Please help! No impression on C&P Pilot

I’m a letterpress beginner and am using my C&P pilot [new style] for the first time. Only problem is that I am not getting an impression.

I am using a Boxcar deep relief base and plate with 3 pieces of paper for packing. When handle is down the platen is a good 1/8” from the base/plate. I think my problem is the handle is not coming all the way down. Based on this diagram: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thearm/335705174/sizes/l/in/photostream/ the handle is supposed to be parallel to the table. When my handle is all the way down its a good 5 inches from being parallel. How do I adjust the handle?

ANY and all thoughts or tips are appreciated! Thanks much!

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Suannsong—

Before forcing the handle down (and yes, it should be completely horizontal), check to see that you don’t have metal touching metal anywhere: grippers, gauge pins, and plate/base should *never* touch! That’s one thing that’ll prevent impression.

Have you checked to make sure that your base is level in the chase (i.e., planed it flat)? Is the platen evenly 1/8” away from the form? If not, your platen is probably out of alignment, and you’ll have to adjust the impression screws.

Take your chase out of the press. Does your handle come all the way down now?

Whatever you do, don’t force the handle down…you could snap some very vital cast iron!

Kelly

Hi there,

Thanks so much. I just checked and…

- no metal touching
- base is level
- and about 1/8” evenly from form
- took the chase out and handle does come down all the way down

What does that mean? REALLY appreciate your help.

Thanks! —suann

EDIT — I figured it out…thanks, Kelly.

My gripper was slightly in the way. I just adjusted in the handle comes down. The impression is still uneven but I think its because the platen is a little off.

Thanks soo much! —ss

edit: oops, nevermind

Is it possible you can take a picture from the side and top views? it might help someone spot the issue.

suann:

I would indicate that something is touching, somewhere. Are the gripper fingers out of the way of the base? They are thick enough to “bear off” and keep the press from fully closing.

Take the mounting base out of the chase and just put the chase in place and try it out. The press should close OK with just the chase in place. If it doesn’t, the chase might not be properly fitted to the press.

Kelly’s question about the platen being unevenly adjusted owuld be the next one to consider. Is there anyplace where the platen touches the base? perhaps the lower edge of the platen hits the lower edge of the base, or something.

If you have the ability to put some photos online of how the press is setup, that would assist folks in helping you troubleshoot.