For this and for helping to develop the earliest version of this website and for writing the […]
MorePress inspector
press inspector’s name on my Uni II also showing the type height the press is machined for
MoreVandercook 099 Proofpress – Poor Impression
I just purchased a Vandercook 099 Proofpress (https://vandercookpress.info/vanderblog/timeline/2/#099). It is in great working condition and has been well taken care of. I have experience with a Vandercook press but not this one. I have to ink the plate by hand and then place the paper on the form (it did not come with the optional […]
MoreUniversal 1 AB Hand ink drum wobbly
Hi All, I read the posts in the Vanderblog archives about SP15 ink drums wobbling because of a broken plastic gear or shorn off screws. Is it the same fix or different on a Uni 1 AB? On our Uni 1 AB, while printing we noticed that the lower steel ink drum was not inking […]
MoreSP20 Oil Holes
I’m happy to say that I recently purchased my first vandercook SP20. I’ve worked on another vandercook but did not maintained it. This site has been extremely helpful with almost all the information I need, however I can not find the oil holes. Does anyone know how many oil holes are on this model and […]
MoreLouis Flader
Today’s Vandercook operators may know that most models were designed to meet the needs of the bygone photoengraving industry. A central figure of that industry was the German-born American Louis Flader (1877-1963): technician, labor leader, executive and author. As editor of Photo-Engravers Bulletin he wrote the articles “Story of a Visit to the New Vandercook […]
MoreGraphite powder suitable for gripper posts
Would the type of graphite sold for bicycle chains be suitable for lubricating SP-15 gripper posts? But I was hoping to find it in a dispensable container, not pressurized in a can, to avoid a mess. Where’s a good spot to find it in small quantities? Thank you.
MoreMaintenance page added
As a companion to the Glossary, I’ve created a new Maintenance page, which suggests routine maintenance for common Vandercook models. Check it out and let me know what needs correcting and what should be added.
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