How To Use A Hydraulic Ironworker Machine
How To Use A Hydraulic Ironworker Machine
Often called the swiss-army-knife of machine tools; Ironworker machines are designed to
punch, shear, bend and notch mild steel plate, barstock, angle iron and pipe. A wide range
of accessories are available to fabricate rod and square stock, sheet metal and pipe. While
many of these machines have a pivot arm system that is pulled down by a hydraulic
cylinder, the American made Edwards Ironworkers operate by applying hydraulic force to a
moving center plate. The center moves within the machine frame in a simple, vertical path
and exerts downward force through shear blades, punch and dies, notchers, press brake
dies or bump-die tooling to work with steel. Vertical travel of the moving center allows the
operator to perform multiple operations on an Edwards Ironworker without always needing
to remove adjacent tooling. Though there are some dual operator machines, due to their
high cost most Ironworker machines are designed for single operator use only.
Your Ironworker uses hydraulic pressure and moving shear blades to cut steel products. To
operate this tool safely, please review the following safety precautions.
· Read and understand your Ironworker Operator Manual, Installation Manual, Machine
Safety Manual and Maintenance Manual.
· Use the tool ONLY for its intended operation.
· Wear approved eye protection.
· Wear protective gloves and clothing.
· Use safety guards, material hold-downs and punch stripper supplied with your Ironworker.
Removal, modification or improper use of these safety devices may result in serious injury
and will void your machine warranty.
· Keep away from moving parts during operation.
· Always be ready to lift your foot off the foot pedal to stop a mistake from seriously injuring
you.
· Unplug or lock-out/tag-out your Ironworker before performing and maintenance or
adjustment activities.
· Any maintenance, adjustment or changes in tooling for your Ironworker must be
performed by a qualified individual with the processes and procedures describes in the
Operator Manual.
· Maintain a clean machine. Remove any obstructions, slugs, cut-offs and fillings from the
work area.
· Adequately support the steel material being worked.
· Turn your Ironworker off when not in use-never leave a powered Ironworker unattended.
MACHINE SETUP
Your Ironworker was bagged, palletized, and shipped from the factory to your dock. Remove
the protective packaging and bolts from the tubular legs that secure the machine to its
pallet. Move your Ironworker to its fabrication location by inserting your forklift forks within
the tubular Ironworker legs. Do not move the machine by any other means! Locate your
Ironworker directly adjacent to your power supply. See instructions for elctrical hookup
written down below.
· Provide clean ISO Viscosity 46 hydraulic fluid (or equal) to the cylinder in the Ironworker.
Contaminated fluid will compromise your cutting operation.
· Grease all machine guides and pins daily. Your Ironworker is labeled with all grease
locations that require maintenance.
· Maintain .010 clearance between fixed and movable shear blades on 40, 50, 55, 60 and 65
Ton models at all times. Maintain .015 clearance between fixed and movable shear blades
on 75, 100, 100D and 120 Ton models at all times. Insert a feeler gauge between fixed and
movable blades to verify proper blade clearance and shear tolerance. Adjust tolerance of
shear blades by relieving the locking nuts that secure the gib-pins to the Ironworker frame.
Once loose, rotate gib-pins to push the operating center against the frame. Gap the angle
and bar shear blades with the specified clearance and tighten the gib-pin lock nuts. Failure
to maintain proper clearance will result in lower quality cuts, damage to blade, blade
pockets and potential to damage the Ironworker frame.
· Periodically check gib-pins for lubrication and snugness to operating center. Tighten gib-
pins and locking nuts to maintain blade clearance as indicated above. Gib-pins are wearing
parts. Order replacement gib-pins through your Edwards Distributor or through Edwards
Mfg.Co.
· The blade set for your Ironworker is crafted from S7, heat treated steel. These are wearing
parts that will fail over time. Order additional blade sets through your Edwards Distributor
or through Edwards Mfg. Co.
· Check the hydraulic fluid level regularly. Replace the external oil filter on your Ironworker
after your first 30 hours of use and every 1000 hours thereafter. Change your hydraulic oil
every 5000 hours.
· Periodically clean your Ironworker with a compressed air nozzle and soft cloth. Remove
filings, dirt, dust and grime from working surfaces.
· Periodically check tooling for wear. Replace worn tooling* according to manufacturers
literature. If in doubt, call Edwards for advice.
PUNCHING
Setup
Your Edwards Ironworker has been shipped with a punch and die installed within the punch
station. When changing the punch and dies its important to make sure the machine is
turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the operator
performing the work. To setup your punch station, please observe the following steps.
