28
TAPMATE
™
XL-424 Operating Manual
CARE AND MAINTENANCE:
The TapMate XL-424, will provide a long life if it is properly cleaned and maintained between uses.
With many external moving parts, it is necessary to keep the machine as clean as possible, particularly the
threaded sections of the machine. These areas should be cleaned, lubricated and inspected for damage
before and after each use. Damaged threads are very rare if kept clean, and the machine is properly
handled. If threads become damaged, they are easily repaired with a file if the damage is noticed before
becoming wedged in its mating part.
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
:
The following steps should be performed after each use.
It's important to lubricate the external threads with penetrating type oil (WD40 is an example). This
will allow the Brake Tube and Lead Nut to smoothly rotate.
When assembling to do a tap, inspect the Hub Adapter o-ring and the Adapter Bell flat gasket. Replace as
needed.
Examine the rention ball system. It should require firm pressure to depress the balls, and they should snap
back into place smoothly. If the balls are sticking, disassemble and clean the hole, ball and spring.
Reassemble and re-examine to ensure that the retention balls are functioning properly.
Check to see that the Spade Bit is sharp and that it is held securely in the slot. If the Spade Bit is chipped or
damaged, it should be replaced or repaired.
It is important to keep the Jam Nuts tight. Keeping them tight will hold the Cutters securely in
place, and will also simplify their removal. Use only sharp hex wrenches to tighten set screws when
securing Jam Nuts.
ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
:
The following steps should be performed yearly.
Lubricate the Shaft as it moves through the inside of the Lead Tube:
To do this, remove both
1
/
8
”- 27 NPTF set screws located in the scale of the Lead Tube. In one hole, install
the provided
1
/
8
”-27 NPTF Zirc fitting. Use the other set screw hole as a vent for the incoming grease. Attach a
grease gun to the Zirc fitting and pump in non water soluble grease, (such as water pump grease*), until the
grease begins to come out the vent hole. If at any time the grease appears white, this indicated that water has
gotten inside, and in this case, the grease should be removed and replaced. When finished, remove the Zirc
fitting, and replace both set screws. Once tightened, make sure the set screws are below the surface of the scale.
Lubricate the Lead Nut bearings:
To do this, remove the
1
/
8
”-27 NPTF set screw that is located in the scale of the Thrust tube near the Lead
Nut Handles. Replace with the same
1
/
8
” -27 NPTF Zirc fitting. Pump 5 shots of grease into the Lead Nut
bearings. When done take out the Zirc fitting and replace the set screw, making sure that it is below the surface
of the scale.
Lubricate the back bearings:
To do this, remove the set screw located in the back plate of the machine (where the square end of the shaft
extends out of the machine). With the
1
/
8
”-27 NPTF Zirc fitting in place, pump five (5) shots of grease into
the back bearings.
*Note: Romac uses a Shell Product, "Alvania EP Grease 2".
