Parts source for C&P OS compatible press
Hi,
I’ve recently acquired a Thorp-Gordon 6x10 Standard model no.2 that from the little information I’ve found can share parts with an OS C&P Pilot. (link - http://books.google.com/books?id=YT8jLqxuQUMC&pg=PA175&lpg=PA175&dq=thor...)
As I’ve been cleaning the press I’ve noticed there are a few parts that should be replaced. I’m not very far into the cleaning and I’ve already found that both of the top impression screws need to be replaced, and the gripper bar spring is bent in places it shouldn’t be.
While I’ve been searching both the discussion and yellow pages, I’m new enough to letterpress (only 8 months, working on presses at the Center for Book Arts here in NYC [yay CBA!]) to be worried about ordering and spec-ing parts based on an assumption that the pilot parts would work. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I go about contacting various vendors to make sure we’re all on the same wavelength? Is there a parts press out there somewhere I can find? Any help/directional advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Zoe Huertas
standard model no 2.jpg
You may be able to adapt standard machine bolts for the impression screws — you could take one of the lower ones to a hardware store and see what’s close. It might require some simple machining. I’d guess that the gripper spring may be OK as is if it works, or it can be straightened if done carefully (I’d be inclined to try hammering it on a solid steel surface like an anvil or bench vise, but be careful — spring steel is brittle). I’d be more concerned about what looks like a jerry-rigged ink disc pawl assembly. But hey — if it works maybe it doesn’t need replacing!
Bob