STARLET GRINDER
G-5 MANUAL
CONGRATULATIONS!
You are now the owner
of a Glastar Grinder - the world's best selling glass Grinder. It
will make your stained glass work much more enjoyable.
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
This grinder is double insulated and does not require a grounded receptacle.
NEVERTHELESS, ALWAYS UNPLUG YOUR MACHINE BEFORE CLEANING IT OR MAKING
ANY REPAIRS. (Note: We strongly recommend that you return the unit
to the factory for any repair.)
USE
ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS TO REPAIR THIS MACHINE.
EYE PROTECTION
When operating the grinder,
always protect yourself against eye injuries from flying glass. Either
wear safety glasses or use the glastar eye shield that mounts over
the grinder's cutting head. Many users prefer the eye shield because
it eliminates glass chips flying toward the face. It is available
from your dealer as an option.
CONTENTS
OF PACKAGE
In this carton, along
with the Grinder, you will find two additional items: A plastic splash
guard, which is to be installed on the top plate behind the cutting
head. Also, there is an extra sponge inserted in the bottom of the
Grinder. Store it in this space until the sponge that is on top of
the machine wears out.
OPERATION
To operate the Grinder,
you need only add water. Remove the top plate and add just enough
water, about 1 1/2 cups, so the water level is above the bottom of
the skirt. It is not necessary to completely fill the reservoir.
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 by the skirt, 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 without adequate
water, 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.
When you start to grind, push the glass against the cutting
head with firm, even pressure. The diamond surface cuts better with
firm pressure against it. Excessive pressure will not hurt the diamond
surface, although it may slow or stop the motor. If this happens, don't
be concerned. Just back the glass off slightly...and the motor will
resume its normal speed.
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%, but their costs far outweigh the money
saved in head replacement. In addition, coolants create 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 fingers as is a belt sander or a silicone carbide grinding
wheel.
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DIAMOND
CUTTING HEAD
The diamond
cutting head extends slightly more than 1/4" above the work surface.
If all the glass you grind is 1/8" thick or less, you will only use
the lower 1/2 of the diamond cutting head. When the diamond cutting
surface dulls, then the head should be turned over. This will provide
two grinding surfaces; each surface should last approximately 30
to 60 hours for a total of 60 to 120 hours per grinding 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 30 to 60 hours per surface is an estimate.
We do not guarantee its life for any period of time due to the many
ways it may be used.
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 or turn over the cutting head on your Starlet,
depress the white button on the back of the machine, and at the same
time, slowly revolve the grinding head until the button engages and
locks the motor shaft so it cannot rotate. Use a Phillips head screw
driver to loosen and remove the screw and the brass washer in the center
of the head. Release the white button, take the grinding head off the
motor shaft, turn it upside down, and put it back on the spindle. Put
the brass washer back on the head, lock the motor shaft and tighten
the screw.
OPTIONAL
ACCESSORY
Ask your dealer about
the 1/4" grinding head.
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MAINTENANCE
The grinder's only moving
part is the electric motor which has permanently lubricated 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 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 of use, 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. Tip the Grinder on its side next to the
sink and sponge out the reservoir to remove the glass paste. Fill
the reservoir with water and you are ready to grind glass again.
No other maintenance is required.
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" (4.7625 mm) or 1/4" (6.35 mm) 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
is 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. Unaffected by water, these sheets
can be used over and over again.
INPUT POWER
Model G5
This machine operates
on standard household current (115 volts, 60 cycles, single phase,
ac). The power consumption is 1.6 amps at full load.
Model G51
This machine operates
on standard household current (220/240 volts, 50/60 hz, single
phase, ac). The power consumption is 0.8 amps.
