my new (new to me) C&P

Well here it is… my Craftsman. Installed.

I’m just starting to get it up and running and I questions about the mechanics/parts for getting it operational.

Is there anyone out there who is willing to let me email them questions?

I am VERY new to all of this…

thank you

-sb

image: IMG_2862.jpg

IMG_2862.jpg

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bob, just post them on here and you will get a few different ideas, you can email me if you want. Dick G.

Dick G.
Thanks for the reply!
My first few questions are these…

I’m going to start to re-oil the many oil-points throughout the press. What is the best weight of oil to use? And some of the oil locations are without the little filler caps…should I just get some rubber stoppers? The size of a pencil eraser. And I do not know if there is any moisture inside those oil holes. Just add the new oil?

And next is the rollers…There are 4. Do I need to run all for during printing? They seem to be in good shape but the the wheels (A) that run on the rails are falling apart. Where should I re-order those from and what size do I ask for?

And lastly, for this post, What is that wing-nut for? (B) It is only on one side of the rollers.

Thank you again. I’m trying to learn the history of this model C&P but I have had a difficult time finding anyone with a this model. I was told there was never a manual made for it?

-sb

image: roller 1.jpg

roller 1.jpg

Clean out the oil holes with the largest drill bit you can find that fits. Just plunk it in there and twist it and it will bring all the crud that has accumulated out of the holes.

If your shop is very dusty/dirty you could get some rubber stoppers to protect the bearing surfaces from grit.

Flush all of the oil holes out with a penetrating oil first—something like WD-40. I use a product called Fluid Film that is solvent free. This kind of oil is very light and will be drawn out of the bearing surfaces by gravity as well as evaporate very quickly. It should only be used this once to clean out anything that shouldn’t be in there.

After you’ve turned the machine over a few times having cleaned the bearing surfaces off with penetrating oil, begin to lubricate with a 30 weight non-detergent oil. I’ve read many different opinions as to how often this should be done and it seems like the safest bet is to oil it every time you use it and if you are using it for long periods of time, every four hours. Oil more frequently if you are doing something intensive like die-cutting.

An important oil hole that is often overlooked is the platen cam rider. When the press is about to come closed, this rider will become visible inside the cam that is on the inside of the main gear on the right side of the press, just under the delivery board (at least on my NS.) Make sure to get oil inside the oil hole and not on the outside of the rider.

If your trucks are worn, I believe NA Graphics sells replacements. Check out all their goodies at nagraph.com.

I’m afraid I’m not sure what that wingnut is for. As I said, I have a NS and not a Craftsman.

you only have to run two rollers for most work, the wing nut might be to hold a smaller roller that rides on top of your other two form rollers (only a guess) , the trucks you have seem to be morgan expansion trucks, na graphics sells the rubber part only, which you need to replace. Good Luck Dick G.

This website (see the link below) shows a home-made rider roller for a C&P. It’s made from a used offset press roller. With your press you would need a smaller diameter roller than the one pictured, since you have a mounting system.
Riders are nice for large solids and combinations of solids and type. The rider helps to prevent ghosting and voids. Maybe someone who owns one can give you dimensions or tell you where to get one.

http://www.twopiglets.com/kluge/parts/

I also have a new to me 10 x 15 Craftsman. I’d be glad to share information with you. if you go to my flickr site you can see the parts manual or picks of my press.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boundstaffpress/sets/72157622579147468/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/boundstaffpress/4457858657/

Thank you all!
-sb