Hi all,
My Universal III has been chugging along beautifully for a couple of years, when all of a sudden it just quit in the middle of a job. By “quit” I mean the rollers are still moving, but the upper carriage just won’t go. I took a short video which I’ll link to here that has more detail.
If anyone has any thoughts I’d greatly appreciate it – happy to take more photos or videos as needed. I’m located in midcoast Maine, about 45 minutes north of Portland if anyone happens to know of a press mechanic in the area.
Thanks!
Nina
I’m glad that the pros were able to give you advice. Please let us know if new fuses are the solution. I would have included a diagram or photo, but the internet connection I had then was painfully slow. Funny, how it is that vanderblog activity always increases when I’m on the road.
P.S. I’m partial to blueberry pie.
UPDATE:
Perry gave me a call and explained how to switch out the fuses. Between the 5 fuses and 3 different kinds, I think I was able to identify the culprit. The carriage is now moving, albeit slowly after a very cold winter with a little rust…but hopefully after I get him all warmed and cleaned up all will go well. Thanks to all for your help!
GO TEAM LETTERPRESS!
:)
Nina
Hi Paul!
Thanks for your quick reply. I’m afraid I know next to nothing about electrical, so I wouldn’t know how to even check if it’s a blown fuse or not. Of course it would be lovely if it were something that simple (at least, that sounds fairly simple to me…) and I could just replace the fuse. I think I may even have a small box of original fuses. I don’t suppose you can point me to any photos or walk-throughs anywhere that would tell me what to look for / do? It would obviously be highly useful for me to learn how to do some of this basic electrical troubleshooting myself…I will also get in touch with Dave and Perry to see if they have any advice.
Boston, eh? That’s only about a 2.5 hour drive from where we are. Let’s see…what would I have by May to potentially lure you up here…how about rhubarb pie?
;)
Nina
Sorry to hear this. Have you checked the fuses? That’s a common cause.
Contact Dave Seat or Perry Tymeson.
I will ask other power carriage Universal owners to comment on your video.
Btw, I will be in the Boston area May 2-3 for a workshop at the Museum of Printing. However there is not have a power carriage Universal in the collection.