Press Instructions
•All four red-tipped metal rods must be installed through the four holes in the top platen cross bar and through the corresponding hole in the press uprights, before any pressure is applied.
•Always center the post of papers on the tray before pressing.
•Make sure that the tray is fully rolled into the press before applying pressure.
•Do not press hard objects which could damage the surfaces of the tray or platens.
•Apply pressure slowly to allow time for the water to drain from the tray. 5-gallon drain buckets can be placed at the front or rear of the press to collect the water.
•The tray will rise approximately 5" during pressing. Adjust the top platen to a height which will allow the press to create pressure against the post. On a very tall, highly compressible post which may require more than 5" of platen travel, do the pressing in twostages, adding one or more filler boards over the post on the second pressing.
•Build the post on top of a riser board, such as a piece of 3/4" plywood (we suggest varnishing with polyurethane). This will prevent the bottom felts and paper from being saturated in water.
Using the Pump
First check the manual valve which is located on the lower side of the pulp motor housing. This valve must be turned toward the front of the press. When the valve is in this position the electrical switches described below can energize the pump and raise the platen.
Next check the electrical switch located on the upper left side of the red motor housing. The switch has 3 positions. This switch should be pushed in at the top in order to allow the hand-held control to operate. When pushed in at the bottom, the switch energizes the pump without the need to use the hand-held control. However, we recommend using the hand-held control. When pushed to the middle position, the switch is off and the pump will not work.
To operate the pump, depress the hand-held switch. The bottom platen will begin to rise. Keep pressing the button on the switch. The bottom platen rises as long as you keep the switch pressed. If water starts to flow over the sides of the tray, let go of the switch and wait a minute or so. Note- The switch will only operate if you keep constant pressure on it. Depress until desired pressure is obtained as shown on gauge. Maximum pressure (50-tons) registers at the beginning of the grey area on gauge.
To release the pressure, which lowers the platen, turn the valve toward the rear of the press.
* The pump fluid reservoir is located just below the pulp motor assembly. The fluid level can be checked at the small silver cap, located in the front right top corner of the reservoir.
The level of the hydraulic fluid should be about 1/2" below this cap when the platen is in a lowered position. This cap also serves as a vent for the pump reservoir. Keep cap loosened 1 to 2 turns at all times for venting of the pump reservoir.
To Change Platen Height
Remove the four safety pins from the red-tipped metal rods by grasping the ring and pulling. Next pull each red-tipped metal rod out of the platen crossbar. A rubber mallet can be used to tap out slightly tight rods. If the rods still seem too tightly in place, then the winch located on the side of the press will need to be cranked clockwise and counterclockwise in order to position the platen crossbar to the best clearance position for removing each rod.
Note that the tension of either of the two cables which lift the platen can vary depending upon where they lie as they are spooled onto the winch drum. This may necessitate removing the rods from one side of the press first, and then cranking the winch until the rods on the other side can be tapped out.
With all of the rods out, use the winch to reposition the platen to match up with the desired set of holes.
Note that the lowest platen height is generally appropriate for pressing about 30 sheets of paper. Each set of holes moves the platen up 5 inches. When the platen is in the uppermost position, the total daylight (the distance between the upper and lower platens) is approximately 19 inches.
Next reinstall the red-tipped rods at the new platen position. This also requires a few steps. Note that when viewing the black platen crossbeam from the front of the press, one side may be tilted slightly lower than the other. On this lower side, insert the first rod into the bottom hole of the two holes. Then use the winch to level the platen and install the other 3 rods. Reinstall the safety pins.
Important - All four red-tipped rods must be securely in place before applying pressure. Be sure that the rods go through the black platen crossbeam and through the red upright rails, and are held in place with the safety pins. The forces generated by the hydraulic ram are very powerful and could damage the press frame if the rods are not properly positioned.