Some reports of out-of-round Nips. Check rings for roundness with dial indicator, check for bent shafts, worn Nip springs, bearings, check gears for lint buildup.

Some shops now using the split-ring final nips available from A-American and Nensco in place of the traditional one-piece nips on early Folders. Have to shim for roundness?? Some are using the LA nip, which is similar to the early Goss Nip ring, has a sharper tooth face.

Goss has retrofit available for Folding Blade shaft seals. Usage of the new "Speedy-sleeve" on the shaft takes wear away from the shaft and onto the replaceable wear sleeve, uses Viton seals and dust shields. This seems to be a better way to go than chrome plated shafts to eliminate oil leaks in this area.

Undercutting the inboard portion on the 2^nd Fold Rollers to minimize offsetting is no longer being recommended. Some shops have actually had to replace these with new rollers. Would have to be done if going to a 50" web due to new page width.

These are being used in several shops that run large Tabloid jobs. Seems to help insure good pull and delivery with minimal offset. Requires heavier pressure on Broadsheet runs. Some shops with double Folders installed these on Folders dedicated for Tabs, use the other Folder couple for Broadsheet runs.

Check your Folders to see what the step is from the Nip ring to the barrel, some are close to the same diameter. Dow Jones found undercutting the barrel helps to insure the Nip is pulling the paper instead of the barrel. Goss recommended undercutting by .080" total diameter. May consider purchasing an extra set for an exchange project.

Check condition of pivot and spring on the Former nose. Some shops using two springs to help run large sections. Orange County Register made up an adjuster to set for various size sections and Skip-Tabs.

Some shops using adjustable 1^st fold rollers with gauges, available from Goss and after-market (Nensco). Portland made up a set for the open side only.

95 durometer is recommended, gearlash between the Cutting & Folding cylinders affects the life of the rubbers. Measured on the RTF side gear this should be .002" to .004 as measured in four spots around the gear. Knife height should be 3.055" to 3.065" on all 144 and 160 pg. Folders. About 90% of the shops are still using the spring & cheekwood cushions in the knifebox. Others are using urethane cushions.

Check your Oil Pressure gauges for accuracy. Some found gauges sticking, masking inadequate oiling. The Plexiglas window gives the best indication of proper oil delivery.

Dow Jones reported finding "slime" in the bottom of the oil sump on printing units, found it to be Fountain Solution. They removed the oil catches on the cylinder sleeves, made a new cover and sealed with Ultra-blue silicone. Be careful not to block off the return hole. Another tip is to add a magnet to the bottom of the sump to catch metal debris.

Orange County Register asked about moisture in the oil. Portland recommended using a ‘decadent’ filter from the HVAC trade to remove moisture??

Some reported low oil pressure warning on 160 pg. Folders. Goss recommended verifying oil flow and pressure at upper levels, also replace gauge and pressure switch.

Ink Drums being recovered in original Copper, Ebonite and Rylsan (nylon). Stripping on drums sometimes related to calcium or varnish buildup from recycled Newsprint. Some users going back to Copper on the Ink Rail positions due to inconsistent wear and damage from debris. Rylsan or nylon is being applied in the shop at Tacoma & Spokane, available from Alamo Supply in Texas at about $450 per drum, $7,500 for the equipment. Portland is spraying Copper at less than $500 per drum, using Eutectic equipment.

Sacramento now is running these on Metro Press. Found they don’t use the center Nip assembly between Formers, keep it engaged as a guide but don’t use it to pull sections.

Tacoma reported seeing spotting on the sheet on CIC units. Some recommended using Spiral Brush instead of Flicker Blades at ASO assembly, also use a finer brush.