Following up on the discussion a few days ago, which I think alarmed many of us into checking on our motors, I’m having some trouble finding my way around the gear box on my SP20. I’ve posted photos on flickr: if anyone can point me in the right direction I’d be thrilled. The problem is […]
MoreThe trouble with blogging
I was just told by one “trailing-edge” mac user that he is experiencing a problem viewing the blog since the latest blog software update (WordPress 2.5.1). My apologies to any and all readers in his position. However, I must to continue to keep pace with WP releases in order to stay ahead of comment spam […]
MoreHousekeeping
Dear members and guests: please note that I sometimes edit post titles and topic categories to more accurately reflect content and to improve the relevance of archive searches. Also, please continue to send me data for the various press censuses: Vandercooks, Asbern, Challenge, Reprex, etc. Model name Serial number (and year, e.g. Asbern) Owner (Press […]
MoreFeedboard for 219 Old Style
I’m missing a feedboard and metal lip for my 219 OS. Does anyone have a replacement or has anyone rigged a workable system without an original piece? Any help would be much appreciated. Jordan
MoreSerial number location on early models
This post is in response to a query on Letpress: Vandercook first issued serial numbers on presses in 1914. Until about 1925 they were located directly on the press bed at the right end midway between the lock up pins. It may be hidden by a removable bed plate and/or rust and oxided ink. This […]
MoreI, too, am having roller problems on my SP-15
Rather suddenly my rollers decided to crap out by not inking the form evenly. I am using photopolymer plates. The Problem Form is not being inked evenly. Ink is heaviest at the beginning of the form (the area the form rollers hit first). Based on the image above, it appears that the rollers are not […]
MoreOiling The Motor – A Necessary Task?
Keith Cross phoned me this morning asking what he should do about oiling the motors on the two Mass Art shop Vandercooks. One has an oil cup (or two?) with spring cap(s); the other, two cap bolts on top of the gear box similar to my late model SP15. What did I do about oiling […]
MoreBuying a Vandercook
Dear all, apologies if my first post is somewhat ‘how long is a piece of string’. I am looking to buy a Vandercook (in terms of model I am guided by what becomes available but very possibly a 4), but my interest is printing rather than engineering, whilst I appreciate some maintaince and running repairs […]
MoreUniversal III forward / reverse switches
Does anyone have a working forward / backward switches for a Universal III they would be willing to sell? I also need the microswitch that is on the lower backside of the press closest to the feedboard, but this doesn’t seem quite as critical. Any help would be appreciated. Ray Nichols / Lead Graffiti
MoreUni I cylinder adjustment
Hi, folks. I am writing about a damaged Uni I that I have been working on intermittently over the past 10 months. When the press was shipped to me, it was struck and dragged along the right-hand side of the carrriage. Obviously I’ve learned my lesson where crating is concerned but I cannot for the […]
MoreSP15 oscillator problem
I’m having a problem with my steel roller (the large one that oscillates) binding against the inner form roller when the carriage returns. After returning one or two inches it binds regardless of location, i.e.: If I lift and lower the oscillating roll, it still binds at any point on the return trip. One side […]
More11×25 1/2 Trip Action Vandercook Proof Press
This is my first post. I went through the pictures on the Vandercook web site and the proof press we have looks like the 11×25 1/2 Trip Action Vandercook Proof Press. I am a 4th generation printer in Cincinnati OH. Would anyone venture a guess at the value of this press. Thanks for your answer, […]
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