Tuning up a Chandler & Price 10x15 old style

snapsize
on 5 May 14 (23:21)

I just acquired a Chandler & Price 10x15 old style and have had to disassemble it to get it up to a second story studio. I’ve managed to get the press back together, oiled, and with new rollers on. However, there seems to be some resistance when the platen pulls back up. I’m just wondering if this is normal cause I’ll be operating it with the foot treadle and it seems like a bit of a workout.

Any help with this is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Denis

dicharry
on 6 May 14 (07:57)

Could you post a link to a video to show when the resistance is happening? Could be a cam.

Brad.

AnonyMouse
on 6 May 14 (11:25)

It should spin absolutely freely. No workout.

I’d take off the dogbones between the bed, roller arms and platen (secure the bed and roller arms from harm), so that the cams and rocker can move independently from the back half of the press. Check for free movement and report.

I’d mark the dogbones to ensure correct orientation when replacing. Parts will wear over time to be best running in the original orientation/location.

snapsize
on 6 May 14 (16:47)

Thanks for the help.

I wasn’t able to remove the dog bones yet cause I’ve been alone in the studio. That’s a good idea though and I see the point.

I did remove the rollers though.

The only thing I can report back so far is that the resistance happens when the large gear cam wheel mount for the right dog bone arm is between 10 o’clock and 12 o’clock, when facing it from the right side of the press. It’s also at the same time that the bed is being pushed back away from the platen.

snapsize
on 7 May 14 (22:39)

I removed the Side Arms, Platen and Rocker. With all these items removed I’ve discovered that there is a little resistance created when the Rocker Lock hits the Small Head and Lock Cam. Pretty smooth otherwise.

I added the Rocker back in and noticed some resistance is also created when the Rocker Arm travels through the Large Gear Cam Wheel. Seems to be pretty normal behaviour as it has to raise the Rocker without the counteracting weight of the Platen attached. Otherwise all moving parts are well oiled and spin freely.

I’m guessing some of this resistance will go away once the Platen is fastened to the rocker.

I’ll report again tomorrow.

snapsize
on 8 May 14 (18:09)

I think I’ve gotten the press spinning quite freely now. The press is completely assembled again and the only resistance I can detect is when the rollers roll over the top rail knuckles.

I checked the level of the press again and the back left leg needed to be shimmed about 1/4”. This made the left side arm go on quite a bit smoother then before and probably took a little pressure off everything.

Thanks for the help.