if the distributor beam is out of adjustment. Adjust with the screw
that is fastened to the beam at the front and banks against the right
side of the yoke.
Matrices with damaged or worn distributing teeth or combinations will
drop in the wrong channel.
The matrix combinations, a very important part of the matrix, is
sufficient under ordinary conditions to last for years. It is
possible, however, to ruin a set of combinations in a very short
time. The causes are almost always due to bad alignment at one or
possibly all of the various transfers. The matrices are transferred
at three distinct points, where the combinations are involved.
The first transfer is from the first elevator jaws onto the second
elevator bar at the intermediate transfer channel. The line of
matrices, when in position at this transfer point, should line up
with the bar so they will have a perfect transfer to the bar without
binding. Use the set screw at the bottom of the first elevator slide
on the right hand side to raise or lower the slide for the proper
alignment. This alignment should be as nearly perfect as possible.
If the second elevator bracket and bar do not seat properly on the
intermediate channel rails, or if these rails are out of true or
worn, the trouble should be remedied so the bar will align properly
for the transfer. The bar should be perfectly smooth and free from
burrs, and should be held tight against the bracket plate by the two
flat head screws that extend through the plate.
The second transfer is from the second elevator bar to the
distributor box bar. The second elevator, when in its normal
position, should be adjusted so the second elevator bar will line
up with the distributor box bar. The distributor box bar should be
perfectly smooth and free from burrs.
The third transfer is from the distributor box rails to the
combination bar. The distributor box rails should be perfectly
square with each other. The matrices should transfer freely from the
distributor box rails to the combination rails on the bar. There must
be perfect alignment at all of these points of transfer, or undue
wear on the matrix combinations will result.
Matrices with damaged combination teeth, or with small burrs on the
teeth, will not drop squarely between the flexible guides or will
wobble as they leave the bar, and cause distributor stops. This
trouble can usually be remedied by dressing the burrs off the teeth
with a fine file. Be very careful not to dress the teeth below the
plane of the surface of the matrices. Also make sure that there are
no burrs on the combinations where the teeth are supposed to be cut
away.
The distributor screws must be kept clean and free from oil at all
times, or the dirt and oil will be transferred onto the matrices and
into the magazine.
Battered ears or lugs on the matrices will cause distributor stops.
The ears of the offending matrices should be examined, and if it is
found they are battered out of shape or increased in thickness, they
should be carefully dressed down with a very fine file or a matrix
file gauge to their original thickness. Care should be taken to see
that the edges or sides of the matrix bodies are not altered. When
the ears of the matrices become bent they can be straightened by
laying the bent matrix on a perfectly flat surface and with a pair
of smooth jawed pliers straighten the matrix so it will lie flat on
the surface without rocking. If it becomes necessary to straighten
a matrix with a hammer care should be used to use a very light one.
The shape of the matrix can be changed very easily when pounded, and
the matrix can not align properly with the other matrices.
TO REMOVE A DISTRIBUTOR BOX
Back the machine until the second elevator descends from its seat.
Pull down on the magazine channel entrance. (If the box is equipped
with the automatic font distinguisher, press in on the stud until the
distinguisher is resting against the lower front rail of the box and
turn the stud to right a quarter of a turn.) Press downward on the
handle of the screw which holds the box in position and unscrew until
it stops. Pull downward on the box.
Care must be used in replacing the box to seat as high as it will go
and have the washer on the screw so that it clamps the box bracket to
the distributor beam. Turn upward on the handle of the screw.
The new distributor box bracket is provided with pins that fit in a
groove in the distributor beam to prevent the box being placed in any
other than the correct position.
FIRST ELEVATOR JAWS AND SLIDE
The first elevator slide is held in place by four gibs on the vise
frame so that the jaws will stand parallel with the mold. The gibs
are also used for adjusting the first elevator jaws so they will
just clear the delivery and the intermediate channels. The slide is
operated by cam No. 1, through the first elevator and the auxiliary
levers and connecting link.
