How do I adjust the platen?

I have a Kluge 12x18 and I’ve found the 5 nuts that are used to adjust the platen.

I loosened the back bolt and then attempted to adjust the nut above. I did not have any success at moving the platen. What am I doing wrong?

Sorry for the quality of the image. I had to use my cell phone.

image: kluge.jpg

kluge.jpg

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Thanks to girl with a Kluge I found this article.

http://www.apa-letterpress.com/T%20&%20P%20ARTICLES/Press%20&%20Presswor...

However, do I need to move all 5 nuts at the same time? I need to put 3 sheets of 140 lb paper in order to get a strong impression. The platen is far far back so I’m trying to figure out how to make a big move and not just a little.

I just did this process on my Pearl. I locked up 4 type-high blocks in the corners of the chase, put a sheet of tympan, a sheet of red pressboard, and two or three sheets of 80lb text, and closed the press with the impression off, then closed the throwoff slowly and backed off or increased the adjusters until they were easy to turn but just short of becoming harder to turn as you increase the impression with the throwoff until it is in maximum impression. I then turned the adjusters until there was slight resistance, doing each one repeatedly until they were all just snugging up. I then locked them with the lock nuts.

You do need to have all locknuts loose and adjust all adjusters together — if three are locked the fourth won’t move much unless you break the platen!

Bob

I believe the center bolt on the platen is to give it extra regidity for extra heavy forms which might (can you believe it) make the platen deflect. I would back that one off first then make the adjustments to the four adjusting bolts. Then simply firm up the center bolt when you get everything adjusted.

Can someone else verify this, it has been over 40 years since I operated a Kluge.

John Henry

What a memory John Henry, that advise is correct. Dick G.

Thanks all. I’ll loosen all the nuts first tonight and then start adjusting. It’s not easy to get to the bottom two on a Kluge.

Its not easy to get the bottom two on any press, you can turn the flywheel till the press opens up, that makes it a little easier. Dick G.

Its not easy to get the bottom two on any press, you can turn the flywheel till the press opens up, that makes it a little easier. Dick G.

Its not easy to get the bottom two on any press, you can turn the flywheel till the press opens up, that makes it a little easier. Dick G.

Dick,

You are really getting forgetful!

John

Hehe, he’s still awesome though. I always appreciate that he’s willing to share his knowledge.

when you are finished. watch carefully and loosen then tighten back the nuts on the top 2 platen bolts. they should tighten very definately. ie: if one looks like there is a slight gap between stud and rocker, it seems to “draw” the platen down before completely tight. your not adjusted correctly. do this check before snugging the center bolt.

John, it looks like i’m studdering also. Dick G.

Worked awesome everyone. The only part of the APA guide I take issue with is not adjusting the bottom two nuts. Everything worked much better once I adjusted the bottom two.