Vicobold jammed — what to do?
I managed to jam a hand-fed Vicobold at the Norwich Printing Museum and can’t understand why it happened and what to do about it. The press jammed at the moment of impression, or just before that moment, and made no unusual noises — it simply stopped working and the press-mechanism would not move. The flywheel stopped, but began turning again when the clutch was disengaged. So far, all attempts to adjust the clutch, and to free the press-mechanism by lubrication, gentle persuasion, and force, have failed. Has anyone any suggestions?
The only way I know is to reverse the flywheel, and it usually takes some real leverage. What sort of flywheel does the press have? I know some have spokes, and some have holes. If it has holes you probably can get a pipe through the hole and wedge it under the shaft. Spokes tend to be easier. Make sure it is off impression, then use a long pipe to get as much leverage as you can. Same thing happened to me at Hatch Show Print when the Miehle 29 flatbed sheetfed picked up several sheets of poster-board, it was a tussle, but eventually it came free.
There is a circle of bolts around a plate at the rear base. Loosen and it will give you access to the free movement. Roll the press open and rectify the problem which will be excessive pressure. Shame on you.
Dont use excessive pressure.
Can you release it from impression? All the Victorias I’ve seen have a knob or bar that engages/disengages the eccentric bearings that control impression.
Many thanks. I will try these solutions (the flywheel is the type with holes, and I will look for that circle of nuts). The impression knob appears to be stuck hard on … But I will try these ideas. Thank you.
Many thanks!