As you know, if only from evidence of 90 year old machines being traded on E-bay, our Finishers give many years of effective service.  This can be greatly enhanced provided the operator employs a few simple maintenance regiments: -

Dust and Extraction

The filter bag extraction system relies on the extraction of dust from the working area through the fan into the lower of the two waste trays (1) via the filter bag on the back of the machine.  If this filter bag becomes clogged up with dust the suction will diminish. 

To help move as much of the dust through the system and into the waste tray at the bottom of the machine we strongly recommend pulling on the bag shaker cable (2) several times during the working day (whilst the extraction motor is not running). 

This action encourages most of the dust and fine particles to fall into the waste tray.  This tray should be emptied every night.  The machine must be switched off and isolated before releasing the tray.

We get calls, often from people who have been in the trade for many years, who are convinced that the lack of extraction has nothing to do with the fact that the filter bag on the back of the machine is absolutely solid with dust.  The filter bag is not a collection bag!  It is there to filter air back into the environment and the dust particles into the collection tray.  Once the fibres of the filter bag are choked, it’s time to replace it!  On average, we recommend every 18-24 months.

Noise

It is worth noting that the noise of a finishing machine does not occur separate from its environment.  For example, a room with tall ceilings can echo the noise produced, similarly a wooden floor may reverberate the sound produced.  A sloping floor may also affect the operational quality.  A wall immediately opposite the machine will bounce back the operating noise. 

Poorly maintained machinery may become noisier over time.  Not replacing blunt cutters of worn bands can increase the effort being put in by the finisher and thus create more noise.

The noisiest part of the finisher is the wide scouring band.  To ensure this part of the machine is running at optimum efficiency please ensure that there is no build-up of particles on the rear pullies and front contact wheels.  These particles can greatly increase the running noise of the band section. 

Other methods of reducing the noise of the finisher can be such things as: -

• Fitting the 75mm wide wheel with a 40g band rather than a 24g band. 
• Fitting anti-vibration matting under the machinery (available from Standard Engineering Ltd)
• Do not leave the finisher running unnecessarily.
• On our new Model 720 Finisher the use of twin speed scouring and extraction can greatly reduce running noise.

Standard recommend a service visit every 1-2 years, and replacing of the filter bag approximately every 24 months (or less if the machine is in a particularly busy environment) to give optimum performance.

Fire Prevention

• Clear all scraps of leather and rubber from both machine waste trays every evening. 
• Show caution, and deploy the spark guards provided to scour metal as the sparks from this action can ignite debris inside the body of the finisher.  In this instance the particles can smoulder for hours before catching on fire.

No power to the machine!

If you experience a complete lack of power to the machine always check that the Emergency Stop button is not deployed.  This has been the cause of many service call-outs over the years and many operator red faces!

Checking the Setting of the Heel Cutter Guide

The guard should be as close to the cutter as possible, and lined flush to the area of the cutter at between “3 and 6 O’clock”.  To move the guard loosen the bolt to the rear, adjust to suit and tighten.

Cleaning the Machine

Household proprietary cleaners are ok to use provided they are not bleach based.  Multi-purpose cleaning products should be acceptable and safe to use.

Keeping the machine running at optimum efficiency

We also strongly recommend a HEALTHCHECK every 18-24 months.  During this service our engineer will check the noise and dust emissions.  He will ensure all motors are running well and that the cutters, bands and brushes are all fine. 

He will make recommendations for any other work or replacement parts, which are chargeable, but also give you the option of undertaking them, whether it is replacing a worn forepart cutter or an entire filter bag.

To book a HEALTHCHECK or service, contact us on 01536 4860101