AB Dick Offset Printing Press Knowlege Base

[dearlyynaveed]

are you based in UK or USA?

[pjgumby]

Come to think of those stupid safety stickers all over the press, telling us not to put our fingers into the gears or the ink rollers. I suppose OSHA had something to do with that but at the same time I wonder who it was that thought Printer's were so stupid to begin with that we needed those warnings?!!! And then to add insult they have this whole cages over the cylinders deal. I am sick and tired of these government types who don't have a clue tell us how to work.

[pjgumby]

I see you have those stupid "do not" stickers on your press too. Last year when I operated a 1650 Multi w/T head I had five of them plastered all over that press. I don't know whose brilliant idea that was, but I'm pretty sure I don't need a sticker to tell me it's not a good idea to put my fingers in the gears, or the ink rollers. I kinda figured that out the first time I ever turned on a press! Some safety freak out there must think Printer's are not a bright lot, LOL!

[martinsvision]

Have a ? need help with an 8820 on my bottom rubber form roller when in night latch and form roller set to night latch it does not move freely but when you turn the form roller on it does move freely Why would this be ? is it normal? why would the top form roller move freely in nightlatch but not this one?

[pjgumby]

@martinsvision I think this is normal, same with my machine too.

[RyobiDoctor]

I haven't had much luck with poly plates. I still use aluminum, but I do a lot of repeat jobs and can use the same plate for multiple orders.

Very nice job on the video...

[pjgumby]

@RyobiDoctor I don't like poly plates because of the stretching for one thing, but after using glue to a fix the plate they seem to wrinkle so easily. Nothing will ever beat metal plates, but the silver masters do great for an alternative, and if I remember right, you can use the same chemistry/ chemicals in the direct plate camera for either plate material. I like silver masters because the main plate stretch occurs in the first 200 copies, and after that they're pretty stable.

[99silverstone]

When mixing fountain solution for a small press I pre-mix my fountain solution and keep it in either a gallon jug or better yet a 5-gallon jug with a spigot for dispensing. Mixing fountain solution in larger quantities makes for a more exact formula, and then you just fill up your fountain solution bottle as needed. Also you won't have to constantly be mixing fountain solution every time you run out. If possible you can also refrigerate your fountain solution, before use.

[sk8888888able]

I go to school and 2 hours of every day I go to a place where I learn how to operate printing presses. Ive been using a 2 color press alot lately and that 2 color press looks way more complicated than the 1 I use.

[pjgumby]

@sk8888888able I hate to break the sad news to you, but it is one of the more simpler ones on the market, but you're just starting out, so don't get overwhelmed. I once went to school too for three hours a day in high school for printing and it was the best thing I ever did. I was 16 then and I am 54 now, seen a whole lot of changes in printing in my day. I could tell you some stories. My advice is to learn the basics, trust your talent, and the rest will follow. 

[pjgumby]

@sk8888888able Also wanted to say that you are not going to not learn what it's really like to work in a real print shop in a classroom. That education will come later if you decide to pursue this trade. But now is your time to experiment with mixing colors, trouble shooting mechanical problems, what to do when the pigment of your ink separates from the base of your ink, gear streaks, checking PH (adding just a pinch of citric acid will lower PH instead of adding more fountain solution). LEARN.

[pjgumby]

@sk8888888able I stated that using just a pinch of citric acid will lower your P.H. of your fountain solution, because once you mix your solution correctly and the PH is still high, the natural inclination is to add more solution. That can interfere with conductivity ( the electrical exchange that occurs between water molecules) so adding more fountain solution is not always the correct path to take.

[pjgumby]

@sk8888888able But my best advice to you is to go to college, become anything other than a Printer. I wish I would have became the Artist I always wanted to be. It's a dying trade, I was replace by a digital copier just last year and luckily just found a shop who has small presses. The printed copy does not have a good future. I made a life of it, and had a good run. For as young as you are, I would not pursue this venue. Just my advice take it or leave it. Printing is a dying trade. Be Blessed

[CSXer]

1 or 2 layers of masking tape on the lead edge of your poly plate befor you punch it will take care of the plate stretch.

