sliding rollers *siiigh*

If you can post a close-up photo of the rollers at the point where they skid that might reveal something. I’d check to be sure that the core ends are free to turn in the saddles or roller hooks — I think the Craftsman has a double saddle for two rollers. If there is anything binding the rods that the saddles are mounted on that can cause the problem. Also, the springs that retract the rods and pull the roller trucks against the rails could be weak or loose. I have seen rollers mounted so the trucks were tight against the hooks and pushing them apart slightly, causing them to bind. Everything has to be free to make it work right. Also, make sure the roller core ends are oiled where they fit in the saddles.

thanks AdLibPress! I’ll check it out!

I don’t know if this will help, but, I use rock climbing chalk (baby powder) powder on my rails so the trucks have better stickiness and don’t slide. Make sure the rails are clean and free of oils.

I use a small amount by putting some on my fingers and tapping the rails, it’s enough for the form rollers not to slide when the when rolling over the form.

I think many people tend to oil the rails that that surely can lead to slippage. Could be good to just take your rollers off and thoroughly clean the ends of the cores along with the saddles that hold them. That area you should oil.

Not sure how you would compare to, but you might try to see if your springs seem weak. They should exert a pretty serious amount of pressure pulling the trucks against the rails.

Another thing to check is to make sure your rollers are the correct height using a roller height gauge.

Do your roller trucks turn on the roller shafts? They should be securely keyed to the roller shaft so the trucks can’t turn unless the roller does. If they are not keyed together, the rollers can stall until they contact the printing surface. This can cause a variety of inking problems.

If the trucks are not keyed to the shafts (common on tabletop presses) there are various ways to handle the problem. This has been discussed previously on this site, but solutions include jamming the trucks on the roller shaft with string, and roller supporters alongside the form in the chase.

Thank you for all the helpful advice. After looking at everything again, I think it’s just a matter of taping the rails and getting some more friction.

-angela

Hi Angela, I realize this is an old thread, but did you ever solve your problem? I have a Craftsmen Monarch that has the same exact issue; the top roller just glides over the rails once it gets about half way down. I was guessing that perhaps the springs needed more tension, but I wondered if you ever found a solution for your press.

Thanks!

The essential question is: when the rollers slide, are the trucks turning, or also sliding?

In my case, the trucks are also sliding (there is a notch on the core that keeps the trucks in position on the core).

try a piece of tape on the trucks, i’ve used electricians tape, make sure the rails are free of oil, wrap the tape once around the trucks good luck dick g.

Then, if the roller ends have been lubricated (slightly), the tracks are clean, and the saddle-spring tension is right, you might have to add roller-bearers to the form. They should get the rollers turning and keep them turning.
If the chase were removed and the rollers brought down to where they slip, can they be turned by hand very easily? That would suggest weak springs (and the middle of the form is where the springs would be at their least compression).
If your press doesn’t have adjusting nuts for the saddle spring tension, maybe you can add a short segment of spring to increase the force of the exisiting springs. That could be easier than finding complete replacement springs.