Hacker #4
by larrykj77
The Hacker was more than a proof press; it was a TEST press. The intention of this press was to reduce make-ready time. It could test plates, ink, ink and paper combinations, register of color plates, color of color plates, etc. There was an advertisement in the New Inland Printer Vol 5 from the Reilly Electrotype Company, Inc. that boosted the Hacker as their testing press for all outgoing plates.
The polished ground cylinder carried only .012 to .015 packing allowing for a more precise test of plates.
The printing distance, bed to cylinder is guaranteed true within a half-thousandth under load across the entire bed, allowing as many plates as you could fit on it to test at one time.
Feed guides both front and back have micrometer graduations and adjustments to .001”.
The bed and cylinder are held together during the printing stroke by powerful springs applying equal and measured loads to each side. Printing load is 200 pounds per impressional inch, with an overload made possible by the springs. The springs will allow a temporary overload without damage to the press.
Serial # 2511
Bed Size: 18 ¼” X 25”
Weight 1800 lbs.
