Thermostat for an old Seal Dry Mount Press

Does anyone know how difficult or expensive it will be to get a thermostat for an old Seal dry mount press. Its an "old brown one" that's 18x22 with a loose top plate where the thermostat is mounted and the thermostat is no good. It was described to me as being a bi-metal thermostat. That's the best description I can give. It's mine for $75 but I want to check on the cost of replacing the thermostat; the platten is in good shape.

I did a google search for Seal Bienfang but am not coming up with a web site for them, does anyone know what it is?

thanks
Chuck

Chuck,
It is pretty hard to mess up that kind of thermostat. I'll bet that if you clean the contacts with fine emery paper, it will probably work. The contacts become pitted with time because of arcing and finally will not make a good connection. A visual inspection of the contacts would confirm this.

Hi,

I got a replacemet for the one in my old Ademco here
Dead Link Removed

You may look up a suitable type and ask them whether they deliver abroad.

Ulrich

The Seal co. is excellent for parts. I have a press form the early 60's and about two years ago I was able to get the thermostat and rubber pad. I don't remember where they are located but it shouldn't be difficult to find out.

You can go to Bienfang directly - but they only stock parts for current presses. Their website is www.forframersonly.com/
If you want parts for older presses you'll have to call a company called On Site Maintenance. They stock original parts for all seal presses - I think they bought the old Seal company's existing inventory. Their phone number is 866.667.4836.

That being said, if you are comfortable with it - the easier and cheaper way is probably to find an equivalent thermostat online. Bimetal thermostats are a VERY common sort. You just have to find one with similar specs and mounting and drop it in.

My Seal 200 stopped working when the thermostat knob felt like it had disconnected from the mechanism. I disassembled the power box (under the plate with the two lights) and removed the thermostat. Be careful not to drop a screw inside the platen through the hole under the thermostat. The control shaft was sticking, so I lubricated it with a high-temperature molybdenum spray. Burnished the contacts with a narrow strip of 600 grit "sandpaper" (used for polishing metal) folded so the grit was on both sides. You have to pry the contacts apart slightly (with a screwdriver, for example) to insert the grit strip. a few in-and-out moves burnished the contacts. A strip of mat board then wiped out the residual grit and dust (don't skip this step). After reassembly the press works again. Calibrated the temperature scale with an oven thermometer, the kind with the probe on the end of a cable. Fifty years ago the mechanical designs were built to last

To check temperature I've been using a laser thermometer i picked up for $20.

Start the press at the 200deg mark. Let the press heat till the light goes out then read the platen temp. Advance the knob to a higher setting n let it heat till the light goes out.

Repeat this process till you get your desired temp. Once you get it, mark the setting n temp on the dial.

Bi metal thermostats are hardly ever accurate but once you found your temp, there is no need to ever reset it.

Most framing supply wholesalers stock replacement thermostats for older models. But you're going to pay more for one than the bargain price
on that old press.

I have a question for the group? I have a Commercial 200 and it turns on but doesn't go any higher than 140 degrees in temperature.......I've used my Temp gun to help gauge my progress.....but that is as high as it will go.....any help would be greatly appreciated.

LENNY SERNA said:

I have a question for the group? I have a Commercial 200 and it turns on but doesn't go any higher than 140 degrees in temperature.......I've used my Temp gun to help gauge my progress.....but that is as high as it will go.....any help would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

I had that with a Seal 210. The black knob that sets the temperature had been displaced on it own metal base. The values indicated were no longer valid.

LENNY SERNA said:

I have a question for the group? I have a Commercial 200 and it turns on but doesn't go any higher than 140 degrees in temperature.......I've used my Temp gun to help gauge my progress.....but that is as high as it will go.....any help would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

I know they are not perfect, but I used an infra red thermometer to check mine. You can also see how even or un-even the heating is by scanning across a board that was heated in the press.

You can use one of these with some mount board to measure the temperature:
https://www.amazon.ca/ThermoPro-Dig...ometer&qid=1613165474&sr=8-35&tag=googcana-20