C&P 12x18 replacing saddles safely

Sandwich Letterpress
on 12 Oct 11 (11:07)

Hello,
I need to replace the saddles on my C&P 12x18 Craftsman.

I’m wondering how to remove them safely. What should I watch for with the springs?

Thank you.
- Sam

Girl with a kluge
on 12 Oct 11 (21:24)

Hello Sandwich Letterpress/ How to remove the springs from your press
1.) Put on safety glasses

2.) Keep small children away

3.) Use a needle nose pliers to pull out the cotter key.

Sandwich Letterpress
on 12 Oct 11 (23:54)

Safety glasses it is. Thanks Girl with a Kluge.

David M MacMillan
on 13 Oct 11 (00:43)

If you go to the LETPRESS list archives

https://listserv.unb.ca/cgi-bin/wa?A0=LETPRESS

and search the archives for:

New Style Roller Saddles

you will find a thread from 2008 on this subject. In particular, it contains a posting from Glenn House dated March 27, 2008 which gives a detailed account of what appears to be a well-considered procedure (and apparatus) for removing and replacing these springs while avoiding the risks associated with them flying across the shop.

Fortunately (for me) I haven’t had to try this yet so I can’t say anything about the effectiveness of his procedure, but it looks like a good starting place. Mike Day also had some good comments on that thread, and Greg Fischer (the Linofish) recommended a full face shield. Greg’s been a machinist long enough that I respect his views on safety considerably.

Regards,
David M.
www.CircuitousRoot.com

dicharry
on 13 Oct 11 (11:04)

Glenn’s advice is good, but please be very careful. Especially when dealing with the springs on a Craftsman as they are, in my experience, under much greater tension than the springs of Old Style and New Series Chandler and Price platens.

Brad.