Malfunctioning Seal 160M dry mount press

[lightwisps]

My dry mount press has decided to be very bad. I just wanted to flatten some fiber prints today so I fired it up. Seems that maybe the thermostat has given up the ghost. The temp selector knob was in its normal place and I thought every thing was fine. I put the print in and lowered the platen down and within a minute burned the print to a crispy critter. Now I restarted the press and the thermometer showed 350F It was set at 225F. Huge difference. Is my thermostat blown and if so, does anyone know where I can get a new one. It also toasted the fabric on the cushion underneath. I am really bummed because I take excellent care of my equipment and now this. Any suggestions would be more than welcome. Thanks, Don

 

[Mike Wilde]

It may have just stuck after not being moved for a while, but I would lay odds on burned switch contacts.

If you are mechanically handy, pull the control panel section on top apart, and check to see if the bimetallic has given up the ghost ( unlikely) or if the small limit switch actuated by the bimetallic popping at the set temp is the failed part.

The heaters are a pretty big load with a heavy draw when they first fire from being cold.
Oer time the contacts can arc on break and then the silver plating can wear away. Then the underneath copper or brass is susceptible to fusing on the break arc.

 

[gleaf]

Contact burnishers are a bygone era thing perhaps. Along with files to clean up distributor points for your car. Very fine oxide paper (non conductive grit) and pull a slender strip through the closed points. Maybe sure baby is unplugged.

 

[paul ron]

I have the big brother of yours but the controls are the same. Just open her up clean the contacts as recommended above.

Also the thermostat can be recalibrated. I did mine using a laser thermometer. Once the temp reaches your desired amt turn the screw responsabe for the bimetal to shut the heater off. Back it off till the neon light goes off.

From now on when you set the dial to that temp, you will be sure it will be correct. Just be aware most of these type bimetal thermos are never accurate so be sure to chehk the temp regardless.