Printing presses -- History

Overview

The RIT MechE Tabletop Platen Press was desgined and constructed in 2014-2015 by RIT Engineering students George Chiu, Brendan Domos, Spencer Herzog, Nathan Sandidge, and Kevin Weinstein. The work was completed to fulfill a multi-disciplinary engineering project. It is a hand-operated platen press.

Overview

The model and manufacturer of this press has not been identified. It resembles the Standard Level Press (manufactured by H.H. Thorp of Cleveland, OH.), the Victor Printing Press (first manufactured by J. Cook & Co., later by Kelsey & Co., both of Meriden, CT.), the Columbian (manufactured by Curtis & Mitchell of Boston, MA.), and the Pilot Lever Press (manufactured by Chandler & Price of Cleveland, OH.). However, none are an exact match.

Overview

The Vandercook No. 1 Proof Press was manufactured by Vandercook & Sons around 1950. Robert Vandercook began manufacuring presses in 1909. In time, the name Vandercook became synonymous with proof presses. The No. 1 is part of the office press series. It has no foam rollers but paper grippers could be used. It is a simple galley press. Also called gravity presses or 'Showcard' presses.

Overview The Vandercook Simple Precision 15 (SP-15) Press was manufactured by Vandercook & Sons. Robert Vandercook began manufacuring presses in 1909. In time, the name Vandercook became synonymous with proof presses. The SP-15 is noteworthy for its lightweight design. It was designed to print repro proofs from metal type forms on a specific type of paper. These were used to make photo-litho plates for offset printing. The impression cylinder is automatically in print mode, unlike earlier...

Overview The Vandercook Simple Precision (SP-20) Press was manufactured by Vandercook & Sons around 1961. Robert Vandercook began manufacuring presses in 1909. In time, the name Vandercook became synonymous with proof presses. The SP-20 is a larger version of the SP-15. It was designed to print repro proofs from metal type forms on a specific type of paper. These were used to make photo-litho plates for offset printing. The impression cylinder is automatically in print mode, unlike earlier...

Overview

The Vandercook Universal I Press was first manufactured by Vandercook & Sons in 1958. Robert Vandercook began manufacuring presses in 1909. In time, the name Vandercook became synonymous with proof presses. The Universal series introduced 'quick change' rollers where each roller is independently set into brackets inside the carriage. The ends of the cores are height adjustment knobs. The Universal I in the Cary has an adjustable bed, power carriage, and tape sheet delievery system.