ITW AMP Miter Mite VN2 Problem

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cwphoto

cwphoto

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
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Apr 5, 2012
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Hi folks:

I need some help diagnosing a problem with a miter mite VN-2. I have no idea about the history of this machine as it was purchased used. Other than applying one or two drops of pneumatic oil to the air lines, I really don't do too much to it. It just suddenly stop firing nails. There was no noticeable air leaks at the time. I do not see any jams, and the nail clamp was engaging properly, etc.

I kept trying to get it to fire after making various adjustments to no advil. I then started to hear a small air leak. From the low pressure valve, there is a line that goes down to the v-nail clamp and that is were the air was leaking. I put my hand around the fitting, and it literally broke off. So, while this is an obvious problem, I'm not sure if the two are related. ITW's site is down at the moment, and their manual is pretty basic as far as troubleshooting. I'm not sure if there is a manual out there that describes the rebuild of the valves, etc.

Again, I don't even know where to look or what the most obvious problem may be.

Thanks,
 
I'm not familiar with that machine and now that you say the air line has snapped, it may be a moot point, but are you sure you inserted the vnails properly?

If they are inserted upside down, they can jam or stop cycling.

I'm sure others will be along to give you more help.
 
I have a VN2 also and have had a VN2+1 as well. I am very familiar with these machines and have done all of my own repairs.
It's hard to tell from your info what the exact problem is. Obviously the broken fitting is a problem but as you said it may be unrelated to the firing problem. These units can leak air and still work just fine.
If you can give any more info I might be able to help. I have the manual and the hose diagram if you need it.
Does it not fire any of the sizes, 7mm, 10mm, 15mm, etc?
I had a problem once where it would fire all of the sizes but not the 15mm. I loosened the two allen screws holding the vnail block and just shifted it a hair and retightened and that fixed it.
You might be able to bypass the clamp temporarily. You can take the air lines and melt them shut to seal the leak.
The clamp won't work but everything else should. I wouldn't attempt this unless you really know what you're doing.
The hoses and fitting will still have to be replaced.
I join my frames in a vise first so I really don't use the front clamp, only the top clamp(pressure foot).

Otherwise Phil at ITW tech support ( 800-322-4204 )is very helpful. I have spoken to him a few times in the past and he is a good guy.

Neil Why the H#ll do I bother to post?
 
The hose may have been crimped closed before you broke it free. Cut a fresh end on the hose and remove the broken fragment from the fitting by pushing the collar in and use a pin to pluck the fragment out. Slide the freshly cut end into the fitting and your problem may be solved.
 
If you call tech support at ITW-AMP, they might be able to supply any needed parts and then talk you through the repair.
They have been very helpful to me in the past. These machines are modular and not difficult to work on if you know what to do.
:cool: Rick
 
Rick Granick said:
If you call tech support at ITW-AMP, they might be able to supply any needed parts and then talk you through the repair.
They have been very helpful to me in the past. These machines are modular and not difficult to work on if you know what to do.
:cool: Rick
Click to expand...

I wanted to first thank all who responded. What a great bunch of folks here! I'm attaching a couple of photographs of the fitting that broke off. I wish it was simply a matter of cutting the end of the hose off, but the actual threads from the air fitting broke in two. I also dug a little bit deeper and took apart the main piston. Actually a pretty easy machine to work on, and well made. The gaskets don't really look in very bad shape to me. There is a bunch of surface rust on the piece that the v-nails run along and could probably use a thorough cleaning or to be replaced. I'm not sure how much torque they put on those bolds but I can't get them to budge. I will have to pick up a 5 mm hex socket. Perhaps there's even some Loctite on there? #### tight is all I can say.

I guess I just don't see how the low pressure air that pushes against the v-nails would stop the piston from working. One is high pressure the other is very low pressure. I think it's just coincidental they broke about the same time. Thoughts? I will call ITW in the morning, and see what they have to say. P7260005.JPGP7260007.JPGP7260006.JPG Sorry, Looks like the camera shifted focus on the last image. I was trying to show the condition of the gasket. Anyway, it doesn't look deteriorated.

Troy
 
I have replaced that part on 2 different VN2's. Those fittings will break off and the cylinder cannot be rebuilt.
That is the part that pushes the vnails forward to be shot.
They are prone to leak after a number of years. The new part is about $80.
That may have caused your not-shooting problem or not.
Talk to Phil at ITW. 800-322-4204. He is the tech support guy. He knows me. Those fittings are put in with Loc-Tite and will usually break if you try to unscrew them. Also some of the allen screws are treated with Loc-Tite and are hard to loosen.
I have an extra one of those parts. It has a small air leak but otherwise it worked fine.
If you want it I will send it to you. Just contact me by PM. I know those machines well and have used them for more than 20 years.
I have the manual and hose chart if you need it. Also available from www.itwamp.com .
I have rebuilt upper cylinders and other parts of the VN2. I have taken apart cylinders and found gaskets that are broken and just almost crumble when you handle them.
You want to use white lithium grease on the o-rings if you re-assemble.
 
neilframer said:
I have replaced that part on 2 different VN2's. Those fittings will break off and the cylinder cannot be rebuilt.
That is the part that pushes the vnails forward to be shot.
They are prone to leak after a number of years. The new part is about $80.
That may have caused your not-shooting problem or not.
Talk to Phil at ITW. 800-322-4204. He is the tech support guy. He knows me. Those fittings are put in with Loc-Tite and will usually break if you try to unscrew them. Also some of the allen screws are treated with Loc-Tite and are hard to loosen.
I have an extra one of those parts. It has a small air leak but otherwise it worked fine.
If you want it I will send it to you. Just contact me by PM. I know those machines well and have used them for more than 20 years.
I have the manual and hose chart if you need it. Also available from www.itwamp.com .
I have rebuilt upper cylinders and other parts of the VN2. I have taken apart cylinders and found gaskets that are broken and just almost crumble when you handle them.
You want to use white lithium grease on the o-rings if you re-assemble.
Click to expand...

Great folks there at ITW. They think it's the control valve, although the old brass magazines were prone to wear and can cause jamming. I'll order a gasket kit and control valve + fitting and give it a whirl. Thanks again to all those who responded!

Troy
 
cwphoto said:
Great folks there at ITW. They think it's the control valve, although the old brass magazines were prone to wear and can cause jamming. I'll order a gasket kit and control valve + fitting and give it a whirl. Thanks again to all those who responded!

Troy
Click to expand...
If you want that part that pushes the vnails forward in your picture let me know. I have 2 of them complete with the airline fittings.
They both have small air leaks but work. Or you could use the fittings to fix yours if you can extract the broken off threaded part.
I would send it to you for just the shipping (mailing) charge.
I have also replaced a control valve that was leaking air but the unit worked fine even with the air leak.
The old control valves were brass, the new ones are plastic or nylon. There are 3 stacked control valves on the VN2.
Neil
 
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