Category: Letterpress for beginners
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Restoring a Kelsey 5x8 Model P - questions

I am in the middle of restoring this Model P. It was missing many parts and well rusted together. After reading up and being patient it’s all freed up. I picked up an ink disc and I know where I can find new grippers and rollers. There are two thing that I am held up on.

FedEx dropped it and broke the handle since it wasn’t insured they weren’t will to pay out much for the repair. Is it better to find a new handle or have a cast iron welder try to repair it? For a new handle how do you get the old one out?

Is there is a good source for 5x8 chases? It was missing it’s chase.

Thank you!
ara

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  • awinter
  • on 3 Nov 20 (14:28)
  • Updated 3 Nov 20 (14:30)

Here is a photo of what I am working with.

image: PXL_20201103_192633737.jpg

PXL_20201103_192633737.jpg

Chase you can find at
http://www.letterpressthings.com/

The Handle can be brazed with Nickel rod and an Stic or Arc Welder

Thank you! I will send an e-mail off.

Are you also missing the bed?

DGM

Yes the bed too, sadly. Not sure where to find that. letterpressthings had a Model P chase in stock.

Also thanks for reminding me of that!

  • zbang
  • on 3 Nov 20 (18:08)

Cast iron can also be welded with a MIG welder, however you need to grind out the crack so the weld metal can fill it, and you need to pre-heat and make very short beads (like 3/8” short) and let things cool between welds. Do not try this at home unless you’re a fairly skilled welder.

and you still need a nickel wire which is $$$, HENCE STICK WELDER

I’ve brazed a couple of cast iron parts through the years…. and if I can do it, it can’t be too hard. Welding? That would be beyond my pay-grade. “Im a printer, Jim. Not a miracle worker!”

My first thought would be to find replacement parts from one of the vendors who advertise here. If that doesn’t pan out, then I’d braze them.

Dave
aka Winking Cat Press

I have a complete model P no rollers 150.00 needs a similar clean up as yours.
plus UPS Ground shipping charge, no charge to pack up or supplies needed to do so.
I have rollers available here or ebay. click on my name send email for photos with message.

Thank you all so far. This is very helpful.

I was planning on finding someone local to do the welding since it’s not in my skill set.

If not I’ll do what Dave said about finding a replacement part.

@toddspresstime I sent you a message about the press.