Disassembling a Press

I have been offered a C&P 8 x 12 press for free. The press is currently at my friends shop and I need to relocate it. The press is in good condition overall but is extremely filthy with a lot of built up dirt/dust/oil. I was going to take the press and completely disassemble it and have all of the parts stripped and cleaned and then reassemble the press. This would serve two purposes, it would allow me to get the press cleaned and prepared for painting but it would also enable me to move the press without needing any special equipment for lifting. I would like to break the press down into individual parts or sections that I can lift into and out of the bed of my pick-up truck by myself or at the most with the assistance of my wife. Does anyone know where I might be able to find some directions or instructions on how to break the press down completely. I am especially looking for information on what order to take it apart. I plan on taking some photos along the way for reassembly but thought there might already be some information out there on disassembling a press.

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Friend,

A C&P 8x12 is the smallest of the platens. Unless you are experienced in taking presses apart, etc. I would suggest that you move the press in one piece. You can move it yourself with some help, or better yet get a professional to do it. You can clean it up little by little in one piece. Do Not
Look For Trouble. More important is that the press is in good mechanical shape. Dirt is no problem. A “new looking” press does not make it print better. Be careful when you move any heavy piece of equipment. Safety first!
The cost of moving the press is not bad when you think that you are getting the press free! Be sure there is nothing wrong with this press.
Good Luck. Let me know how you make out.
SAL

Have you looked in past messages here on Briar Press? Its been discussed quite a bit. Even fairly recently.

In short, I think it’s easier and better to move without taking anything off. But if you must take it apart to get it out of a basement or other tight quarters take off only what you absolutely need to. Once it it is in your shop and you want to take it apart for restoration it will be a lot more controlled. Part of the problem is that likely you’ll be left with an awkward assemblage of side of side frames and large gear and its shaft that just won’t come apart without slow patient effort. Not something I want to try when moving it.

But if you simply feel you must take it apart: The flywheel is the first obvious bit to remove. The wooden tables followed by the inking assembly (including the roller arms and ink table). Throw off assembly is next. Then the sidearms to free the bed to allow you to lower toward the floor. It won’t reach the floor while still on its shaft so you need wooden blocks to prop the top up while taking out the shaft. Then the platen, which is attached in a number of places besides the obvious bolts. Both the bed and platen are best done with a helper. The rocker lock spring is *very dangerous* if you attempt to remove it. The inner frame can now come out, but I’d leave it in place.

If these terms are unfamiliar, go find the parts list for the C&P NS on the Boxcar press site: http://www.boxcarpress.com/community/flywheel.html and hesitate to take the press apart.

If you can talk a nearby printer who’s been through the process of moving a C&P, ask him or her to help and offer to pay for food, beer (after the move is complete) and transportation, etc. And offer to reciprocate. For some reason printers regularly need to move big heavy stuff; help is always welcomed.

All that said, taking an 8x12 apart and getting it back together again is not difficult if you have a modicum of common sense and mechanical ability. But it does take time and care, and there is plenty of potential for getting hurt yourself and even more for damaging the press.

As for reassembly there’re only a few parts that can be put on wrong way ‘round. Sidearms should have the oil holes up and often there is wear indicating which was in toward the press. The throwoff saddle can be reattached upside down and the shaft it attaches to can also be put in upside down. The rest pretty much fits only one way.

Still want to try taking it apart? Look in the old messages for more detailed instructions.

Final warnings…C&P presses are top heavy and cast iron is fragile and once broken, difficult to repair.

Good luck.

Arie and Sal are wise. I say that because I agree with them. Also because they are generous with their time and experience and have contributed much to this forum.
I quite agree that unless it is necessary to make the press smaller in order to get it in or out of a tight space; do not disassemble it. I have moved 8 x 12s and 10 x 15s all by myself. I do it very slowly and carefully and require little of my own strength. I do it all by hand without forklifts or cranes. I use the Egyptian method of pipe rollers and a
come-along and a rented equipment trailer. It helps that I am experienced as a rigger.
Tell where you are and perhaps you can find some experienced help. Big strong guys who have never moved a press before are probably the wrongest kind of help.
I have taught two people how to move presses by email instruction. I never met them. Both made good moves.
Contact me off net if you wish.

We are “one” of the two that Inky taught to move an 8 x 12 press by e-mail. We listened to his wisdom. It was a planned move. One “chief” as Inky would say and the rest…workers! The move was uneventful. The same precautions were made loading the press and unloading it. We have all of our fingers and toes still attached. Wisdom comes from experience. We asked, We listened and then we moved. Best of luck.

I recently acquired a Pearl 7x11, and other than the flywheel, rollers, feedboard and external treadle bar, everything was left together.

Which meant I reassembled these few moveable parts in about 15 minutes and am ready to print this weekend. So I too would follow the elders’ advice. ; )

rw - back in 2002, I documented the partial disassembly and move of an 8x12 - http://www.excelsiorpress.org/photos/2002.0109-Crombie/

I do have more recent photos of a more complete disassembly - and the move into a basement(!) - which I recommend avoiding if at all possible. - but they have not been posted yet. If you get stuck, drop me a line and I’ll post the photos to show you how Rich & Sarah took apart her press when we moved it into her parents basement last summer.

- Alan

rw - back in 2002, I documented the partial disassembly and move of an 8x12 - http://www.excelsiorpress.org/photos/2002.0109-Crombie/

I do have more recent photos of a more complete disassembly - and the move into a basement(!) - which I recommend avoiding if at all possible. - but they have not been posted yet. If you get stuck, drop me a line and I’ll post the photos to show you how Rich & Sarah took apart her press when we moved it into her parents basement last summer.

- Alan