Handy-Thread

Adjustments:

Handy-Thread machine is built for long life and rugged daily use; the die head chasers are the only parts which may have to be replaced on a regular basis. The following simple adjustments may be required occasionally:

Air Pressure. The air line pressure should be adjusted until the air pressure gauge on top of the air clamp valve reads at least 85 PSI. This adjustment is made on the pressure regulator which is located under the electric control box. After setting the pressure, cycle the machine once without cutting threads, to be sure the pressure has stabilized.

Drop Stop. This is set at the factory 6" from the stop rod mounting bracket. The length of thread cut when the switch cams are set, can be varied about 1/8" plus or minus by loosening the two socket head cap head cap screws in the left side of the stop rod mounting bracket, then sliding the stop rod in or out until thread lengths cut on a test rod correspond to the length to which the switch cams are set on the switch bar rules.

Switch Bars. Each of the two switch bars can be adjusted to make the thread length longer or shorter by 1/16" each way. This is done by loosening the lock nuts on each end of the switch bars, then loosening one socket set screw and tightening the other. These 60° socket set screws should be set so there is no side movement or end play, but so the switch bar will rock freely; then tighten the lock nuts and check the movement again. Oil the 60° bearings monthly.

Die Head Adjustments. Refer to the die head instruction manual for the brand and model of the die head being used.

Note: When using water soluble cutting fluids, all die head models will require periodic disassembly, cleaning, and oiling to remove gum and rust. The need for cleaning will be obvious from the sluggish opening and closing of the die head.

Centering Die Head Horizontally on the Collet. If it should become necessary to re-center the die head on the collet in a horizontal direction, slightly loosen the four 1/2" hex head bolts which hold the main spindle bearing blocks to the machine base plate. Tap both bearings to the left or right as required.

The main spindle should measure parallel to the ball bushing rod so that when a straight rod is chucked in the collet it will hit the center of the die head when the carriage is pushed toward the die head. After making this adjustment, firmly tighten the four hex head bolts.

Centering Collet Vertically on the Die Head. Raising or lowering the collet so it will be in alignment with the die head is done with the two cams (upper and lower) which support the carriage plate. These are located near the operator, on the left side of the machine.

Recommended adjusting procedure is to take a headless bolt and screw it into the closed die until about 1" of its unthreaded end is protruding out of the die. Disconnect air pressure or unplug the electrical power so the collet will not close. Push the carriage forward and adjust the carriage support cams so the collet will slide freely over the headless bolt. Each cam is adjusted by slightly loosening the socket head cap screw going through its center, then rotating the 5/8" hex cam to the desired position. Tighten the screw while holding the cam to keep it from rotating. When properly adjusted, there should be no up and down play in the carriage.

Replacing an Electric Limit Switch. There are three limit switches, and any one of them can be replaced by removing the four 1/4" socket head cap screws holding the switch assembly. The switching assembly can then be moved back and out from under the switch cam collar. Turn the switch assembly on its side to remove a switch. All switches are Omron switch No. Z-15GD55-B7-K.

When replacing a faulty limit switch, remove only one wire at a time. Connect this wire to the same terminal on the new switch before removing another wire.

The three limit switches can be identified as follows: the one mounted crosswise to the others operates the collet solenoid air valve (the one with a gauge mounted on it) and also re-cocks the die head through the double solenoid air valve. The switch next to it (in the middle) is actuated by the left switch cam bar. When actuated, it opens the die when thread length is reached, but is operative only when the "Mode" selector switch on the control box is in its "Alternate" (left) position for alternately threading to different lengths on opposite ends of the same rod. The third switch also opens the die when actuated. It opens the die on every threading operation when the "Mode" switch is set in its No. 1 (right) position and on every other threading operation when the "Mode" switch is set in its "Alternate" (left) position.