This set of instructions consists of two (2) sections - section one details removing the ram, while section two details replacing the ram.

Upon completing the removal and replacement, it is necessary to adjust the machine for the thickness of the tag you are marking. Please see the section "Adjusting the Model 4 or 6 for Tag Thickness" to properly adjust the machine.

1. Unscrew the slotted screw in the center of the dial knob (45) and remove the character dial from machine.

2. Slide the table (5) all the way to the right.

3. Remove the stop screw from the table slide (located at the upper left hand corner of table slide assembly 4-21-41).

4. While holding the table with your left hand, push in and hold the space button (2-24) and slide the table off the machine to the left.

5. Turn machine upside-down and remove connector link (36) by pushing in on the space button (2-24). Occasionally, the nut and screw on the bell crank (17) must be loosened to remove connector link.

6. Remove the four ¼ - 20 socket head cap screws from the table slide assembly. They are located at bottom mid-section of table slide, and hold the table slide assembly to the machine casting.

7. Lift the table slide assembly from the machine base and remove.

8. Unscrew the depth adjustment screw (39-44) from the ram (28). The ram can then be pushed down and off the machine.

Note: Occasionally, the gib (27, located on the left hand side of the dove-tail section) will drop off the machine when removing the ram.

To re-install the gib, hold the gib in place while installing the new ram. The gib should be flush with the face of the casting, otherwise it will interfere with the character dial during operation. There are three set screws (gib screws) with jam nuts that hold the gib in place. The screws may have to be loosened in order to install the new ram (28). When the new ram is in place, snug up the screws and then tighten the jam nuts. Make sure that the ram (28) has free up and down motion when you pull down on the operating handle (32-33). If the ram does not travel freely, loosen the gib screws slightly and snug the jam nuts.

Installing the new Ram

1. Using a 6" scale, note the distance between the head of the capstan screw (30) and the top of the damaged ram before removing the capstan screw. Keep the distance the same when replacing the capstan screw into the new ram. Also remove the 3/32" set screw from the damaged ram and re-install it into the new ram until it makes contact with the capstan screw - do not tighten the set screw yet.

2. Slide the new ram from the bottom up through the dove-tail section of the casting, then replace plunger spring (46) into hole at top of casting and screw the depth adjustment screw into the ram until the operating handle can be pulled down no further than the 9 o'clock (horizontal) position.

3. Re-install the table slide assembly (4-21-41) onto the machine base using the four ¼ - 20 socket head cap screws you removed earlier in step six of removing the ram.

4. Turn the machine upside-down and install the connector link (36) to the stud on the bell crank (17) and stud on the pawl assembly (11-12-7-38).

Note: There are two (2) studs on the pawl assembly. The connector link should be placed on the stud opposite the stud that the space button assembly (2-24) pushes on.

These instructions are also available as an Adobe reader document. Click this link to get instructions on replacing the ram on Schmidt Model 4 and Schmidt Model 6 nameplate detail presses.