Seized up right roller frame
I recently acquired a 1913 C&P 8 x 12 platen press. It’s in decent shape other than the right roller frame seems to be fused on the back shaft. That side of the press had some kind of sticky gunk on the chase, the bed, and all over the frame. It does scrub off, but I suspect that’s what’s causing the problem. Any suggestions? The penetrating oil just sits in the oil hole and doesn’t seem to soak in. I’ve also tried acetone. I’m nervous about cracking something, so I’m hesitant to bang on it, .
Remove the rollers, close the platen and strap the press closed. Remove the right arm and the back name plate. With those parts removed you should be able to apply some force to the roller frame and see if you can get it to break free of whatever gunk is binding it to the rear shaft. You could also try to remove the roller frame by gently tapping it outward with a rubber mallet. You might need to take some steel wool and mineral spirits and clean the shaft outside of the roller frame… or else it may not want to come off the press.
Hope this helps!
Brad.
Gonna have to remove the arm that moves the roller assembly before he can close the press — right? I suspect a set of polyurethane rollers melted on the press and cleanup will be challenging.
Bob
If we’re talking ‘right’ as in operator’s right then there is no roller frame arm on that side—just the arm that connects the bull gear to rear eccentric shaft.
The roller frames are actuated by a linkage on the left side and then transferred to the right via the rear (name) plate of the press.
At least that’s how I’m remembering it… I don’t have a press in front of me at the moment.
Brad.
I’d warm up the arm with a heat gun; but not so hot that the oil cooks, just softens. Some added weight to the arm may help as the frame is warmed… once it budges, gentle working with penetrant may get it to slide off.
Acetone may just dry gummy oil more, I’d stick with diesel fuel or ATF.
A heat gun sounds like a good idea. I’ve been using some big Jorgensen wood clamps to squeeze the thing off and it’s not moving at all.
Finally got this apart today, but I have to admit that I’ve only been messing with it intermittently. A friend, and acetylene torch and a sledgehammer did the trick. Still don’t know what was binding it up, but it was brown and started bubbling out around the roller frame after 20 minutes of heating. Thanks for the help.
Hahaha… now that’s a heat gun….
I would recommend a dead-blow hammer before a sledge, tho. Less likely to crack stuff on impact.
HNY,
AM