Hi All

As my title says, i have a Multi 1650 with a Thistle Dampening and KimoSetter e2 plates. I am having a bit of trouble with my Thistle. Ive searched for info on this type of system but not having luck finding a manual. The person I got the press from asked me to check the bead on the chrome roller to make sure its uniform across the roller. Im assuming that is just the lay of water on the roller?

As I understand how the Thistle runs is the chrome roller spins counter clock wise in the pan to pick up fountain solution. The metering roller spins clock wise against the chrome roller. The Metering roller is run by the press so thats going to run faster than the chrome roller on the thistle. You can adjust the Thistle speed to increase or decrease how much water you want to run. Correct?

What the problem I am having is I am getting a build up of ink on the left side of the plate. I put more water to it to wash it off but it doesnt do it.
I was told to check the water form roller pressure. I know how to do this but not sure how to adjust it if I need to.

I am using a universal fountain solution. Not sure of the brand. Is there a better solution for KimoSetter e2 plates? Also, I am using a rubber based ink. I plan on getting some oil based but havent yet.

Thanks
Hop

I've never heard of that Thistle system. Can you post or send me a pic of it? It might be something I've seen and call something different?? Are those kimmo plates a poly or metal plate? It sounds like the roller pressures are off. Check fountain to meter, meter to plate. Do you need to pre ink the system or does it take ink as it runs like the Kompacs? By ink buildup on the left side to you mean scumming up and turing the plate to solid ink from lack of water/pressure? Or a light feathering with a buildup on the lead/tail edges of the plate?

The Thistle is a continuous dampening system. It has a electric motor to turn the chrome fountain roller. That then touches a soft rubber metering roller, to a hard oscillating roller to a soft rubber form roller. The press drives all the rollers except the fountain roller. I am guessing it is either too much pressure on the ink form rollers, or at least one. Or not enough pressure on the water roller.

The KimoSetter plates are poly. They are made from a Kimoto platemaker. Nice little machine. No processing of plates. It has a ribbon that applies the print area to the plate. The only thing that isn't good is it has a max of 100 line screen.

From what I can figure I have to ink up the water rollers. I asked the previous owner but he cant remember. The press has been sitting for maybe 5-7 years.
Ink is building up about the length of the plate on the left side. It happens on the right side but not as much. It happens suddenly too. Within a dozen sheets i have to shut it off and wash the plate and blanket. I was running plenty of water, probably too much, and it was still building up. So im thinking it something needs an adjustment. Or the rollers are shot and need new ones. The ink form rollers flare out at the ends.

Im temped to call PressTek, they bought multi right?, and ask about someone coming out to give it a once over. I know it will be a big bill, but that side of things I am not experienced with.

Thanks

Yep it sounds like the pressures are messed up on that water unit. Either it's too heavy in the system not letting the water through or not enough pressure/out of parallel on the form to plate. Yes PressTek consumed the remains of AM. I know one of the old AM service guys here. I'll call him tomorrow and see if he has any info or manuals on that Thistle system. He might know of someone in your area that could help. If so I'll send you his number and you can talk with him directly.

Cool. Thank you kindly.