The first elevator jaws are attached to the top of the first elevator
slide. They carry the line of matrices to the casting position and
then to the second elevator. When the matrices have entered the
first elevator jaws they are in position with their face toward the
mold. The elevator slide travels down to the vise, the mold advances
and the lower lugs of the matrices enter the groove of the mold,
the elevator raises for alignment and lifts the line up against the
aligning groove, or mold keeper, of the mold for casting.
As the first elevator jaws descend to the vise cap, the center screw
in the top of the first elevator slide strikes on the vise cap and
regulates the distance from the lugs of the matrices to the aligning
groove in the mold when the mold slide advances.
There should be 1/64 of an inch space between the bottom of the
center screw and vise cap when first elevator is lifted for
alignment. If the center screw is not properly adjusted, when the
mold advances the lower lugs on the matrices would be sheared. An
entire font of matrices might be ruined in a very short time in this
manner.
To test this adjustment, place a good matrix in the first elevator
jaws, turn the machine until the adjusting screw is resting on the
vise cap, disconnect the mold slide and bring the mold disk forward
so the lug of the matrix enters the groove in the mold. Raise the
elevator slide with the left hand, which raises the lug of the
matrix against the aligning groove in the mold. At this point there
should be 1/64 of an inch between the end of the center screw and
the vise cap. If not, turn the screw with the right hand until it is
resting on the vise cap. Then turn the screw to the left until it is
approximately 1/64 of an inch from the vise cap.
On the older model machines this adjusting screw is ⅜ of an inch in
diameter and has 16 threads to the inch. By turning the screw to the
left one-quarter of a revolution, it allows the 1/64-inch adjustment.
On all new machines the adjusting screw is ½ inch in diameter and has
12 threads to the inch. Turning the screw one-fifth of a revolution
allows the 1/64-inch adjustment.
As the mold disk moves forward the elevator jaws raise for alignment,
the lower lugs of the matrices being raised against the aligning
groove in the mold. The locking stud blocks receive the mold disk
locking studs so that the mold sets parallel with the side of the
vise. The elevator should be adjusted so that the jaws will be
parallel with the mold.
If the jaws are not parallel with the mold the face alignment on the
slug will not be straight.
The method of testing this adjustment is made by setting the vise
jaws to 30 picas, placing a good matrix in each end of the first
elevator jaws. Let the first elevator jaws down on the vise cap.
Disconnect the mold slide; bring the mold slide forward by hand. Be
sure it comes over the lugs of the matrices without binding, as
the matrices must be free. To test the alignment, raise the first
elevator by hand, thus raising the lugs of the matrices up against
the aligning groove in the mold. If the matrix on the right-hand side
is found to be tight, and the one on the left-hand side is found to
be loose, this proves that the first elevator jaws are not parallel
with the mold. The four gibs act as a guide for the elevator slide.
If the matrix on the left-hand side is loose, the two top gibs should
be moved to the right, and the two bottom gibs moved to the left.
In taking down or erecting a machine, do not disturb the two gibs on
the right-hand side. Leave them for a guide to adjust the other two
gibs. On machines that have the inclined galley it is necessary to
remove the right-hand gib to remove the galley bracket, but as it is
doweled, it is impossible to get it back into the wrong position.
The elevator jaw must be adjusted so as to clear the intermediate and
delivery channels without binding. If it is too far away, move all
four gibs exactly the same distance.
The first elevator jaws should align with the second elevator bar
when the first elevator is at its full up-stroke, so that the
matrices will pass freely from the first to the second elevator.
When the first elevator goes to the slide guide, the square head
adjusting screw on the bottom of the slide comes in contact with the
vise frame, regulates the height to which the elevator raises, the
screw holding the slide, and the spring in the connecting link being
compressed to take up the extra movement of the elevator lever.
Unless the matrices transfer freely from the first elevator jaws to
the second elevator bar, the combinations would soon become damaged,
causing poor distribution.
Test by transferring a line from the jaws to the bar by hand. If the
line of matrices moves onto the bar without dragging, the adjustment
need not be disturbed.
