While
our button machines have proven to be very reliable, it's a good
idea to to do a bit of maintenance to keep your machine in tip
top shape.
The
following information will show you how to "tune-up"
your machine and how to go about un-jamming your machine should
you get a button stuck in it.
Doing
a Tune-up
To do a tune-up, you first need to gather a few items. You'll
need to 7/16" wrench, a can of light oil (3 in 1 oil, sewing
machine oil, etc.) and a set of allen wrenches.
To
begin, place a drop or two of oil at each location marked by
an arrow in the photo below. Not too much or the oil can end
up on your button designs.
Then
take the handle and work it up and down 5 or 6 times. What you
want to do is work a little oil down into the upper crossbar
that the two bolts go through (shown in the photo below).
You
also want to place a drop of oil where the handle is attached
to your button machine. Do so on the other side of the handle,
as well (not shown),.
Next,
rotate the lower dies (without any button parts in the machine)
so the upper die is directly above the die that normally holds
the front part of your button. (As shown above) Then push down on the handle so the upper die goes
into the lower die.
Now
take your 7/16" wrench and tighten the two bolts that go
through the top of your machine until they are both snug.
Don't
overtighten the bolts, as doing so will damage your machine.
Place
a few drops of oil on the base plate on which the dies rotate
(shown below). Do so will make it easier for you to rotate the
dies as you are making buttons. Again, not too much or it could
end up on your hands and on your buttons.
It's
also a good idea to spread a small amount of oil all the way
around the upper die assembly (indicated by the upper arrow,
below).
Now
turn your machine over and use the 7/16" wrench to tighten
both bolts (the ones labeled #1 and #2) in the photo below. Make
them tight, but do not overtighten them, as this too could damage
your machine.
Next,
you want to find an allen wrench that will fit the two allen
screws (labeled #3 & #4). First slightly loosen and then
snug them down.
That's
all there is to it. Your button machine should work good as new!
If it doesn't, or if you aren't comfortable following these instructions,
give us a call and we will make arrangements to have you return
your machine to us and we will do the tune-up for you.
Under no circumstances should you attempt to dis-assemble your
machine, as you most likely will be unable to re-assemble it
and have it work properly.
Unjamming your machine
If
your button machine has jammed, the information below will show
you how to free it up.
In
attempting to unjam your machine, DO NOT use a hammer
or screw driver to pound or pry the metal parts of your machine.
Doing so will damage your machine!
If
you are unable to unjam your machine, following the steps listed
below, you can return your machine to our office and have us
repair it for you.
Before returning your machine, you first need to obtain an RMA
# by calling our office. The telephone number for our shipping
department is (623) 869-8233.
The two most common reasons a machine jams are:
A.
Placing more than one shell into your button machine.
B.
Placing more than one mylar disc (the plastic) into your button
machine.
You
can sometimes "un-jam" a machine simply by moving the
handle up and down several times, in rapid succession.
If
you are able, try to rotate the dies (without using force) so
the upper die is above the crimp die (the die that holds the
button back). Then move the handle up and down 5 or 6 times.
If that action is going to free up your machine, 5 or 6 times
should do the trick.
If
it doesn't, or if you are unable to rotate the dies without using
force, proceed to the next step.
What
has most likely happened is that the upper die is unable to return
to it's normal position because something is stuck in the upper
die. And because the upper die is "stuck up" you are
unable to rotate the dies.
So
what we need to do is to free the upper die assembly.
I
recommend the following strategy to accomplish this.
Take
a piece of wood (like a 1" x 2", 2" x 4",
or a thick wooden dowel) and with your button machine sitting
on a table or counter, push down on the outer ring of the upper
die assembly with the piece of wood as indicated by the right-most
arrow in the photo below. Hold the piece of wood length-wise
and use the edge to make contact with the outer ring of the upper
die assembly.
Hopefull
this will free the jam and allow you to use your machine again.
If
you are able un-jam your machine, I would highly recommend following
the tune-up procedure described above to return your machine
to smooth working order.
If
these steps listed above don't work for you and your machine
is still jammed, it will be necessary to return your machine
and have us take a look at it.
But
before doing so, you
MUST call
and obtain an RMA # number. Packages received without an RMA
# will be returned unopened at customer's expense.
When you call to get an RMA number, we will provide you with
important information about where and how to return your machine.
It also helps us know what to do when we receive your machine.
