Assembling a C&P

Hello there…

Well I have just about finished the restoration on a old style 8x12 C&P.. It was in pieces when i got it and have worked on each piece, grinding away grime and rust to make them look pretty nice.. I’m almost at the assembly stage and was wondering if anyone out there had done the same and had some sort of resource for putting the parts together..

It’s easy to see on some pieces where they obviously connect to, but not all of it is so straight forward.

Help anyone?

This press doesn’t have a treadle and will run on a motor.

Thanks :)

Log in to reply   11 replies so far

The following link has a parts list and illustrations for a C&P 10x15 New Style that may point you in the right direction. Best wishes on your assembly.http://letterpresscommons.com/files/2012/10/cp-newseries-parts-list.pdf

you didn’t take it apart?

G’day THdan;

Several years ago, I put together an 8x12 New Style that I hadn’t taken apart. I used a parts diagram and pictures I found on the internet, psyched myself up, and went at it. I found it all went quite well —- one piece at a time —- and everything kind of fell into place. There seemed to be only one way for most things to go together. The hardest part was lifting things to line them up so as to push a rod through here and there. An extra pair of hands and a strong back (and maybe a weak mind) would have been helpful. Proceed and be thoughtfully and carefully bold….good luck………db

You might mention where you are located. Even if one of us old guys can’t lift like we used to, we can point and advise.

David is right, there are only a few pieces that can be put in wrong (mostly having to do with the throw-off) but there are a few tricky bits where the timing is crucial (the cam inside the bull gear or the spring for the rocker lock). Solutions are usually evident with a bit of thought, though you may find yourself removing the last few bits to accomplish a step. An extra set of hands can be helpful if you work together well.

And, to repeat, an experienced hand is very useful. Most of us are friendly and willing to lend a hand. Pizza and beer/soda can’t hurt, but we need to know where.

Your comment reminded me of a lucky experience I had. I had just started restoring my old Chandler and Price. These presses are made in Cleveland Ohio, in the US. I’m in Franklin Centre Quebec, Canada.
One day this old guy walks into my shop and says “I’m visiting your neighbour and he tells me you just bought an old printing press. I worked for Chandler & Price for 50 years and wondered if it is one of ours?”
I almost dropped dead! What a break! He’s probably the first and only guy from Ohio to ever come here… and he came into my shop. I learned a lot really quick.

Picking up a pretty rusty old 8x12 later today and it’s going to need A LOT of love. I’m intimidated by the idea of actually taking it apart and getting it back together. Is that probably the best way?

Is there any good documentation of the process anywhere? Photos and video would be amazing.

megahurt, I picked up a couple of kelseys that were left outside for who knows how long, nothing moved, rusted solid, I was afraid to take them apart, soaked them with penetrating oil and kept trying to move them, it took 6 or more months before they loosened up, both are working presses now. they still look rusty here and there but they work.

The rust on this one isn’t so bad, it moves. I’m just afraid of the whole process of taking it apart and getting it back together.

I try to never take these guys apart, cast iron breaks easily, flush the moving parts with press wash to get rid of the rust then flush with keroscene which will leave an oily film, then oil it and you should be good to go,

What type of press wash? I generally use Mineral Spirits, and occasionally California Wash.

I use coleman fuel.