On the sp15, the motor unit and ink drum are held under the press bed within a unit mounted on two pivots. Two springs create tension on the unit enabling it to spring back up after the impression cylinder has travelled over it. What I want to know is how ‘springy’ this assembly should be […]
MoreVandercook centenary
Given that next year 2009 is the Vandercook centenary I thought the occasion could be marked in some way – so I thought I’d get the ball rolling – there would appear to be 1011 presses out there at the last count, I wonder how many owners would consider a joint project where each would […]
MoreNo 1 Vandercook Proof Press
My father had this press in his studio. S/N 8774. He was a graphic designer and used the press for making type galley proofs for small ads. It’s been in storage for 15 years. I’d like to find a home/sell it. Located in Mt. Morris, Illinois–100 miles west of Chicago; 30 miles south of Rockford. […]
MoreManual for SP-15?
I’ve come across an SP-15 for sale, but it’s in pieces and I’m hoping to find a manual for the model so that I can inventory all of the bits to make sure everything is there. Obviously I’d also like to make sure that I rebuild the press correctly. Does anyone out there happen to […]
MoreEdward J. Nolan
Edward J. Nolan (1907-1983) was an RIT-trained engineer who founded both the Nolan Corporation, maker of Nolan proof presses, and later the United States Forge and Foundry Co., the maker of Reprex proof presses. The Nolan Corp., based in Rome, NY, made composing room and bindery equipment for the newspaper industry. They also built food […]
MoreManufacturing date of Reprex Presses
Most of the owners of a Reprex Press have said they can’t find any serial numbers. But if you want to know when yours was made, the date is stamped on the press. The month, year, and day are stamped on the top near the end of the backside rail. See attached photo. I hope […]
MoreUni I Bullet Catch?
Can anyone provide a picture and approximate dimensions of the bullet catch that holds up the ink distribution rollers for cleaning on a Uni I? Ours has gone a-miss and I have a VERY KIND friend willing to machine us a new one–but I have no idea what it looks like!
Moreoiling motors revisited– and chainline
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 […]
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