1988 GTO VP52 - Good Quality output?

[ScotJ]

I'm looking at getting a GTO VP52 1988 with 70mm impressions.

I currently have a QMDI and the ghosting and other inconsistancies on certain images is quite annoying, which is why we're looking to supplement it.

Any idea as to what type of quality I can expect out of this machine?

 

[Ret Heidelberg Instructor]

I used to do the training on the DI46 all versions and found that it did have it's limitations. The press had to be in top notch condition to run hard jobs and even then you needed some luck. I also trained operators on the GTO although not my favorite piece of equipment. The model your looking at is quite old even though the impression count is not too high. What kind of dampening does it have? Direct Dampening came out in the 90's. If you have Alcolor you stand a chance. Top speed will only be 8000. You won't be getting ink profiles to help you start up but if the rollers are in good condition and the press is relatively sound you can get somes pretty good results. You may even have rollers that oscillate to combat ghosting. If you really want to know, throw the seller a tough job to run and see the results. Satisfy yourself first before you make a bad decision.

 

[Peter R]

I used to do the training on the DI46 all versions and found that it did have it's limitations. The press had to be in top notch condition to run hard jobs and even then you needed some luck. I also trained operators on the GTO although not my favorite piece of equipment. The model your looking at is quite old even though the impression count is not too high. What kind of dampening does it have? Direct Dampening came out in the 90's. If you have Alcolor you stand a chance. Top speed will only be 8000. You won't be getting ink profiles to help you start up but if the rollers are in good condition and the press is relatively sound you can get somes pretty good results. You may even have rollers that oscillate to combat ghosting. If you really want to know, throw the seller a tough job to run and see the results. Satisfy yourself first before you make a bad decision.

Agree - If you do a print test it's also a good idea to pull some dry solids. Ask them to put on new blankets & packing. Run a solid without dampers & back off the impression. Should be a nice even/broken print. This is good alternative to clocking cylinders with a dial guage & finding you need to spend big money on repairs!!!