Restoring a Kelsey Model P 5x8

Hi folks. This evening I finally had time and motivation aplenty to tackle a medium-sized project that felt like a large-sized project. I cleaned and restored my Kelsey press, which until now has been sitting patiently in my office, awaiting the love and attention that it deserves. I bought my press from a really nice woman in Rochester, NY, but she had never used it herself and it sat in a garage for an extended period of time. I even drove all the way out there to pick it up myself, not trusting any package carrier to not damage the fragile cast iron machine. Needless to say, it needs some TLC before it can be expected to print anything at all.

So, to begin, here is my supply list for this project:

• WD-40
• 3-1 oil
• Scotch Brite pad
• paper towels
• stick brush (large)
• wash bin
• white vinegar
• lemon juice
• a plastic trash bag
• lacquer thinner
• I also highly recommend rubber gloves, which I failed to use and really wish I did...

First, I cut open a trash bag and put that down on my work surface (my dining room table). Then I assembled the rest of my tools and had my lovely husband bring the press down from upstairs and put it in the middle of the table.

I used the WD-40 around the ink plate and chase bed. Then I removed the chase, bed, and ink plate, along with the roller hooks, springs, and nuts. Mixing the vinegar and lemon juice about 2:1 in the wash bin, I gave the chase, bed, and accessories and a quick wipe and put them in to soak. It took about 25 minutes before they were ready for scrubbing.

I continued to apply WD-40 liberally to all moving parts, screws, and bolts. I used the Scotch Brite pad and the stiff brush to scrub any dirty areas and applied more WD-40 as I went. When I felt it was clean enough, I checked my soaking pieces. I used to Scotch Brite pad on the pieces and gently rubbed off the rust. I dried them thoroughly and placed them on paper towel.

I used the lacquer thinner on the ink plate and gave it a nice once over. It is also sitting on paper toweling. The roller hooks, nuts, and springs are still soaking, because I put them in last with the chase. Once they are dried off, I will reassemble (and reapply lubricant) and put the new rollers on.

Things to remember:

1. Keep your screws, nuts, bolts, pins, etc in order, so you can reassemble properly
2. Wear gloves, unless you like having gray fingernails
3. open the window for crying out loud (a.k.a. work in a well ventilated area)
4. Take pictures, share them, and enjoy the process!

I'll post some "before and after" photos when I reassemble, probably tomorrow night.