I have an Vandercook No. 2 press. Very simple no inking. For packing, the number on the cylinder says .105. This seems to be a fairly thick packing. I have some sheets I received from NA graphics but this adds up to .055 including a mylar outer sheet. Any comments on what else I could […]
MoreNew form rollers for a No. 4
Hello Vanderfolks, I just had the form rollers on my No. 4 recovered. A very nice gentleman from RotaDyne came to my house to pick up the old ones. He took the whole assembly with him, and they shipped everything back disassembled. I’ve looked through the archives for instructions on putting things back together, but […]
Moreretaining screw problem for my sp15 cores
I recently had my second set of cores recast. In switching out the hardware I cannot for the life of me get the retaining screw to grab and screw in to the new core. I have tried solvents, wd40, a wire brush, an awl and curses, but to no avail. I’ve tried all 4 ends […]
MoreSP-15 slipping tympan issue?
I’m teaching a workshop at Northern Kentucky University where they have an SP-15. It’s been many years since I have used this press. We’re having a problem with the tympan paper coming undone at the back. The ratchet that holds the tightening bar in place appears to me to be set backwards, at least it […]
MoreChallenge 15MPC
I am reconditioning a 15MPC and am in need of an MPC manual or a pic of the impression Cylinder drive. I believe the parts are all there to reconnect except for the friction wheels (guessing) that ride the main drive shaft. Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Regards Steve
MoreCleaning a 325G
Hi All I’m cleaning up my 325G and noticed someone had painted the Bed, Bearers and Racks. Will that affect printing (packing, etc.) and is it necessary to strip it all down to bare metal? If so, can anyone advise on the best and/or least toxic way to go? Thanks for any help! Steve
MoreDoes anyone have a good copy of an original Vandercook sp-15 manual?
I just received the one that I ordered from NA graphics, and it’s really hard to see the images. Does an original exist? A high quality scan as opposed to a xerox?
MoreSP 20 handle problem
I am trying to figure out how to tighten the action on the CM-37 handle of the inking system. This press has always had problems with uneven inking and after eliminating trip mechanism issues and replacing glazed rollers, ink distribution on the form is still occasionally lighter on the operating side. I think it has […]
MoreMy first SP-15…
Hello, fellow printers. After years of searching for an SP-15, I’ve finally acquired one from Kurt Hansen in Auburn, California. It has been sitting for some time, however, and needs some service before it’s ready to roll. Though I am familiar with the operation of the press, I am not trained in how to restore […]
MoreSP20 Manual
I became the proud owner of a beautifull Vandercook SP20 this week. We moved it from Leiden in the Netherlands to Brussels on friday. The press is in reasonable condition I think, allthough before starting to operate it I would like to give it a decent cleanup, regrease and finetune all machine parts. Could Anyone […]
MoreWorkshops in the UK!!! Who’ll have me?
I am happy to announce that I’ve been chosen to receive a Fulbright award to study Book Conservation at West Dean College in West Sussex England. I’ll be studying for two years, beginning September 2010. Community engagement and cultural exchange are integral parts of the Fulbright program, and accordingly I am looking to conduct free […]
MoreInconsistent print quality
I’m sorry for having problems two days in a row, but here’s another phenomenon that I’m not understanding. These two drop caps (48-point Rondo) were printed one after the other – same lockup, same ink, same paper, same packing, same everything – yet the print quality is markedly different. What could have made the difference? […]
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