Whenever it is necessary to make this adjustment, place the machine
in transfer position, place a matrix that has all the combinations,
in the first elevator jaws against the spring pawls; place a piece of
white paper in the spaceband box, at the end of the spaceband lever
pawl; lay an electric light on the transfer channel; close one eye,
looking through the first elevator from the left end with the other;
adjust with the screw on the bottom of the first elevator slide, at
the right side, so the combinations on the matrix align with grooves
on the second elevator bar. The final test for this adjustment, is
to transfer the line as above stated. The line must transfer without
dragging. Use the adjusting screw until this is accomplished.
Before making the adjustment be sure the first elevator jaws are not
loose on the slide, that the left end of the second elevator bar is
not battered, that the second elevator plate is not loose, or worn,
that the second elevator is adjusted properly, that there is no dirt
or gum holding the second elevator from seating, that there is no
metal on top of the adjusting screw, that the screw which holds the
first elevator slide stop is not loose. See that the transfer slide
finger is not bent.
FIRST ELEVATOR JAWS
The first elevator jaws consist of the front and back jaws, the jaw
spring pawls, duplex rail, duplex rail levers and springs, separating
block, and line stop.
The two jaws are held together by two screws extending through the
separating block. On the right-hand end of the jaws are the spring
pawls. The pawl for the back jaw is held in a slot by two small
screws and projects through to the front. The front jaw pawl is
grooved and held in place by two screws and a plate, and projects
through to the back. These two pawls retain the matrices after they
have entered the jaws. Should they break or become inoperative, the
matrices would have a tendency to jump out of the jaws just before
entering the vise jaws or while going to transfer position in the
top guide. A broken pawl sometimes will catch the line of matrices
and prevent it from passing into the jaws. To renew the front pawl,
release the two small screws that hold the plate and slip the pawl
toward the right. The back pawl can be changed by taking out the two
small screws that hold it in position.
The first elevator front jaw is equipped with a duplex rail for
the purpose of holding the front lugs of the matrices in a raised
position to cast a line of matrices in auxiliary position. This
rail is held in position by two springs which are fastened to the
two duplex rail levers. The rail is automatically retracted when the
elevator rises to the slide guide, by the upper ends of the rail
levers being pressed back by two operating blocks which are assembled
on the adjusting strip of the slide guide. This backward movement
of the rail permits the matrices to drop to normal position for the
transfer.
If a squirt occurs and the metal gets in around the duplex rails
or on the first elevator jaws, it will prevent the rail from being
retracted. This will prevent the elevator slide from going high
enough for the matrices to be transferred. Never remove metal from
the jaws with a screwdriver or a piece of steel. A piece of brass
rule will answer the purpose and will not damage the jaws when
driving out the metal.
The duplex rail sometimes becomes battered or bent through the
carelessness of the operator in sending in tight lines. The rail can
be taken out and smoothed up by taking the jaws off the slide and
removing the plate at the bottom of the front jaw.
The back jaw should be examined frequently for burrs or a sprung jaw.
If the jaw becomes sprung outward it will permit the end matrix to
crawl up in the jaws and the lugs will be sheared or bent as the mold
slide comes forward for the lockup. There should be just enough space
between the jaws for a matrix to pass in without binding, but not
enough to allow the matrix to be raised past the duplex rail, from
lower to auxiliary position. If the jaw is bent inward, the spaceband
can not operate freely. Never pry out on the jaws with a screw driver
when there is a squirt holding the jaws to the disc of the mold cap,
for there is a chance of bending the back jaw.
Whenever the jaws are held on the vise cap after a squirt, always
remove the screws from the back jaws, take off the jaw guard on the
vise cap and let the vise down. This method will prevent springing
the jaw because the back jaw will hang to the squirt when the vise is
let down.
FIRST ELEVATOR JAW LINE STOP
The first elevator jaw line stop, which prevents the matrices from
twisting or falling out while the line is being carried to the vise
or the top guide, is found in the first elevator jaw, and is held by
a clamp, spring, and nut.
