Removing platen from a Seal 210 Commercial Press

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I have a pretty well-worn but fully functional 80lb. waffle iron, err.. Seal 210 dry mounting press. I'd like to really clean the platen up and was wondering how to go about removing the platen? Any tips or heads up?

 

[Donald Miller]

I have cleaned the platen on my Seal 210 M a couple of times without removing the platen. With the platen cool, I used a sanding block with 600 grit paper. It worked well. The use of release paper will reduce the need to clean the platen.

Removing the platen requires dismantling the pressure adjustments and the hinge bolts.

 

[noseoil]

Donald, did you wet-sand, or was it just dry on the block?

 

[Konical]

Good Morning, Phillip,

Do an APUG search; there are various previous posts on the topic of dry mount presses.

Konical

 

[Donald Miller]

Donald, did you wet-sand, or was it just dry on the block?

I dry sanded with 600 wet/dry paper. It seemed to work well. It's kind of a pain to reach in with the platen in place...but then removing the platen is troublesome as well.

 

[rexp]

Phillip - Since I have the 200 lb version (Masterpiece 360) I can only give you some guidelines based on my machine. I found a picture of the 210 on the web and it looks pretty similar.

Start by removing the pad and placing a couple of blocks of wood in there to support the top. Pull the handle forward to put the weight of the heater on the blocks, but don't pull hard enough to "clamp" the blocks. Remove the handle - by this I mean the rod that is the handle and not the arms. I don't know how these are connected as mine was replaced by someone else with a long piece of threaded rod and a plastic pipe.

Next you want to remove the "C" shaped assemblies on each end. Take the left one off first as it will be slightly easier since the power cord threads thru the right side. Start by lifting the front up to allow you to remove the spring clip on the end of the two rods that go through each side (I think they are nearest the front on the bottom side of the "C"). Leave the rods in place for now. Remove the spring clip on the shaft that the heater "hangs" on. At the back, there should be another pin going through the bar that comes out from under the housing where the on/off switch & controls are. Remove the spring clip from this one. Remove the bolt holding the "C" to the bottom. Pull out the pin from the front bottom of the "C" (the one with the clip on the underside). Now you should be able to pull this whole assembly away from the rest of the press. When you put it back, it is easier to align the two top pins (you will need to pivot the clamp mechanism arm to get both pins lined up), and then insert the bottom pin. Then you can rotate the back of the "C" up to line up the holes for the bolt. I suggest you replace ALL the spring clips, they are cheap.

The right side is exactly the same, except the power cord is routed out through the bar that goes to the rear. Make sure you don't route the cord somewhere that it will end up being pinched. After both sides are back on, re-attach the clamp handle.

While you have it apart is a good time to clean and re-lube all of the pivot points. Use a moly based grease, not oil. Use sparingly and wipe everything clean so's you don't get grease on one of your nice white mats. If you disassemble one side at a time, you can always look at the other to figure out where everything goes.

If you get stuck, pm me & we can arrange a phone call.

Did I mention you should invest in a set of spring clip pliers?

 

[Phillip P. Dimor]

Rexp, THANK YOU!!!