Quirks of the Ameritool flat lap cabber
Jun 2, 2024 18:49:06 GMT -5
opalpyrexia and jasoninsd like this
Post by docharber on Jun 2, 2024 18:49:06 GMT -5
Hello all.
I have had my 8" Ameritool for several years. it is a good performer though not very fast- maybe why some opal cutters seem to like this type of machine. I have some issues with the machine, however. The Shortly after I bought it, when still under warranty, it stopped turning and started humming. As I guessed, the problem was one of the four rectifiers in the unit. Not sure why they have four, probably due to a former British Leyland engineer on their staff?
Anyway, it was readily fixed. Since I have had issues with the rotary switch. I would expect a more durable switch for the money, and they offer a replacement for over twice what a similar switch should cost. Sounds like they're ready to merge with Lortone? Anyway, don't give up on a humming, stalled Ameritool. We had one at our club that got thrown out by parties unknown that could have been repaired (I'm pretty sure).
Another thing about mine is that the screw down bolt arrived bent- it appears to have been poorly molded into the plastic knob. I replaced it with a chrome leveling screw with a 1/4-20 thread an inch long and with a rubber washer that contacts the wheel. No squeal when I turn it on, and the wheel is held securely in place.
The Ameritool and the Hi-Tec slant cabber and All-U-Need are all good machines performance wise. They aren't for production work, but can be used on a TV tray in front of the tube while you watch Buffy The Vampire Slayer reruns. They are also space-saving and relatively economical as starter machines. Great for intarsia, too.
I have had my 8" Ameritool for several years. it is a good performer though not very fast- maybe why some opal cutters seem to like this type of machine. I have some issues with the machine, however. The Shortly after I bought it, when still under warranty, it stopped turning and started humming. As I guessed, the problem was one of the four rectifiers in the unit. Not sure why they have four, probably due to a former British Leyland engineer on their staff?
Anyway, it was readily fixed. Since I have had issues with the rotary switch. I would expect a more durable switch for the money, and they offer a replacement for over twice what a similar switch should cost. Sounds like they're ready to merge with Lortone? Anyway, don't give up on a humming, stalled Ameritool. We had one at our club that got thrown out by parties unknown that could have been repaired (I'm pretty sure).
Another thing about mine is that the screw down bolt arrived bent- it appears to have been poorly molded into the plastic knob. I replaced it with a chrome leveling screw with a 1/4-20 thread an inch long and with a rubber washer that contacts the wheel. No squeal when I turn it on, and the wheel is held securely in place.
The Ameritool and the Hi-Tec slant cabber and All-U-Need are all good machines performance wise. They aren't for production work, but can be used on a TV tray in front of the tube while you watch Buffy The Vampire Slayer reruns. They are also space-saving and relatively economical as starter machines. Great for intarsia, too.
... to the New Guys from The ChatBox V.2 Crew