The outer end of the line stop is cut away so as to clear the vise
jaw, on all models except 1 and K. Always have the cut on the under
side; if reversed it would strike on the vise jaw and not allow the
first elevator to descend the full distance.
The inner end of the line stop should set against the first matrix on
the left end of the line after the line has been justified. Do not
set the clamp lock-nut tight or it will not allow the line stop to
move when changing to a longer measure.
FIRST ELEVATOR SLIDE CONNECTING LINK
The first elevator slide connecting link is the connection between
the first elevator slide and the first elevator lever, and is
fastened to the slide by a pin extending through an eyebolt and to
the first elevator lever by a wing pin extending through an eyebolt.
The first elevator jaws should not be more than 1/64 of an inch lower
than the grooves in the delivery channel. Make this adjustment by
turning the connecting link casing.
The connecting link is constructed of a casing or tube, inside of
which is a compression spring. This spring is held in place at the
bottom by a movable nut inside of the lower end of the casing, and by
a screw cap at the top of the casing. The movable nut has a slot on
one side which fits over a pin in the casing. This prevents the nut
from turning except when the casing is turned. The casing also has
a screw cap on the lower end, through which an eyebolt passes. The
lower eyebolt screws into the movable nut inside the casing, against
which the spring rests. At the top of the casing is another eyebolt
which screws into the top screw cap.
The upper eyebolt is ¾ of an inch from the inner edge of the hole to
the shoulder of the upper cap, and the lower eyebolt 13/16 of an
inch from the inner edge of the hole to the shoulder of the bushing
when applied to the machine, making 8½ inches from center to center
of the holes in the eyebolts. The lower eyebolt is 1/16 of an inch
longer than the upper eyebolt. As the upper eyebolt has a left-hand
thread and the lower eyebolt a right-hand thread, the lower eyebolt
still remains 1/16 of an inch longer than the upper eyebolt, and
still retains the same compression on the spring when it becomes
necessary to turn the connecting link a trifle to raise or lower the
elevator.
The alignment of the matrices takes place as the elevator raises the
lugs of the matrices up against the aligning groove of the mold. By
the lower eyebolt passing through the clearance hole in the screw
cap when the alignment takes place, the lower nut is lifted against
the spring inside the casing and the spring compresses just enough
to align the lugs of the matrices in the groove of the mold. This
holds the line against the mold by spring tension. If the connecting
link was a solid piece, when the line was raised to the mold it would
lock so tight that in a short time the lugs would be worn, causing a
bad alignment of the matrices. The object of the spring inside the
casing is to prevent this wear. Having the lower eyebolt 1/16 of an
inch longer than the upper, the correct compression of the spring is
given. The elevator, when it raises from the vise for alignment with
no matrices, is raised nearly ⅓ of an inch. Notice the difference
with a line of matrices in the elevator. It is held at the mold by
the lugs of the matrices, the compression spring in the link taking
up the extra motion of the first elevator lever.
AUXILIARY LEVER
The distance from center to center of the holes should measure
8½ inches when the link has been properly adjusted. If the first
elevator jaws do not come within 1/64 of an inch of aligning with
delivery slide channel after the connecting link has been adjusted
and applied to the machine, adjust the slide with the auxiliary
lever. This is necessary to compensate for wear on the face of cam
No. 1 and the auxiliary lever roller. By loosening the connecting
screw in the side of the auxiliary lever, make the adjustment by
turning the adjusting screw in the front side of the auxiliary lever.
Never try to make this adjustment with the connecting screw tight, as
the lug of the auxiliary lever is liable to be broken.
THE SECOND ELEVATOR
The second elevator consists of two levers, connected by a bolt and
cushion spring. The short lever carries a roller which operates on
cam No. 6. The short lever operates the long lever, to carry the
matrices from the first elevator to the distributor box. On the outer
end of the second elevator lever is the bar plate and second elevator
bar. The matrices are held on this bar by their combination teeth. On
the right-hand end of the second elevator bar plate is a stop pawl.
The stop pawl prevents the matrices being pushed too far to the right
during the transfer from the first elevator to the second elevator,
and keeps the matrices from striking the distributor box bar when the
second elevator is being raised to its upper position.
