MC
CABLE CUTTER & PIGTAILER
Operating Instructions
(revised
01/01/04)
· Please read these instructions carefully to get a familiarization for the operation and adjustment of your machine--anyone else that will be using it should read them, as well!
· Also, please read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety information for the saw and drills that should have been included with your machine. If you didn’t receive those documents or are missing them give us a call and we’ll mail any missing items to you.
· If in doubt about ANY aspect of operating your machine or for other questions or comments, give us a call at (407) 474-6400. Messages will be answered promptly!
· Remember—SAFETY FIRST! When using this machine we recommend that you use the same precautions that you would when using any power tool. Eye, Ear and Hand protection are recommended. Unplug the machine when not in use or when making any adjustment to it. If you leave the machine unattended for any length of time, double-check that the blades are secure and adjustments are correct.
· NOTE: Make sure the main power switch is OFF or unlatch and open the machine before you plug it into a 110vac outlet! Remember, the machine has a microswitch that turns it on automatically when closed.
Setup:
Place the machine
on a flat surface free of obstructions.
A long benchtop is recommended.
Allow room for the machine to open.
You may want to secure the machine to the benchtop with clamps or
screws. That will help to assure
consistent cut cable lengths (a “whip”).
Measure off the desired whip length from the center, cut-off saw slot to
a point on the benchtop and mark it.
Adjust the notching blades to your desired pigtail length by loosening
the black knobs and moving the drills away from the cut-off saw the desired
amount then tighten the knobs securely.
Make sure the machine’s main power switch is OFF before you plug the machine into a 110vac outlet. A cable spool holder/reel is recommended to
avoid unnecessary twists in the cable as it is fed into the machine. Unlatch and open (pivot) the machine
all the way back.
Feed the cable
from the spool through the “Wear Cone” into the “V” (“V-block”) and onward to
your desired length. Turn the power
switch “ON”—note the indicator light.
Pivot the top frame down onto the cable in the V-block. As the top frame nears the cable, a
micro-switch starts all cutters.
Continue down smoothly until the top frame reaches the end of its travel
and/or listen for the saws to finish “zinging” (cutting) then raise the machine
fully open again and the micro-switch will turn off the cutters. The center saw
cuts the whip to length while the two outer blades cut parallel to the cable to
notch it. This creates pigtails on the end of one whip and the beginning
of the next once you twist the armor off each end. Repeat until you have the desired number of
whips or are out of cable to cut and pigtail, then turn your machine OFF and unplug it! See the “Operating Notes:” and “Adjustments:”sections
for more information on the operation and adjustment of your machine…
·
Your machine has been
adjusted and tested before delivery using aluminum and steel 12-2 MC cable and
should be ready to plug in and go.
However, due to different cable size and/or manufacturer variance (ie:
cable armor thickness), fine adjustments may be needed. See below under “Adjustments, NOTCHING
BLADES”.
·
Once adjusted
properly, your machine should hold its notch cutting depth adjustment
indefinitely although it is good practice to check it occasionally. Evidence of improper adjustment is
difficulty untwisting the armor to expose the pigtail which would require a
deeper cut (shorten hold-down rod) or nicked insulation which would require a
shallower cut (lengthen hold-down rod)
·
When changing notching
blades (machine unplugged!), be sure to install them in the correct cutting
direction and make sure the drills are rotating in the correct direction, as
well. The left-side drill and blade
should cut counter-clockwise as you look at them and clockwise for the
right-side drill and blade. The
direction levers on the drills should point away from the center, cut-off
saw. Keep in mind that the right-side
drill incorporates a left-hand-thread stud and nut so don’t lose the
hardware for it! This is done to avoid
loosening of the blade. Also note the
position of the washers.
·
Steel MC Cable
Notes: Most
steel cables should cut as normal with the installed, “coarse” (60T) notching
blades. However, some steel AND
aluminum cables are harder and can have a tendency to be “sucked-in” by the
cut-off saw. Refer to the document “Cable Cutting Tips” for more information.
·
Your machine is
supplied with a movable, removable guide channel. Some cables are really curly such as at the end of a spool. In
that case, the movable guide will help keep the cable in the V-Block to let the
spring-loaded hold-downs press the cable down, so it can be cut and
pigtailed. The carriage bolt guides in
the V-block can also be moved to different holes to aid cable guidance or
removed if not needed. Similarly, the
wear cone can be moved to the right side of the machine if you prefer to work
right-to-left.
·
If you are making an
initial cut or at the beginning of a spool, bring the cable just past the
second drill hold-down to get the initial pigtail, then continue as above. This is necessary because the pigtail
cutters work together by “pushing” against the cut-off saw blade as it
turns. Alternately, you could clamp the
cable with Vise-Grips just to the outside of the cut-off saw
·
Spare parts and
blades can be ordered from us. See the
document “Order Form” for more information.
CUT-OFF SAW: This abrasive blade becomes smaller as it is used and
should be lowered slightly by loosening the large black knob behind the saw motor. When tightening the clamp knob, check to
make sure the blade remains centered in the cutting slot. The saw should be low enough to start
cutting before the notching blades because the saw helps to prevent shifting of
the cable while the notching blades work.
The initial position is the 1” mark on the saw. Be careful not to lower the saw too much
because you could cut through the V-block!!!
New blades are commercially available at most hardware stores… It is a common, 8” fiber, metal-cutting saw
blade with 5/8” arbor hole.
NOTCHING BLADES: These are high-speed steel and last indefinitely when used with aluminum MC. Be certain that the rotation switches on the drill motors remain in position to cut towards each other. When blades are changed, observe placement of washers. Remember, the right side blade is held by a LEFT-HAND nut to prevent accidental loosening. The depth of cut should be checked initially and occasionally during operation to avoid damage to the cable insulation. This is adjustable by loosening the wingnut on the top of the spring-loaded hold down plunger and turning the lower, adjustment nut up or down as needed. Moving the nut “Up” will decrease the depth of the cut and “Down” will increase the depth of the cut. Only turn the nut one or two “flats” at a time (1/6 to 1/3 of a turn), lock the adjustment, and test-cut a piece. Be sure the hold-down pads stay aligned lengthwise with the V-block. Proper adjustment is when the armor is barely cut all the way through and a small “snap” is heard as you use minimal effort to twist off the scrap.
SWITCHES: The micro-switch should turn on the cut-off saw and
pigtail cutters just before contact.
This allows them to spin up and avoids lugging of the machine. The micro switch cam may be loosened and
adjusted if necessary. You can also
manually depress the micro-switch with the machine open to check for proper
drill and saw operation being careful not to contact the moving blades. Clearance between the roller arm and
microswitch body is .035” (the thickness of a paper clip).
V-BLOCK: If the notching blade develops a tendency to grab or roll
past the cable rather than cutting squarely, the V-block may be adjusted to
center the notching blades on the cable.
Refer to the document “V-Block Adjustment” for the complete adjustment
procedure.
There is a one-year
warranty on the machine and most components (see website for details). Blades and Black & Decker drills are not
warranted. If you have any questions or
need any assistance, please telephone, fax or Email us.
McCUTTER,
Inc.
1930 N. Kingway Dr., Deltona, FL 32738
(407) 474-6400, fax: (386) 575-3040
Email:
info@mccutter.com
Visit Our Website: www.mccutter.com