Hello –
Has anyone found a replacement source for wash-up blades? Any leads or even blade specs would be greatly appreciated!
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A proof press resource
A proof press resource
Hello –
Has anyone found a replacement source for wash-up blades? Any leads or even blade specs would be greatly appreciated!
Kyle –
Thanks so much for the information! I’ll check the blades out and order a few. If it works well I may use it as a starting off point for a homemade phenolic resin blade. And of course, I won’t leave it running dry. Thanks again.
And, as Eric kindly pointed out earlier – this will likely melt if left running dry. Don’t do it!
I found an after-market blade a number of years back. I just went digging and am pretty sure I’ve found it again. It’s made by Santec Co., and while it’s not a true replacement blade (it’s all plastic, not plastic/metal) it does work pretty well.
Here is their wash-up blade section, and it’s model #1540-117 (or just dig through the dropdowns to find it). They’re $26 before shipping, or you can get a 20% discount if you order 100 or more. They also make one for the SP-15.
As I recall, it took a bit of fussing, screwing the blade in just right, to keep it straight and true against the cylinder. It’s definitely not as good as the originals, but it’s a fine stop-gap for $26.
Paul – did you ever put those nylon bolts & nuts to the test?
If you do have the holder, the rest is simple. The holder has the spacing of the holes, the length is same as the drum (you might even have a broken stub still in place as a partial template). The width is determined by observing the position of the holder relative to the drum when engaged. As the blade wears, the support screw is adjusted to compensate, so position that accordingly. The bevel will mostly be away from the drum, but maybe a slight bevel on the face.
Sold my SP-20 many years ago, so can’t give more specific specs.
I found a site offering phenolic resin. I would like to order a sheet and try to make a few blades. What resin type would work best? LE?
Also, does anyone have any blade specs (thickness, length, blade angle, etc.) ?
The best washup blades are made from phenolic resin board (as used in circuit boards), which is sometimes used as packing by foil stampers. I’ve seen cheap plastic blades that will melt from friction if left unattended and run dry.
Once cut to size and given mounting holes, the board needs a bevel to squeegee off the ink slurry.
Fritz doesn’t have any for the SP-20. Darn!
I ordered mine from NA Graphics, perfect service!