Reprex No.1 - Sluggish grippers (new problem)

Hi Experts,

I’ve been using my Reprex No.1 cylinder proof press without problem for nearly 10 years. However, lately the paper grippers no longer “snap” down quickly onto the paper. Instead, they slowly lower onto the paper as if managed by some kind of slow-motion hydraulic action.

Not only does this increase the printing time enormously but, more importantly, the paper is no longer gripped precisely and is prone to slippage.

I’ve oiled the gripper parts inside the carriage as best I can (this, according to the instruction manual & many thanks to Paul Moxon’s Vandercook blog for that!) - but this seems to have no effect.

See the video here: https://goo.gl/photos/6Y9rjEZ32T6vSyM27

I will happily receive your suggestions/feedback if you’re familiar with this issue.

As always, thanks so much for your input.

Sue
The Cranky Press

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Dear Sue,

Please remember that oil attracts dirt. A sluggishness suggests that the grippers need to be disassembled and cleaned, and then lubricated anew. I recommend using graphite, a dry lubricant.

Hi Paul.

Sound advice. Thank you. (Though I confess it seems a daunting task, since the interior of the carriage is not especially accessible. Nonetheless, I shall proceed with extreme caution and disassemble for a thorough cleaning!)

Regards,
Sue

Hi Paul.

Sound advice. Thank you. (Though I confess it seems a daunting task, since the interior of the carriage is not especially accessible. Nonetheless, I shall proceed with extreme caution and disassemble for a thorough cleaning!)

Regards,
Sue

I’m not a Reprex user, and don’t have access to a manual, but here’s my suggestion:

Is the Gripper bar removable (to change the packing don’t you loosen the gripper bar to tuck in the lead edge of the tympan sheet)? If so, that is the only part you need to remove to get at the gripper parts which need lubrication. the spring-loaded posts which rise and lower are the part which need the cleaning and re-lube.

As Paul has indicated, oil is not the best lube for these as it tends to rise up and stain the paper being gripped for a while, and also collects paper dust which causes the sluggishness you are noticing. You can purchase a small tube of graphite at the hardware store. Try to find just plain graphite (not in oil) to use for this. If you can disassemble the grippers, clean them and the holes they go in well with solvent before applying the graphite.

John Henry
Cedar Creek Press

Hi Paul and John,
Your advice was perfect — and I’ve been able to resolve the problem. I removed the gripper bar, cleaned and lubricated the gripper posts with dry graphite and voila! all is well again.

Thanks so much and happy new year to you and all BP members.

Best,
Sue

Sometimes it just takes a hint from someone who has lived for trough the frustration on his own.

John H