[edwinalbertodelgado]

Can someone please help me with abdick 9810 chain replacement...?????PLEASE

[only1od]

I found I can use what is called Dental Dam a 6X6 inch piece of latex under my blanket when running envelops . It will squeeze out where you don't need it and fill in where you do ,because of your flap and different thicknesses. Please let me know if this helps any of you.

[MrBafner]

When you print "NCR" (carbonless paper) do you feed the short edge or the long edge first? .... how do you control the curl of the CFB?

[sonick808]

the level of detail is amazing, looks like a fun job actually

[jrwel14]

Have an old AB Dick. Wish I had a place to use it

[1109babyboi]

how do you actually get into operating



[MrSparkcity]

does this press print full color magazines? gloss and matt finish?

[PMS442years07]

@MrSparkcity This machine is sheet fed. With the T-head it will print 2 colors at 1 time. If you want full color, you may need 2, or 3 passes. Magazines are usually printed on a web fed machine with 5, maybe 6 stations Web presses make it easier to print long runs on THIN paper. It may be better to have a 4 color press if you are going to run full color often.

[usmanadz]

is there any machine wich does everything itself ? i mean i wana buy one medium size offset press but i dont have much knowlidge abt how to run it . i want one autometic one wid minimum human assistence

[IanIson2002]

@usmanadz Look into a risograph machine if you want the most hands off but this is not going to be an offset press but will be more than likely what you are looking for.

[usmanadz]

is there any machine wich does everything itself ? i mean i wana buy one medium size offset press but i dont have much knowlidge abt how to run it . i want one autometic one wid minimum human assistence

[hody53]

anyone have any idea if a t-head or something like it can be added(maybe even rigged up somehow) to 324 so that i can print two colors? thats all i really want, i dont think i need more than two for now.....

[poweronpromos]

what printer you use for the polyester plates?

[Nanotech009]

Xante Platemaker

[sparklerbombg]

how much would this go for/ where can i get one?

[CROBERTS92]

is there a clean up tray for the 8810 i dont see it in the manual

[PhoenixOrichimaru]

mixing fountain solution is used differently too so..

[ladykatey]

I am a Heidelberg Windmill operator who is sick to death of people coming to me with non-letterpress jobs and having to turn them away. I want to buy an AB Dick but don't know where to start learning about offset. Thanks for this video!

[PMS442years07]

@ladykatey You can probably go to any graphic arts school to learn the art of offset printing. If you have other pressman to run the buisness you may get a job with someone that runs offset, and learn there. The concept is not very hard, you can read about it on line, get a few books. I just walked into a company that had a 36" Heidelberg and asked if I could watch, they let me. (I was 15 at the time) but......

[txprintgirls1]

I have an older T51 t-head. I am having trouble with teh micro adjustment. It is a nut and bolt not a handle like yours. Do you know how to adjust this older t-head or tell me where I can find out?

[txprintgirls1]

We have a AB Dick 9870 With the micro adjuster with the nut heads near the drum you must use wrenches to adjust as our old press guy broke the part off can you tell me how to adjust for colors that touch for fine tune adjusting? This would help with hours of getting close only to have it be a tooth off and chasing the image>>>>>

[art101thomas]

i am a noob wanna be printer

what order do you set up the AB dick 9810

paper, water mix, ink , plate? i forgot the order...

and then you set up air suction for weight of paper,then paper height (heavy high,light low)

once those are set then i turn on power, flip water roller lever, lever to connect plate cylindar to impression cylinder,then turn on air and watch it go? i appreciate all help i really want to start my carrer in print

[myfirstnameistina]

where can i find a good used one for posters mags and postcards and t-shirts and handbags, for under 10 stacks, a must know bro

[SYNDICADO]

They actaully CHARGE now for a PHONE CALL!!

Not a repair call mind you A CALL WITH ANY TECHNICAL QUESTION and you will get billed!

[burgemeesterplein]

I'm looking at getting an AB Dick 8820 - 2 color T51 - swing away head. Can anyone comment on experiences with this press in terms of reliability and ease of use? Thanks.

[SYNDICADO]

if its new. KEEP IT NEW!

1. take care of your rollers and everything else should fall in place to make your job more reliable, quicker, and easier.

