Is this press worth saving from the wrecker?
Greetings,
At the scrapyard last Saturday, I saw an old platen press. I was looking for other things, but it caught my eye. I gave it only a quick look over, but I believe it is a Chandler & Price. It is missing the platen, is probably missing some other parts as well. It is a new series press, not one with the curved spokes. I plan to return to the scrapyard tomorrow to have another look. Is there anything in particular I should look for to determine whether I should bother to save this machine?
I am not a typesetter. I am a large-format photographer and steam & gas engine enthusiast, with a modest metal & woodworking shop. My father is a fine-art printmaker (lithographer), hence my eye for printing equipment. I spent some time googling platen & letterpresses, which is how I found this site. I need another project like I need a hole in my head, but I hate to see restoreable machinery scrapped. Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
E.Grim
Spokane, Wash.
Did it have a Treadle (foot pedal that drives the press) attaches under the front in the middle? Sometimes the parts are worth saving if not the whole press. People frequently post to list looking for pieces and parts… It is truly a shame to see it scrapped!
If you want to print with the press I guess you would need find a platen and anything else that is missing. There are some parts diagrams available so you can see what else is missing. I can’t seem to find my part diagram but these sites might be helpful.
http://www.garloo.com/chandler_and_price_diagram.htm
http://www.handpress.org/Reference/PDFcollection/PDFs/platen_jobber/oilc...
If you post some pictures of it im sure that people could tell you whats missing ect..
I might be purchasing a C&P press that does not have a treadle, did the press you saw have one? If so and you aren’t going to use it let me know!
Thanks