Such a Novice - Is this a fair price please? 1966 Heidelberg T Platen 10 x 15

You can by a static (electronic) phase convertor for roughly $150 US that will allow you to keep the 3 phase motor and switch gear. I’d think that simpler than swapping out the motor and rewiring the switchgear.

Price seems a bit high, relative to the US market but if the press comes with good rollers, the rider roller, a full tool tray with all the extra bits and pieces, and a fulls parts drawer, with spare shear disc, slides and such, that might make it worth while.

After i paid 4k for my first heidelberg, my 70 year old croatian press mentor came to have a look and said, “Oh nice, you can pick these up for $500 anywhere you want!”.

You can’t. Beware opinions. A lot of people find them for free, or just the cost of removing it… But to get one thats working well, wired correctly for where you will be keeping her and nice and clean: worth a lot more money.

She does look like she is in good condition - try to see her running before you purchase. See that all the rollers are there. Check it’s still picking up paper (many windmills have been used only for die cutting in recent years and suction can be very hard to clean up and fix).

Mine are on convertors, which was the most cost-effective thing to do, but it still took time, and about 500$ with the electricians, ohh and another $400 for a new motor because the imperial wiring couldn’t run with a convertor, ohhh and another 200$ to send it interstate because there wasn’t anything available near me, and then, and then…. moving it, repairing it… After i bought my first one, was nearly four months until i actually was able to switch it on.

If there is any way you can hold off buying one until you’ve moved from ‘Novice’ to Intermediate…

My windmill is from 1966 also, i’ve owned it since the mid 1980’s and run it almost daily. Price is a hard thing to figure, if the press is close to you moving it will be cheaper, these presses can do some great work but it takes some time to learn to run them. Dick G.

i bought my C&P from a friend of a friend and paid him what he’d put into it (all the equipment with it, new rollers, ink, etc.). it was more than the “going price” i’ve seen for some of these presses, but it came with full supplies, it’s in beautiful working condition (i don’t have the skills/knowledge to get a rusty and broken one from someone’s basement and get it up and running myself), and he delivered it and gave me lessons on it.

i’ve been very grateful to have one that was already in great condition and ready to go. figure out what it’s worth to you and go for it. photos of abandoned, rusty presses always make me feel that the decision i made was right for me.

martha
www.marthakellyart.com

This is all such helpful advice. I have taken it all in and enables me to ask a few more questions even prior to seeing it work. I really appreciate the time taken to help me out and post your comments.