1. Swing the Punch Stripper up from the punch by loosening the stripper assembly bolts.
2. Remove punch by loosening the punch nut assembly with factory supplied wrench.
3. Remove die by loosening the set screw at the front edge of the punch table and then
lifting die from the die holder. If the die resists removal gently tap the die from the
underside of the punch table to loosen the die for removal.
4. Install new die and tighten set screw. If loading a shaped die, align the whistle spot with
the set screw and tighten.
5. Install new punch and tighten punch nut with wrench. If using a shaped punch, align the
locating keystock of the punch with the corresponding slot within the punch stem assembly
and tighten the punch nut with the wrench.
6. Check for punch and die alignment by powering up the machine and inching down the
punch to meet the die with the foot pedal. Check to see that the punch is centered in the
die.
7. In the event that the punch and die are not aligned, loosen the bolts under the table
allowing the table to be moved to center the die. When aligned, tighten the table bolts to
secure the table.
8. Swing the stripper bar back in place allowing for minimal clearance between the top of
the material and the bottom of the stripper and tighten the stripper bolts.
Punch Operation
When familiar with the setup and safe operation of the punch station, clear the punch
station of any tools or debris prior to powering the machine on. When clear, power the
machine on and place the material to be punched between the punch and die. Check to see
that your material is spanning the stripper plate and that adequate material is available
beyond the stripper area to safely position the material. Clear your hands from the working
area and depress the foot pedal to move the punch through the material and into the die.
When the punch is complete, release the foot pedal automatically strip the material from
the punch and return the punch to its neutral position.
Punching Capacities
You can determine the tonnage required to punch A36 mild steel (yield strength 32,300 psi,
65,000 psi tensile) by applying the following formulas for round or shaped holes. For
materials other than mild steel please refer to the multiplier table.
Round Holes:
Punch Diameter x Material Thickness x 80 = Tons of pressure required
Example:
How many tons of force do I need to punch a 3/8" hole in ¼" mild steel?
.375 x .25 x 80=7.5 tons
Shaped Holes:
1/3 Punch Perimeter x Material Thickness x 80= Tons of pressure required
Example:
How much force do I need to punch a 3/8" x 1" rectangular hole in ¼" mild steel?
(.33 x 2.75) x .25 x 80=18.2 tons
Click for Chart for Tonnage to Punch a Hole
Material Multiplier
When punching materials other than mild steel first calculate tonnage as shown above then
apply the multiplier for the listed material.
Material Multiplier
Aluminum: 0.38
Brass (1/4 hard): 0.70
Copper (1/2 hard): 0.52
Steel (50% carbon): 1.50
Steel (cold rolled): 1.24
BAR/PLATE SHEARING
Your Ironworker machine will include a bar/plate shear as a standard feature. The bar/plate
shear will provide a distortion and burr free shear cut to mild steel bar or plate stock as
listed in the Ironworker Specifications section of this Manual as well as described on the
capacity labels positioned at the Shearing Station. The Shearing Station on the Edwards
Ironworker allows for straight or angled cutting applications. The material hold down adjusts
with a simple hand crank to safely restrain the material being cut.
Setup
Standard bar/plate shears are factory tuned to proper clearances and are ready to begin
shearing operations. Shear blades are wearing parts and will need to be maintained or
replaced over time. When maintaining or replacing your shear blades it is important to make
sure the machine is turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to
the operator performing the work. To setup bar/plate shear station when maintaining or
replacing blades, please refer to the following steps.
Remove and replace stationary blade:
1. Remove the material hold-down assembly from the Ironworker frame by removing the
return spring and bolts that secure the assembly to the Ironworker frame.
2. Remove blade bolts located under the feed table. Remove the stationary blade.
3. With blade removed, clean blade pocket of any dirt or debris
4. Your shear blades have multiple cutting surfaces that can be flipped and rotated prior to
full replacement of the part. Rotate the stationary blade to new cutting surface and reinstall
in blade pocket.
5. Tighten the stationary blade back into the blade pocket.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the Bar/Plate Shear Station
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Check shear blade clearance at every tooling change or extended shear operation.
Maintain correct operating clearance at bar shear and angle shear stations. See the Care
and Periodic Maintenance section of your Owners manual for tolerance adjustment
instructions. Failure to maintain clearance will damage shear blades and support brackets.
· Tighten the clamp handle to fully clamp the material hold-down on the material being cut.
· Do not stack material to cut in the shear station.
