Need HELP!!! Drymount Machine ?????

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LeighAnn

LeighAnn

CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Posts
494
Loc
Yamhill County Oregon
I have a 9 year old Seal Masterpiece 500T-X Drymount Machine.

The problem I have been experiencing is.... When I drymount a larger (say over 20"x30") photograph the drymount tissue does not adhere to the back of the photo consistently. There seems to be areas usually in the middle or off to the side of the photograph where it does not mount together. The size varies, but is usually about 8"x8" or a little smaller.

The result usually is the drymount tissue underneath ripples in that spot and therefore if you try to put it back under the press and force it the photograph will take on the ripple of the tissue.

Sometime the ripple will be there underneath, but since the photograph does not adhere to it you can't see it, but you can feel it if you rub your hand across it.

This is extremely frustrating. Has anyone else come across this problem? It doesn't happen on smaller sizes and I haven't noticed it on posters. The last one it did it on was on Kodak Endura, but it has happened on Fuji paper too.

Any suggestions on why this is happening will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!!!!
 
LeighAnn:

Possibly the temperature is not consistent (some areas don't get as warm as others). I read once this could be due to a faulty thermostat.

Also, maybe the pressure is also not consistent; try using an extra piece or 2 of FC underneath and see if that helps.

PS: Bainbridge has a free kit to test the temperature. They send it with samples of their Artcare Restore.
 
If you used Restore or one of the coated boards that might solve the rippling tissue part of your problem and if it is the thermostat, I installed a new solid-state thermostat all by myself - it came with really really great directions!

If I can do it anyone can - and I am petrified of electrical stuff. My worst problem was climbing off and back onto my workbench to make sure (about 6 times) that the thing was indeed unplugged!
 
LeighAnn

I believe that all 500T-X have a solid state thermostat. The 500T had mechanical thermostats.

Like PaulN said, the pressure may be low. What angle is the handle with the drymount in the press but before you lock the handle in the down position? It should be about 45 degrees.
 
The symptoms you describe are the result of a defective (worn out) sponge pad or inadequate pressure adjustment (or both).

You can try using the 1/4" tempered masonite board that came with the press for use when laminating (if you don't still have it, cut a board from tempered masonite the slightly smaller that the raised ledge around the base so it an the sponge pad will drop in.) This is a short lived solution.

Take out the sponge pad completely and put it face up on a hard surface. Press all around the felt. You will probably feel the center more spongy than the perimeter. This is bad as it indicates that the center is not receiving even pressure. After nine years this can be expected and I would suggest replacing the sponge pad anyway.

There is also a gauge that came with the press that shows the proper handle angle - or you can read the adjustment PDF from Bienfang at:

http://www.forframersonly.com/pdf/PRESSURE_ADJUST_FOR_MECH.pdf
 
Yeah, my press is a 500T (bought it in 1982!) - regular thermostat went nutz and melted someone's diploma (wax letters - oooohhhhh) so this was when Seal was still Seal.

I probably need a new pad myself - it being 25 years old and all.

Do Bienfang (?) sell replacement pads?

Hmmm.....
 
Hey Mar, I don't even know how old mine is. I;m its third framer and recently replaced the thermostat. Much better. But I do appreciate Rob's link, mine came with no info whatsoever, but I knew it was a solid machine because I had used one for years. My poor baby doesn't even have an on/off switch, I really need to replace that.
 
I would agree with Rob, it is your sponge/pad. United sells them as well.
 
Thank you Thank you Thank you!

We ordered a replacement sponge pad on Monday (received Tuesday) and did a little fiddeling with the pressure adjustments and my drymount machine works like it did 9 years ago.

Thank you to everyone that helped. I love the Grumble!!!!!
 
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