Ive ran AB dicks for 14 years and it may not handle ink recovery aswell, yet it hardly jams. People hate on AB dick, yet it is TRUE press. I'm currently running a Heidelberg 2 color QM and its is nice with all the automatic features...its a glorified duplicator that breaks ALOT!

[19733003]

Hi, We are looking for a offset to do a small magazine, A4 or similar, We found a Ab Dick 360 T51, what do you recomend in relation to this offset, can we print full colors or a Davison 701 is better?

Cheers,

[Inkmunkee]

I ran one of these for years... one issue i could never resolve (due to the common blanket) is running a light or bright color with a dark color together. The lighter color would always grow darker and darker throughout the run. The only way I found to get the job done right was to run 2 passes, 1 color at a time. Which could lead to registration/trap issues (due to no feed board). Any remedies?

[heathstewart]

Hello, I used to run an Itek 3980 with a common blanket. when you run a light & dark colour at the same time have the lighter colour go down 1st & while running a long run remove the ink in your duct & replace with fresh ink. It works even if the ink transfer back up into your duct, hope this helps.

[jonmonk2007]

brings back memories of long ago...totally different ball game now but nice to see the old machines still working not enough small printers around these days just the big boys,..

[PMS442years07]

@jonmonk2007 The Home printers and Kinko's like stores have taken the need for small print shops. One of my old bosses is now down to 3 days a week because no one wants 100-1,000 runs anymore.

[rvmikeus]

Is there anyone out there who can help with a couple of specific ABD 360 questions? Cheers, michael

[jcpierce1972]

yes, i can answer anything you need to know about the 360, or any other ab dick for that matter. over 16 years printing with these duplicators. let me know

[onetoughtechie]

I used to run small presses AB dick hamada ryobi.Ryobi was the best the 3302's are the best.I run a large format four color now I have been in printing for 11 years now.This would be great if more people would post and we could bounce ideas off one another.

[SYNDICADO]

OH MAN! mixing ink is taking me waaay back! Nice job!

[SYNDICADO]

we had some old hippie pack his blanket with "DENTAL DAMN" from the dentist collage and it conformed to envelopes just right.

[SleestaksRule]

I've been running the 9800 series presses for 21 years now. I now own 1 9850 and 1 9870 as well as 4 360's. Real workhorses and easy to maintain. I haven't had a repairman out for 13 years now. Once you learn what every part does things are easily fixed. Best dampener I have used is the Kompac and have that on all presses. Never had trouble with scumming like on alcohol systems. Nice to see this type of video on you tube.

[jcpierce1972]

if you like kompac then you would love the crestline. no adjustments whatsoever!

[pabillsfan]

I use to run an AB DICK press, and found after I ran envelopes I would get low spots, I use Zip Strip (paint stripper). I put a little bit on the low spot, and it swells and you can run without changing the blanket, just put some one the low spot and let it on for a minute, wipe it off with blankte wash, and you are good to go, I used metal plates, do not get any on the metal plates it takes the image off the plate.

[62006200k]

I have a 9810 with an envelope feeder dedicated to only printing envelopes. I always stick a peice of Mactac on the back of my plates, underneath the image. This eliminates the need for blanket saver and the need to change blankets because of low spots.

[jimball43]

what is the best and friendly blanket and roller wash and also what do you use to remove gum blind?

[Nanotech009]

Presswash comes in a 5 gal drum and so does Isoproanol. I use press wash most of the time.

[GTIBully]

I run Xante Myriad poly plates too. I get perfect register just using spray adhesive on the back of the plate. Works perfect every time. I run Multiliths with compak damp,.. only way to go. Also use straight distilled water only. Cheers!

[CSXer]

Ran Silver Master plates for many years. On a long run I would add a layer of masking tape to the lead edge before I punched the plate. I always inked the cylinder before mounting a paper plate.

(no spray glue)

10,000 impressions with no stretch.

What most operators don't know to do is "target" the T -head.

It changes every time you remove the T head from it's cradle and can throw your tight ration off.

[GTIBully]

@CSXer

Silver master plates are much tougher plates than the laser plates, that is why you don't have to secure as much as a laser plate. If you must run A.B. Dicks do yourself a favor and have a Kompac installed on it. You can then through away all the crap you use in your solution and run straight distilled water. With metal i add a small amount of universal solution to the water, conductivity under 200ppm.

