Kluge operators -
I’m hoping “Girl with a Kluge” and “dickg” will weigh in on this, as well as anyone else with ideas. I have a 1940s automatic 10x15 Kluge for personal use - no employees, no OSHA. Although it was filthy when I purchased it, it seems to be in great working order. I do need to replace a roller or two, get the roller tool, and probably replace the air hoses as suction is not terrific.
I’d like to find a “tutor for the day” willing to help me learn minor repair and practice with the auto feed. I have the original manual and parts catalog. I’m mechanically minded and good with power tools and I used a C&P a hundred years ago in college. But the power aspect of the Kluge is a bit intimidating.
Not sure what happened to my roller. It seems to have melted.
We have a terrific printing museum in Houston, but no classes posted at the moment. I’ll also contact them for a tutor contact.
Thanks
mare
Mare, I’m self taught on the Kluge, Girl with a Kluge is my go to girl when I get in trouble, she has forgotten more than I will ever know about the Kluge, I do give lessons and would be willing to have you come by and show you what I know, I’m only an hours drive from you, just hop a plane to Boston, rent a car and I’m an hours drive south.
Thanks dickg. I like Boston. Next time I head up to visit my friend in Portland (ME) I’ll stop by! I’m good with self-taught. I just need to get over the speed aspect.
what do you want to know? i am running 5 of them.
i can send video for you to answer any questions. or, contact me. i used to build these things. now i run them, and perform field service work for Kluge.
About item that is a big help, look on ebay for a manual. I see them come up once in awhile.
I has called an talked to my many GREAT people on this Brair Press about adjustment. But, it helps a lot to have a book or photos of what people are talking about.
That way when a person says, see part number in manual, you will have a better understanding.
AaronDavid - thank you. I do have the manual and have contacted the guy in Dallas who refurbishes Kluge machines.
Thanks ericm - I’ll take a pic today of the roller in question, and the suction hoses.
If the roller must be replaced, will the new rollers I’ve seen offered as Kluge 10x15 work on the old machines? What company do you recommend for purchasing a roller? Or is there a way to refurbish a roller?
I have the drawing offered by another forum contributor to make your own tool to remove the rollers. Is that tool, or the original tool made by Kluge available for purchase anywhere?
Roller height adjustment - I just need more practice.
Automatic paper feed - I’d love to see a video of that in action. I’m not confident I have all the pieces set up correctly.
Thank you all for the help!
mare
Some hints from “The Old Man:”
1. Clean air system and pump per manual: w/kerosene or gasoline.
2. Replace ALL air hoses with NEW. (Don’t skimp here!)
3. If it moves…OIL IT!
4. Do not use petroleum oil on pump plunger. It deteriorates the leather washer/diaphraghm. Use instead NEATSFOOT OIL. It is for leather, and available at real hardware stores or shoe repair shops.
5. It can be very dangerous to use C&P rollers on a Kluge press. If you do that it is advisdable to keep your life insurance premium current!
6. If you don.t have tool for roller removal, let me know, I may havre one!
Stanislaus - awesome info and thanks for the specific oil name. The retired printer from whom I bought it showed me all the oil places - I think.
I’ve looked through all the stuff he gave me and I don’t see anything resembling the roller removal tool that has been described. ericm said he could make one for me.
I’ve seen the Kluge 10x15 roller on a couple of websites and will heed your advice.
thanks!
mare
When buying Neatsfoot oil, be sure to get “Pure Neatsfoot Oil”. This is rendered from the hooves of cattle. It will probably be a bit cloudy looking. It’s more expensive than “Blended Neatsfoot Oil” which is mostly made up of petroleum-based oils and is a clearer liquid. Blended Neatsfoot was developed in WWII to extend the availability of the oil to the Allied militaries but isn’t as good for the leather long-term as the pure stuff.
—
Michael Hurley
Titivilus Press
mare,
Congratulations on your kluge, they are a great machine! If I lived closer I would be happy to be your tutor for the day. I can try and help you via email. Do you have the roller core and trucks from the melted one? Rollers can be recovered. There are many manufacturers in the yellow pages on this site, such as Todd’s Presstime, Ramco Roller, NA Graphics to name a few. If you need cores, an extra chase, or other supplies I may have some.
mephits - thanks for the detail. The retired printer gave me a can of mystery oil he used, but I will look for the pure Neatsfoot.
Girl with a Kluge - Thanks! I’ve just begun to get my feet wet, but I’m already hooked. I do have the roller core and trucks as it is still on the machine. ericm said he could make the removal tool for me. I think that’s the only thing I don’t have. I have an extra chase and plenty of furniture. I have a small collection of wood type but will most often use polymer plates. I had no idea the rollers could be recovered - that’s great. Are the four rollers interchangeable? The rubber on the bottom two seems to be a little thinner. I’m not sure I know enough yet to know what I don’t know. But I’ll take you up on your offer of emails.
What a great group you all are!
mare
Hello Mare, welcome to the kluge fraternity. Check out my posting kluge rail modifications. I can dial in roller height perfectly. Also I have had my own aluminum bases cut at a local machine shop very reasonable.
good luck.
Ted Lavin
Artificer Press
ted - Terrific. I will check out your posting. Thank you for the help.
mare