Vandercook SP 15 press: How to keep it well oiled.

[@classifiedinformation6353]

Jim, thanks for the informative video. I have a Vandfcook No. 4 and have never really knew how to oil it. I just put oil where I assumed oil should go. The petrolium jelly is a point that I didn't realize. Again, I assumed regular oil was sufficient. John The paper marbler

[@jaescala]

Thanks John! The No. 4 is a wonderful printing press. Have used one occasionally. So glad you found one. They can be hard to find! Hope you are well!

[@annong4072]

Thank you for the demonstration and explanations about the Vandercook SP15. I have just purchased one and look forward to having it join my print shop and can't wait to start printing with it.

[@JessieAlberts]

I just got an SP 15 and need to clean the press (not the rollers, but the press itself). What would you use to clean the press bed, rails, etc? Thank you!

[@jaescala]

Hi Jessie, How exciting! Hard to know with out seeing how dirty it is” Buy good rubber gloves. Hopefully you have a fan or a well ventilated room. If not look, for a respirator with a cartridge for the cleaning materials that you use. This is what I have used. I bought mine in 1980. We had limited cleaning solvents then, and most were industrial level materials. Today you may find safer ones. On mine, I still use fine steel wool or green rough pad to clean real dirty or rusty areas. I have fans and decent ventilation. I use Mineral sprits to clean the rollers and any surface area that is dirty. If you have rust you can use a product called Naval Jelly. It is pink in color and jelly like consistency. I apply it to the rusted areas, let it sit and then gently rub out the rust using fine steel wool. Another product I have used if a cloth like fiber called “Never Dull”. It is a cloth with a solvent that can clean away some stains and rust from the metal surface. I use alcohol to remove grease residue. If you have any stuck bolts, try a penetrating solvent to losses bolts and nuts. A good hardware store is your friend. They often have people with good knowledge on cleaning machinery. I keep my press well oiled and also apply oil to the gears and press bed, if I do not plan to use it for some time. I buy a single viscosity motor oil, like SW 10 when I oil my press. Hope this helps. Reach out to me if you have other questions. I don’t have much knowledge about social media, but I hear that lots of people have resources on line to help with your press. Again, congratulations and happy printing!

[@JessieAlberts]

@@jaescala Wow, thank you for the quick and comprehensive response! Maybe I'll attach a photo tomorrow-there is dirt/grime, but also some patchy stuff that doesn't quite look like rust on the press bed. Maybe I'll try steel wool on that. Thanks again!

[@jaescala]

@@JessieAlberts I will keep my eye on this post. All best -jim

[@tomazmusso]

can i use sewing machine oil?

[@jaescala]

Yes, I believe it is similar to 3n1 brand oil. I buy a quart size can of automobile single viscosity motor oil, like 15W or 20W. A quart is a good size for a classroom, probably too much for a solo printer that does not print frequently. In a pinch I have used 3n1 brand often. Happy printing. -Jim

[@tomazmusso]

@@jaescala Thanks so much Jim! 🙏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🌿