DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CUT OR REMOVE THE
THIRD (GROUNDING) PRONG FROM THE POWER CORD.
Usage of adapter plug.
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions,
we strongly recommend against the use of an adapter plug. However,
if you still elect to use and adapter, where local codes permit, a temporary
connection may be made to a properly grounded two-prong wall receptacle
by the use of a UL listed adapter which is available at most local
hardware stores.
CAUTION: Attaching adapter ground terminal to wall
receptacle cover screw does not ground the machine unless cover screw
is metal, and not insulated, and wall receptacle is grounded through
house wiring. Customer should have the circuit checked by a qualified
electrician to make sure the receptacle is properly grounded. When
disconnecting the power cord from the adapter, always hold the adapter
with one hand. If this is not done, the adapter ground terminal is
very likely to break with repeated use. Should this happen, DO NOT
USE the machine until a proper ground has again been established.
Use of extension cords.
Because of potential safety hazards under certain conditions,
we strongly recommend against the use of an extension cord. However,
if you still elect to use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary
that it be a UL listed 3-wire grounding type extension cord.
Unplug your machine:
A. Before making any repairs - (Note: We strongly recommend
that any servicing be performed by a qualified person.)
B. Before cleaning.
USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS TO REPAIR THIS
MACHINE.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
OUTSIDE USA (818) 341-0301 · INSIDE
USA (800) 423-5635
FAX (818) 998-2078 · WEBSITE www.glastar.com
EMAIL: info@glastar.com
Eye protection.
When operating the grinder, always protect yourself against
eye injuries from flying glass. Either wear safety glasses or use an
eye shield that mounts over the grinder's cutting head. Many users
prefer the Glastar Eyeshield because it eliminates glass chips flying
toward the face. It is available from most dealers as an option
OPERATION
In the carton, you will find the grinder and two additional
items: a plastic splash guard and a packet containing an extra sponge
and an allen key. The U-shaped splash guard attaches to the rim of
the machine behind the cutting head. And, the allen key is used when
changing or adjusting the cutting head.
To operate the grinder, you need only add water. It is
not necessary to completely fill the reservoir. Add enough water -
about one cup - so the water level is even with the bottom of the cutting
head. Then, dip the sponge in water and squeeze it several times to
make certain it is thoroughly wet. Replace the sponge in its pocket
behind the cutting head, and turn on the grinder. As the cutting head
turns, water is pumped into the sponge, keeping it soaking wet. The
wet sponge keeps the diamond surface of the cutting head clean and
cool. Never use the machine without first checking the water level
and making certain the sponge is in place behind the cutting head.
If you use the diamond cutting head dry, you will considerably shorten
its life.
The cutting head slings water as it rotates. The splash
guard catches most of this water and returns it to the reservoir. Do
not overfill the machine. The higher the water level, the more
water it will sling. Once cup is more than adequate.
When you start to grind, push the glass against the cutting
head with firm, even pressure. The diamond surface cuts better and
lasts longer with heavy pressure against it. Excessive pressure will
not harm the diamond cutting head or slow the motor.
Some manufacturers suggest the use of an industrial coolant
to protect the diamond head. Glastar does not recommend or discourage
the application of a coolant. Coolants may prolong the life of the
Glastar diamond head by 10 percent, but their costs far outweigh the
money saved. In addition, coolant creates a mess.
If your finger touches the diamond cutting head when it
is rotating, it will feel smooth. The diamond surface is not nearly
the hazard to your fingers as is a belt grinder or a silicone carbide
grinding wheel.
TOP of page
DIAMONG CUTTING HEAD
The diamond cutting surface of the head is 1/2 inch high.
Glastar has installed the head so that the full 1/2 inch of diamond
extends above the working table. If all the glass you grind is 1/8
inch thick or less, you will only use the lower one-fourth of the cutting
surface. When that area dulls, lower the head another 1/8 inch and
so forth. This will allow four surfaces; each surface should last approximately
50 to 75 hours, a total of 200 to 300 hours of grinding from one head.
If you grind 1/4 inch thick glass, you lower the head 1/4 inch to change
to a new, fresh surface. This gives you two grinding surfaces per head.
It is difficult to quote a specific number of hours that
the diamond cutting head will last. Like sandpaper, it does not wear
out all of a sudden. Instead, the cutting head gradually begins to
dull. The head's durability depends on the type of glass you are grinding
and your definition of dull. The 50 to 75 hours per surface is an estimate.
Some claim more than 100 hours per surface, while others change to
a fresh surface after 10 hours. Of course, you should expect far less
life if you are grinding rocks.
Never grind any metal with the diamond cutting head. This
will make the diamond surface unusable for glass in a matter of seconds.
To replace the diamond cutting head or to lower it, loosen
the set screw near the top of the head with the allen key. The loosened
head will slide up and down on the motor shaft with ease. Each time
you reposition the cutting head, Glastar recommends the application
of a lubricant, such as Vaseline, to both the motor shaft and the cutting
head. When retightening the set screw with the allen key, make certain
the head is set against the flat side of the motor shaft.
Ask your dealer about other sizes and grit cutting heads
for your Glastar Grinder.
TOP of page
MAINTENANCE
The grinder's only moving part is the electric motor which
has permanently lubricated ball bearings. No maintenance is required,
but you should periodically clean the top of the machine.
After using the grinder for a short period, you will find
that a very fine white paste, made up of glass particles, collects
at the bottom of the reservoir. This glass will also collect in the
sponge and will eventually inhibit the movement of the water. Therefore,
after every hour of use, remove the sponge, hold it under a water faucet,
and squeeze it several times to rinse it clean. Every four hours, clean
the reservoir of ground glass.
To clean the reservoir, unplug the machine and remove the
white plastic work table by lifting it straight up. Use a wet paper
tower or sponge to remove the glass paste. Snap the table back into
position, plug the machine back in, and add water. You are now ready
to grind glass again. No other maintenance is necessary.
TIPS FOR USING YOUR GRINDER
The finely-ground glass that collects on the white plastic
work table can scratch smooth, soft glass, such as 3/16 inch 1/4 inch
plate, and some antique glasses. If you are working with soft glass,
frequently remove the white work table and rinse it off. To be absolutely
certain that you do not scratch the glass, place several strips of
masking tape on the bottom of the glass to raise it off the table.
If you use a paper pattern when grinding the glass, water
from the cutting head will get it quite wet. If you intend to make
two projects from one set of patterns, let the paper dry out before
attempting to grind the second set. After the paper dries, it will
resemble its original shape and size. However, the paper patterns do
shrink after getting wet several times.
For instance, if you are working on a Worden lamp. where
the same set of patterns are used six times, Glastar recommends making
a second set of patterns. Use each one only three times. Better yet,
make original patterns from a sheet of acetate or mylar, these sheets
can be used over and over again.
INPUT POWER
Model G3 & G4
This machine operates on standard household current (115
volts, 60 cycles, single phase, ac). The power consumption is 1.5 amps
at full load.
Model G31 & G41
This machine operates on standard household current (220/440
volts, 50/60 Hz, single phase, ac). The power consumption is 0.8 amps.
TOP of page