Vandercook Wanted

>Will pick up in western US or northern Mexico.

Just watch out for those scorpions on the way back.

BTW, my brother is a car mechanic, and in order to save some much needed cash I am considering using engine oil to lube up my Vandercock. Should I use 10W-40 or 20W-50?

Sorry, I know I shouldn't crack jokes like that now that I'm taking a letterpress class, but I'm just too much of a digitboy.

hhp

Oh, Yes. That's a great peice of equipment. You can run anything on it, I've even used it to die-cut stuff. If I had more space I'd be in the market for one myself.

Crawford in LA reconditions Vandercooks and last time I talked to them they had an SP-15 in the shop (under repair).
http://www.pressrepair.com/

I've got a late release SP-15 and they are quite nice to work on, though the roller adjustment is a constant headache on them. They weren't exactly designed for editioning. Die-cutting on one of these is NOT a good idea. These presses simply are not built for it.

Just curious, how much will something like this cost?

Print shops and newspapers that have them around and just want someone to haul them off do, sometimes, give them away; I've seen such deals offered many times (but none close to where I live). Price on a well-maintained, working SP15 with a working motor, rollers, lockup bar etc. seems to vary pretty widely, usually between $700 and $1000, not including shipping. The SP15 is the smallest and, I think, most popular (it's often used by etchers and other types of printmakers), and weighs in around 700 lbs all told. Some of the universal models weight quite a bit more and there are versions that were made for doing full spreads that came with detachable turtles/composing surfaces that look like they must weigh several tons.

Actually the price on Vandercooks has increased quite a bit in the last six months or so, mainly because of web activity, eBay, current popularity of letterpress, etc. The price for a later model Vandercook is closer to $1500 to $2000 and upwards. The models of choice are the Universal I (15 inch) and Universal III (20 inch), followed by the SP15 and SP20. There are older models that are often used as well, but these have a significantly different inking system. These are the numbers 3, 4, and 219. There are some very large bed presses that seem to be picking up in value as well. I got my SP15 years ago for $200. I've owned about a dozen Vandercooks over the years but never had to pay over a thousand for any one of them. Those days are over.

I got my SP-15 about 10 years ago in Denver, for $100, from an offset printer who needed the space it had been occupying, unused, for years. I love my Vandercook; I expect it will be the last thing I part with.... It's clear they are very hard to come by now. Joshua might put a "wanted" note in any kind of newsletter coming out of the Printing Industries of N. Calif. trade organization.

well, this one's in way way way north mexico... in the estado el Ontario! but i thought i'd mention it anyway, and it's a #14. but i guess none out of two ain't that bad!

I'm also interested in obtaining a Vandercook Universal I. I'm on the East Coast near Washington DC. Please email me if you have one to sell. Thanks!

I have a nice Vandercook Universal I that I am interested in selling. It has original paint, washup, original tool set. Unit is placed on a heavy skid and ready for transit. It is in very good shape except for a small bend on the access door. I can also make shipping arrangements at a discount. I understand these are selling in good shape for $2,500-$3,000; I am looking for an offer somewhere in that range. Please e-mail me at barabas@cmsu1.cmsu.edu for pictures or for more information. Thanks.

After many years as an artist book and card printer, I need to make room in my studio and budget for the next chapter. I have a VC SP-15. I purchased it 15 years ago and have used it and maintained it on a very consistent but very part time basis. I have a type case with old standard helvetica and wedding type, a galley tray case and a nice lot of furniture, one nice composing stick, quoins, lotsa leading and a cutter. Extra set of rollers that need to be recovered go with the ones that I had recovered about 6 years ago through NA Graphics. Stuff is ready to leave our industrial space in Concord, MA (all went in by the Otis elevator) and is being sold as is for $3500.
I am sad to part with it, but feel like it is just wrong to hold it hostage for nostalgia's sake. Feel free to zap me back and ask questions.

Hi Marni, do you still have the SP-15 available? Please email me at rdhetzel(at)yahoo.com if you haven't already sold it.

Thanks! Rachael