Heidelberg 10x15 Jammed Close but Flywheel Moves
We have a 1964 red ball windmill that got jammed likely with a few too many sheets of cotton stock under heavy impression with lots of packing. It stalled out initially under the heavy pressure, and then the flywheel resumed spinning with the press no longer opening and closing. The flywheel turns freely while the press stays jammed shut.
Is this a shear collar issue? I am trying to remove the bolts on the back of our machine to look that over but it is near impossible to remove them. One looked to be loose and came right out but the other bolts and the center bolt are stuck in place. Any recommendations are welcome.
Nick in Los Angeles
Hi,
I would start by loosening the round plate at the rear of the press, if this is proving difficult apply some penentrating oil to the bolts and leave for an hour or so, then using the corect size socket try to release the bolts, you may need to extend the socket bar to get more leverage. if this works then hopefully you can release the impression lever and the wheel the flywheel maunually to remove the stock. If the flywheel rotates without moving the press then the clutch will need adjusting (only very slightly). Although the windmill has a good impressional strenght, letterpress printing was never intended to be deep impression and will eventually damage the press. if you want to do deep impression try buying an embossing set ie a printing plate and the male and female embossing set, or just light impress, also you could try dampening your cotton stock slightly. Don’t overpack your platen excessively try using a softer packing maybe with a sheet or 2 of blotting paper under the top sheet.
good luck.
what frank says about impression is on point. i can add, for anyone who really wants ridiculous impressional strength, i have a hand fed platen die cutting press in my driveway for a good deal, in Connecticut