When the elevator is at transfer point, the roller should be free
of the cam. Adjust by the nut on the connecting bolt which connects
the two levers. This is to assure the elevator seating in its proper
position on the transfer channel to receive the line of matrices from
the first elevator. The machine should be in normal position, the
automatic stopping pawl resting on the upper stopping lever, when
making this adjustment. With the machine in normal position, adjust
so the connecting bolt is free to turn, with no end play between
the head of the bolt and the adjusting nut. When this adjustment is
properly made, and the machine is turned to transfer position, the
roller will be free of the cam. When in normal position the second
elevator bar will align with the bar of the distributor box. Unless
the connecting bolt is free to turn when the machine is in normal
position, the second elevator will not be properly seated in the
distributor shifter guide, and the second elevator and distributor
box bars will not align.
SECOND ELEVATOR STARTING SPRING
Located just inside the machine frame, near cam No. 2, and connected
to the short lever of the second elevator, is the second elevator
starting spring and rod. When the second elevator is at transfer
point the adjusting nut should touch the spring. The spring is to
start the elevator down and prevent sticking at the distributor.
The most tension is on the spring when the machine is at normal
position and as the cam revolves, the second elevator cam lever will
get its proper movement when going to transfer position. The spring
also causes a steady movement of the second elevator lever when going
from transfer to normal position. This adjustment has become obsolete
on the new machines.
SECOND ELEVATOR SAFETY CATCH
On the end of the second elevator lever, near cam No. 10, either
beneath or at the back side of the shaft, is a projection for the
purpose of preventing the elevator from falling and being damaged
should anything catch or hold the lever momentarily from following
the cam. This projection engages with a safety pawl on the machine
frame. This pawl must be released before the lever roller can rest on
the cam. When the elevator descends at its regular time, the safety
catch is held open by a raised piece on the surface of cam No. 10.
MAIN CAMS
The main cams control the movements of the various levers of the
machine and their operations are dependent on these cams.
The assembling and distributing mechanisms alone are independent of
the main cams.
Standing at the rear of the machine and counting from the right, the
cams have the following action: Cam No. 1 is the first elevator cam.
This cam operates the first elevator slide, through the auxiliary and
first elevator levers, by means of a connection made by a connecting
link. This cam lowers the first elevator slide and jaws with the
matrix line to the mold and then lifts it to the intermediate
channel for the transfer to the second elevator bar. The elevator has
five changes of position in the casting of the line.
The second is the distributor shifter cam. This cam is inside the
frame of the machine, under cam No. 3, and to which it is fastened
with two dowel pins and a screw. This cam operates the distributor
shifter for transferring the matrices from the second elevator bar to
the distributor box and forcing the matrix line against the matrix
lift. This action is produced by a rider assembled in the distributor
shifter hub which is fastened by a shaft to the mold gear arm. The
rider is brought up against the face of this cam by a coil spring
which is fastened to the lower end of the hub and to the frame of the
machine. Assembled with the rider in the hub is a cushion spring that
takes care of any undue strain that might occur in the action of the
cams.
The third is the mold turning cam. The two gear segments attached to
this cam impart rotation to the mold turning pinion which in turn
revolves the mold disk. The short segment engages the pinion and
turns the disk one-quarter revolution, bringing the mold in position
to receive the line of matrices. The long segment in turn brings the
disk and mold to ejecting position, completing the revolution of the
cams.
The fourth (a part of cam No. 3) is the vise closing and second
justification cam. The lever, directly under this cam, has a roller
that follows the contour of the cam. A heavy coil spring beneath the
lever presses the roller against the cam. The lever is forked at the
front end and actuates the vise closing mechanism, and also acts with
the justification lever in making the second justification.
The fifth is the justification lever cam. The lever directly under
this cam has a roller that follows the contour of the cam. The heavy
coil spring beneath the lever presses the roller against the contour
of this cam, justifying the line of matrices by forcing the spacing
mechanism against the spacebands. This lever in its downward motion
operates the slug lever.