I have used an SP-15 and enjoyed it. I would like to get my own press. However, I’m overwhelmed by the number of types of Vandercook presses available. I would like a self-inking model. Which models could people suggest? My space is not really limited.
MoreVandercook & Company ca. 1890
This image is for a billhead for a wood and photoengraving company partnership between H.R. Vandercook and F.N. Tucker in Chicago. H.R. Vandercook and R.O. Vandercook were first cousins. No mention of R.O. having worked there has been found in any trade journals or other documents. Below is a display ad from the […]
MoreVandercook Assembly Line, 1934
This photo shows the interior of the Vandercook & Sons plant at 900 N. Kilpatrick Avenue in Chicago. Similar shots are used in catalogs of this era. In the foreground and suspended at left are 219s, further back are what look to be four 22s, a No. 3 and a 17. The plant built by […]
MoreSP-15 inking problem
Just when I thought my SP-15 problems were over, there’s another issue! I apologize for the length of this post, but I’m trying to be as thorough as possible. I noticed that the press was inking rather lightly, but the impression was good and I had plenty of ink on the rollers. As I adjusted […]
MoreNo. 4 Cylinder stuck
Hey everyone, I co-run a community print shop in Saint Louis, MO. We have facilities for letterpress, intaglio, and screen printing. We were recently given a vandercook no. 4 to add to our lettepress equipment. When we showed up to pick up the press, it was being moved out of a basement with a backhoe […]
MoreSP-15 Ink Drum Issue
I noticed that on our SP-15 the ink drum was not getting any ink on one end of the drum while inking fine on the other end. My suspicion is that the spring has weakened to the point where that end of the drum is lower. Are there other conditions we should look at which […]
MoreHacker No. 4 Proof Press
Does anyone know of any surviving examples of the Hacker No. 4 proof press, as pictured in the “Other Brands” link – in museums, private collections, or in use? Thanks, John
MoreRestoring an SP-20 (i.e. hunting for parts)
Hello all – – I had the great fortune of saving an SP20 from the scrapyard earlier this Spring. However, it was not quite as complete as I remembered it being when I first found it last Fall. Someone clearly attempted to dismantle it sometime in its history, then abandoned it, and the only old […]
MoreUniversal II- Cylinder won’t lock at feedboard.
My Universal II has all of a sudden stopped locking when it returns to the feedboard. Therefore when I press the trip pedal nothing happens (grippers don’t move) and it makes a sharp ‘bang’ noise releasing the tension of the pedal… Thoughts? Trip spring? Please help. Thanks, Adrian
MorePower 219 Questions
Admittedly, I have no experience with Vandercook or any other flatbed presses. Currently I run a Windmill, C&P and a Golding Jobber, but am looking to expand in size and versatility. I found a Power 219 for sale and was hoping that someone could give me some pointers on what to look for, and more […]
MoreVandercook Univ. I: spring issues (the part, not the season)
I think I might now what the prob is, but wanted to hear what others think. The spring under the latch that holds the cylinder back and in place that is not the original spring. I faked it with a purchase from a hardware store 7-9 years ago. Well, it seems that its time has […]
MoreNeed for a Vand #3 or #4 Oscillating Assembly
I am trying to restore my Vand #3, and am trying to find EITHER a Vand #3 or #4 Oscillating assembly. Does anybody have this.. or contacts that they might refer me to? Any help would be appreciated! Thank you, Aimee Wilson
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