I recently repaired an SP20 at the University of West Georgia on which the carriage had become stuck during the return travel. The photos above shows that top carriage bearings on the operator’s side had been removed during a previous repair attempt. Typically what happens on SP series presses is that the trip spring inside […]
MoreHelp ID old Vandercook
I need help identifying my “Vandercook”:http://www.accumulata.com/pics/vandercook.jpg. There is no model number anywhere on the press (nor any serial number), the plate states only “Vandercook Roller Series Proof Press”. There are 4 patent dates, all in 1914. It looks like the 17 or a member of the 15 family as seen on the “Vandercook website”:https://vandercookpress.info. The […]
Moresp-15 another part identification required
can anyone tell me what other parts would be required to make the sheet finger operate – view the parts i have on “flickr”:http://www.flickr.com/photos/8286330@N03/ thanks again! john christopher arcane devices
MoreVandercook to the rescue
I was visiting our machine shop we use occasionally in Durango last week and Jim Melcher, co-owner of Melcher Machine Works was turning down the end shaft of a huge steel forging used in a coal mine. He handed me some shavings laying near the lathe and asked me if I knew what it was, […]
MoreNo. 3 sheet delivery tray
I am on the lookout for a sheet delivery tray. I am not in a rush, but if one of you comes across a stray or extra, please let me know. Thank you. Chris
More#4 anyone?
I noticed a #4 on ebay. If I hadn’t just moved my #3 I would consider getting in on the bidding. I swear I will never move a Vandy 18+ hrs again. I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the auction. Here it is: [ Link invalid ] Chris
MoreSP-15 for sale in Brooklyn
Noticed this on the Briar Press website – is this being sold by anyone on here? [ Link invalid ] best john christopher
MoreUniversal I, III, SP15, SP20, or 219? Any preference?
What do you feel is the most reliable and makes the best impressions between the more popular Vandercook models? Universal I, III, SP15, SP20, or the 219? Reading the many mechanical issues with the SP15, I’m hesistant to stray away from the Universal series presses. How would you rate these presses??? Thanks for your thoughts!
Morebroken spring on an SP-15
hi all I’m calling on the fount of collective knowledge here with a technical question. I’m refurbishing an sp-15, and as I was cleaning up the underside of the cylinder carriage I noticed that a rocking lever arm (what is I assume part of the trip mechanism) was sprung with a flat spring on one […]
MoreUniversal I grippers and trip mechanism
I have recently taken two Universal I presses out of storage and am getting them going for the first time so, I’ll be making quite a few postings here in the next few weeks. My first question is regarding the gripper assembly. One of my presses is a later model Illinois Tool Works press, serial […]
MoreSP-15 inking…
Details: Vandercook SP-15 Brand new inks from Graphic Chemical and Ink (their own block & letterpress ink) Photopolymer plates from Boxcar Press Impression is somewhat deep The issue is that if I put enough ink on the press to ink in one pass the type is ragged. What I’m having to do is shift to […]
MoreNo 4 Grippers not engaging
I’m having some troubles with a Vandercook #4, and I’m more or less completely inexperienced with it. The trip mechanism is not connecting enough when the foot pedal is depressed. There is about a centimeter of space between the trip assembly and the rod when not engaged, so when you hit the pedal, it just […]
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