Cleaning a Seal 210 drymount platen?

[bill t.]

Just got the best imaginable deal an old Seal 210 drymount press. Heats up accurate and even. However, the platen surface is truly ugly and just a little uneven with all kinds of baked-on gunk. In my euphoria I am moved to attempt a cleaning, a condition that may be fleeting.

Lacking a manual, I was wondering if it is possible to remove just the silvery heating plate by removing the 8 large Philips screws visible from the top of the press. Or is this something I would soon regret, as in broken wires etc. Perhaps the black brackets on either side should be removed instead, I dunno.

Would appreciate any tips from those who have suffered before me. Maybe I should just kick back and use thick cover sheets, I could bear to hear that too.

Also, who knows where to get new pads for this thing. Bh Photo etc. all seem to be sold out, I hope this is not a bad omen. Are there any substitutes?

Thanks!

 

[Richard Darling]

Have you tried cleaning it with Unstik or Unseal (same things)? The dried on gunk should just be little bits of adhesive. Unstik should clean it up perfectly.

I think you can change out parts, but I sure wouldn't try something that invasive without exhausting all my simple cleaning options.

 

[Rob Markoff]

Access to the platen is easy by removing the "c" clips that hold the platen to the pivot. Remove the clips and push out the pivot bearings. Then flip the entire platen over so the surface is face up. Keep the rear hinge intact. DO NOT attempt to remove the aluminum platen from the housing as there are thermocouples attached and it is not necessary for cleaning.

Warm up the press (not hot but slightly warm to the touch and then UNPLUG it before working on it) and use SEAL (or Bienfang) platen cleaner and the scrubbing sponge that comes with it. Do not use sharp tools or razor blades as you can scratch the platen. Be sure to wipe all of the residue off with clean cloths. Keep rubbing until they no longer come off black/grey. It is available from United, their part #2792, link:
http://www.papercatalogsonline.com/...508/lg_display.cfm?page_number=55&catalog=508

You can reach the technical department of Biengfang at 888 240-6021. They sell the presses and parts and have taken over distribution to the framing market.

You say the press heats up accurate and even - did you use indicator test strips in multiple locations on the platen? There is a PDF and instruction on Bienfang's website on calibrating a thermostat.

 

[bill t.]

Thanks for the replies!

Rob it's great to hear Bienfang has taken over parts distribution, was a little worried. I'll order one of those cleaning kits tomorrow. Good tip on the clips. Sounds like you've been through this.

I did a rough calibration by pressing a piece of dense matboard, then pulling it out and quickly reading various points with a reflected infrared digital thermometer. There's roughly a 10 degree spread on various parts of the mat, highest temp is near the center, lowest at the far back edge. Average temperature is probably lower than the "200" dial setting, and there's definitely some overall drift but not much. Wonder how that compares with what others are seeing with the strips on newer machines.

Made a few test mounts of RC paper on foamcore with Techmount TC2, seems to work fine with no damage to the Luster surface. I'll slice 'em up tomorrow to check the cross sections.

 

[Rick Bergeron - CPF]

Bill,

The Bienfang temperature test strips do a good job of checking the press in the 200 degree range and are sacrificial, one use only.

For lower temperature calibration checks, Bainbridge has a reusable temperature test strip that is free for the asking. Here is a link to the information I use the temperature strip mounted to a 16 x 20 piece of 3/16 Artcare and move it around within the press.

I have always been quite a bit leary of the infrared temperature indicators because of differences in emissivity, repeatability and general accuracy of the consumer grade devices that are being used. Digital does not always mean more accurate.

 

[Shari]

Losing vacuum in my Bienfang I reseated everything, cleaned any dirt or debris, any ideas?

 

[wpfay]

Hi Shari, and welcome to the G.
It would be better if you started a new thread rather than reviving a 17 year old one.

That said, try propping up the top a few inches overnight to take the pressure off the foam seal to see if it will expand back out. That foam can be replaced from D&K, and Wendy at D&K can walk you through the process of getting the old foam off and installing the new.

Alternately you should check the bladder for holes. And again, Wendy is the go-to for vacuum presses.

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