Cheers!

[CSXer]

Sorry...HATE Kompacs!! Give me a Syntac alcohol system or a Crestline! Those let me do my best work on smaller presses.

[GTIBully]

@CSXer

You give no reason why you hate Kompacs. I would not have anything else.

[007dj62]

You don't need to change your blanket to print env's .... just back off your ipresstion 2 clicks and you should be ok

[SYNDICADO]

not if you jump to 300line screen it picks up the edge on the envelope

[s04r3r]

Oh I C now,cheers for that. =)

[s04r3r]

2 questions.

1* what's a T Head?

2* do all sheet fed presses require hand mixing fount water?

thanks =)

[BassChaz]

A Dalgren on a AB Dick??? HAHAHA!

1. Use Compressable blankets.

2. Use an Alc substitute

3. Keep chemistry to a minimum! Alc sub and a GOOD Fountain Concentrate

4. Remember that its SPRING LOADED! If you cant see a stripe on the blanket/plate your going to need to call a Service tech..

5. Buy a Service Manual! These machines are EASY to work on!

6. REPLACE the Cylinder grippers! They are supposed to be like sandpaper to hold the paper. If Smooth, Replace.

[Quadsly1]

Looks Great, but where is The Dalgren System? Just keep it lubed, pump clean and it will last for along time! Thanks for the Memories!!

[EvilSnipa2007]

Does anyone know what the setting between the Plate cylinder and the blanket cylinder is suppose to be? on the 9910 XCS

[omxcr]

Hi NANOTECH009, please upload more videos like this. thanks

[Nanotech009]

I now use VERSI FOUNTAIN SOLUTION. I love it. It solved my scumming problem. Scumming is a nightmare.

[richprint29]

Try using blankets that are pre mounted on aluminum bars. Theres no screws to mess around with.

[SnapDragon8807]

wow... I worked on the exact same one but I worked on the older version that didn't have the t-head very interesting...

[maxpayne210482]

super! thanks a lot!^^!

[ksefan18]

man in i run a 8810 ab dick and i got to tell u i look freakin awsome i pretty much know wat is goin in this video so im on the righ path

[EvilSnipa2007]

I just bought a 9910 XCS and it has the super aqua sys on it. Im having problems getting water to the plate.Iv checked the roller settings everything seems to be ok.The paper plates clean up better than the metal plates do but im still running the water max or have to spay it with a spray bottle to keep it clean.What should i check and what type of Etch are you guys using? Thanx for any help!

[gpine1967]

Check to make sure the 2 different plates are the same thickness...adjust your water form roller accordingly.

[cooperson84]

double sided tape works well at the head and tail of the plate... also some stronger tape covering the punch holes so theres almost no chance for slippage or elongated holes

comments?

[teeckard]

I just glue the poly plates down to the cylinder. That way, it doesn't stretch.

[blueblud281]

as far as the plate stretching problem goes i use a good spray mount on the back of my poly plates, its a bit messy when you tack the plate off but it works, and of coarse make sure theirs not to much plate to blanket pressure.  great vid by the way

[tangldmojo]

Hi. I am trying to teach myself to use my 8820, but am afraid to attempt a run w/out fully understanding cleanup. I have been unable to find any decent resource - can you recommend or give a link to something on cleanup? Thanks; I have searched and searched for something. I am subscribed to your channel so I can see whenever you make a new video. Nice work!

[albertmaxx]

i like hamada..very clean result

easy to operate

[Nanotech009]

I agree, but you work with what ya got.  What are you operating that is better? I'm looking at a Ryobi upgrade.

[mrhappy727]

get a heidelberg qm46/2 im an old time printer and have been running my heide for 8 years. love it . todd b. sir speedy palm harbor fl.

[mrhappy727]

@Nanotech009 

[TOCL06]

cool

[Obsidius19]

nice video, also nice machine and shop!

I have a question:

I own an ab dick 326 and have a few hundred polyester plates they are the Genie Laserplate brand, but I do not know what solution or combination of solutions I need to prep them for the press. I have a machine to pass masters through but do not know what solution to use in the machine. I understand that this solutions creates the seperation on the master for the water and ink...

