CAUTION!
Always turn the power OFF and disconnect the power cord at the wall outlet before attempting any maintenance procedure.

For maintenance, we recommend ``Break Free'', a product capable of performing a multiplicity of functions - cleaning, freeing, water displacement, rust prevention and lubrication - with a single application. It is available through the Network.

Daily/Weekly Cleanup

Use an air hose or vacuum cleaner to remove all chips on and around the engraving table, control unit, and your general work area. An excessive buildup of chips around your work area can cause static electricity. Avoid blowing off the keyboard of your computer, especially if you do not have a plastic keyboard overlay/cover. Chips can be forced under the keys. Use your vacuum cleaner's brush attachment for best results.

Remove the spindle retainer nut and nosecone. Clean out the engraving chips beneath the nosecone, around the bearing casing with a small brush, i.e. a toothbrush or paintbrush. Using a high pressure air source can force trash up into the spindle bearings. Normally you do not need to remove the felt washer beneath the nosecone. If it is removed, make sure all engraving particles are removed from the lower spindle housing before reinserting. Be sure to replace the felt washer to prevent damage to the bearings. Never lubricate your spindle or spindle bearings.

Wipe down all unprotected metal parts, i.e.. Thompson bearing races, spindle housing, etc., of the table with a cloth coated with a light application of ``Break Free''.

Backup your computer data. Make sure all diskettes are properly labeled and placed in protective envelopes. Store all diskettes in a protective dust proof container. If you have a hard disk, it is a good idea to back it up weekly. At least back up the JOBs in your SuperPro directory.

Once A Month

Remove the fan filter on back of the Systems Control Unit by removing its four screws. Wash the filter using hot water and soap (any soap will work). Replace the filter before using the SCU.

Every 300 Hours

Wipe both the X and Y-axis leadscrews with a cloth saturated with ``Break Free''. The leadscrews are long threaded rods which move the table, and the carriage/cutter assembly.

If you have a cover on the X-axis, remove it to get to the plastic leadscrew nut. To get to the Y-axis leadscrew, move the table forward so you can remove the protective metal cover. Both ends of the Y-axis leadscrew can be more easily accessed by moving the table forward, and then backwards.

Blow the excessive plastic and metal chips from both leadscrew areas.

Wipe down the leadscrews with a cloth that has been dampened with lacquer thinner to remove all old oil and debris.

Apply a light coat of ``Break Free'' to each of the leadscrews. Move the table and cutter assembly back and forth across the table to evenly distribute the oil.

Using alcohol or electronic cleaner, clean the electronic sensor board that controls the engraving motor speed. It is located next to the engraving motor pulley. Also clean the pulley, especially the prism side. The sensor reads the prism as it rotates and controls the engraving motor speed. Note: If you use a cleaning product that removes the sensor paint, your motor will run wide open.

Every 500-600 Hours

Check the spindle motor belt for excessive wear. Replace if necessary.

Inspect/replace the motor brushes in the spindle motor.

Remove two large plastic brush caps on top of spindle motor. Be careful, these brushes are spring loaded and could pop out.

Remove motor brushes and springs noting the position of the brush as you remove it.

Replace with new brushes if old brushes are less than 1/3'' long or if brushes are wearing unevenly. Note: If motor brushes do not need to be replaced, be sure to insert them with the same rotational orientation as previously installed.

Every 1000 hours

Use a vacuum cleaner and an air hose to clean out the SCU. While blowing out the SCU, vacuum the dust and particles out with the vacuum cleaner. Safety glasses are suggested.

Check the backlash in the leadscrew nuts and adjust if necessary. You might want to remove the plastic leadscrew nuts and clean with Naphtha or other cleaning solution. Excessive debris can cause the leadscrew nuts to wear. Replace if letter quality cannot be improved by adjusting

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Make sure the SCU's top cover is on before engraving a job. Running the SCU without it will cause overheating. The cover also prevents debris from reaching sensitive components.