Moving a Vandercook
Hi all,
I’ve got the possibility of buying a Vandercook no 4 and was wondering if anyone has experience of moving one, or a similar model?
I don’t have any experience in moving large presses, and I’m a bit out of my depth working out what kind of equipment is needed to move it. I’d have to move it about 100 miles and would prefer to have it moved professionally to avoid damaging it.
If anyone has any UK based recommendations for companies who would be able to move a press, I’d be most appreciative.
Thanks
Harry Rochat (listed on this site) moved a No.4 for me very easily, they have wheels that screw into the feet and did a great job including properly levelling it all in its new home. I had previously moved it myself and while it is possible with a few friends, if they do it the only thing you need to worry about is making them tea. They are in Barnet UK.
Rochat also have an SP15 for restoration too they plan to carry out some time……….
Rochat also have an SP15 for restoration too they plan to carry out some time……….
Hello Alistair, how did they level your press? Adjustable feet or blocks and wedges? I’ve just moved my Universal I and would like to know the best way to get the press level. Thanks in advance.
I’ve moved many of these. You need the right kit but they arent too much of a hassle. Try my old colleague Giles Hovendon at AMR. ([email protected]), he’d be glad to help and considerably cheaper than Rochat. By comparison a Columbian move 60 miles was quoted at £4000 + VAT by them. It was moved by AMR for a quarter of that. Good luck, Jeremy.
Hi Thomas
They definitely used pieces of hardboard to shim up certain feet, I’m not sure if they adjusted the feet as well. The press is on a very uneven old concrete floor.
Alistair
I have also used “easycut lino”(vinyl) to level a press available fromprintmaking suppliers, seems to have a grippy feel and slightly compressable, as well as greyboard which is more traditional.
Vandercook used thick rectangular hard rubber sheeting for the feet. To level the press, which you should do, use a polished steel ball bearing. Put it in the center of the bed and watch where it goes. Better than any leveling device. Patch up above the rubber pads with greyboard or similar rubber until the ball bearing stays where it is put. Clean and scrap out the press bed first, so it is smooth and slick, yeah.
Gerald
Gerald, great idea with the ball bearing, i might even try it on my c&p??