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Nanotech009]

My best advise is to contact your chemical supplier and talk about your machine. My chemical supplier recomended a product called Laser Clean-EX for my AB Dick 9910. I apply it on polyester plate with cotton pad to remove eccess toner from platemaker. It is manufactured by Pacific Products, inc. Sutter Creek, CA (209) 267-9134

-everyone is welcome to comment, make recomendations or ask any question.

[Obsidius19]

I have many bottles of "fountain concentrate" is this the stuff I use in the machine mixed with water. Or is it what I put on the polyester masters (plates) or both? It is blue in color...

[Obsidius19]

ok sorry about the double post, I now know that the Fountain concentrate is what I use in the machine.... and I believe it is the same thing for the masters... I will expiriment and see whats up....

Thanks a lot though!

[tontonsevilla]

good job!

[purplexenno]

well for what it's worth i've never been a big ab dick fan. i used to run 360 both with and without t-heads (man what a pain that is) and i've found a multilith 1250 to be better.

[DISRUPTOR40]

What i do to prevent the poly plates to stretch during printing , is that i ink up the cylinders before inserting the plates, keeps thems in position way longer before they stretch, messy but effective

[Nanotech009]

Ya, a little bit of ink behind the plate works. I knottice poly plates stretch more when I shut down a lot - so I keep that in mind and try to run contunuously. If you need to pause I keep running in neutral...

[rockmeslowly79]

hey there love the tutorial...i wanted ask could you print custom dvd label`s with amachine like this?even if there are 4 colors or more?

[fastskare]

Can I do 11 x 17 GLOSS, 4 Color 2 passes, 30 to 40 pound paper on a metal plate and get 5000 run ??? with very good results??? this model ab dick ????

[Nanotech009]

The quality I get with gloss is worse than a 20# for example, and I have to use powder because ink dosn't absorb as well. the 30-40# isn't a problem, I do 110# index with ease, 11x17 isn't a problem either

[blueblud281]

if you got a large coverage of four color on the sheet you may not want to do it on this press your registration will bounce giving you poor results on such a run as 5000, it will cost you less to send it out on a four color press

[ogami72]

You work in a much nicer shop than I do.

[alfredoeduardo1974]

Very professional!

[joshw80]

could you post a video about setting up the t-51 color head. I am new to the business and the people I work with have still not shown me how to set it up.

[Nanotech009]

Not sure if you mean impression or buckle? Impresion is the pressure between the impression cylinder and the blanket that squeeze the image onto paper Adjust this with allen wrench left of fly wheel, it has a rotating disc with #s. You always start with low pressure and gradually lower the numerical readout until the print quality looks good.

[Nanotech009]

Buckle = distance between the top sheet on the paper stack and the suckers, but ultimately it turns into pressure when the suckers push down on the paper stack with a force, because pressure = force/area. Thick paper or envelopes buckle is set really low, and thin paper like carbonless = high. I keep a chart of all my press setups with various paper.

[Nanotech009]

Humidity of paper makes a difference, fanning your paper separates papers stuck to each other. Paper stack increase rate, only having suction cups that touch the paper ON, and the AIR/Vacuum rates. I refer to charts I made. Different paper=different thickness and density=different press setup. Ex 24lb copy paper=setup with an impression=8.5 Buckle=9. AIR-7 1/2 turns ccw VAC=7 1/2 turns ccw. knob is low and the paper stack rate is at 5

[yellowjacket96]

thanks for advice, i was referring to the pressure when the paper goes between impression cylinder and blanket, but thanks for other advice too.

[Nanotech009]

A new blanket vs an old blanket may differ 3-4 clicks on the guage, just know approximately where to start and start with low pressure. You can always go down on impression, but can't ever go back up. Envelopes with triangle flap kill blanket, i use blanket restoring glue that works temperary. it fills in low areas

[joshw80]

adjust the gap. Use a alan wrench and lower or raise your cylinder pressure. To adjust the gap take the alan wrench and insert it under the handwheel. You will see numbers under the hand wheel.The lower the number the lower the pressure and so on.

[yellowjacket96]

what's the best way to set the pressure where the sheet goes in to be printed, gripper pressure? how much is ideal setting?