· Perform complete shear operations only- partial shear cuts may jam the drop off side of
the frame and could result in breakage and operator injury.
· Use shearing aids when working with small items at the shear station.
ANGLE SHEARING
Your Ironworker may include an angle iron shear as a standard feature. The angle shear will
provide a distortion and burr free shear cut to mild steel angle stock as listed in the
Ironworker Specifications section of this Manual as well as described on the capacity labels
positioned at the Angle Shearing Station. The Angle Shearing Station on the Edwards
Ironworker allows for straight cutting applications. An oversized material hold down adjusts
with a simple thumb crank to safely restrain the material being cut.
Setup
Standard angle shears are factory tuned to proper clearances and are ready to begin
shearing operations. Shear blades are wearing parts and will need to be maintained or
replaced over time. When marinating or replacing your shear blades it is important to make
sure the machine is turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to
the operator performing the work. When maintaining or replacing blades please refer to the
following.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the Angle Shear Station
· Never exceed the capacities for the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Check shear blade clearance at every tooling change or extended shear operation.
Maintain proper operating clearance at bar shear and angle shear stations. Failure to
maintain clearance will damage shear blades and support brackets.
· Fully engage the material hold-down with the material being cut.
· Do not stack material to cut in the shear station.
· Perform complete shear operations only- partial shear cuts may jam the drop off side of
the frame and could result in breakage and operator injury.
· Do not shear angle smaller than the hold-down will accommodate.
Setup
When installing or adjusting notch tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and make
sure the machine is turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to
the operator performing the work. Your Notching Station is equipped with one, three sided
top notcher blade and three, four sided bottom blades. The top blade is mounted to the
moving "center" of the Ironworker, while the bottom three blades are secured into a base
housing. If ordered as a factory installed option, your notcher assembly is setup for
immediate operation. To setup your Notching station please observe the following steps.
1. Swing the notcher guard assembly up and away from the notcher table.
2. Install the top notcher blade with the keyway up and the "foot" of the blade facing the
center of the machine. Secure the top blade using the two ½" socket head cap screws.
Tighten bolts.
3. Install the notcher table assembly to the base table. The notcher table includes three
blades secured within the table housing. Install with the open "U" facing the center of the
machine. The guide foot of the top blade should be centered within the base table blades.
4. Loosely secure the table from the underside of the base with four ½" bolts and washers
(provided).
5. Check for top and bottom blade alignment by powering up the machine and slowly
inching down the top blade to meet the bottom blades within the foot pedal. Power the
machine off.
6. Using a feller gauge, adjust the clearance between the perimeter of the top and bottom
blades to allow for .010 clearance on all three sides.
7. In the event that the top and bottom blades are not aligned, simply loosen the bolts
under the table allowing the table to be moved to center the top blade within the bottom
blades. When aligned, tighten the table bolts to secure the table.
8. Adjust the four set screws at the sides of the notcher table to engage the base notcher
table to the base table. Lock the four 3/8" nuts in place to secure the set screws in place.
These added fixtures are to provide additional support to the base table during the notching
operation.
9. Swing the notcher guard back in place.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the Notcher Station.
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Check notcher blade clearance at every tooling change or extended notcher operation.
Maintain .010 clearance between top and bottom notcher blades at all times. Failure to
maintain clearance will damage blades and support pockets.
· Cut with a minimum two of three sides of the blade surfaces engaging the material being
notched. Cutting on one blade surface may overload the blades and result in tooling damage
or injury to the Operator. See figures A, B, and C.
· Do not stack material to cut in the notcher station.
· Perform complete notch operations only- partial notch cutes may jam the drop off side of
the tooling and could result in breakage and operator injury.
· Use notching aids when working with small items at the notcher station.
Notching Operation
When familiar with the setup and safe operation of the Notcher Station, clear the feed table
of the notcher station of any tools or debris prior to powering the machine on. When clear,
power the machine up and place the material to be notched on the feed table. Push the
material under the tooling guard and into the blade area. Position your material to the
desired cut. Clear your hands from the working area and depress the foot pedal to activate
the notcher station. When the cut is complete, release the foot pedal to automatically return
the top notcher blade to the neutral position.
Setup
Optional tooling and accessories fit within the open station of the machine. When changing
any tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and make sure the machine is turned off.
Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the operator performing the
work. Your Notching Station is equipped with one, three sided top notcher blade and three,
four-sided bottom blades. The top blade is mounted to the moving "center" of the
Ironworker, while the bottom three blades are secured into a base housing. If ordered as a
factory installed option, your notcher assembly is setup for immediate operation. If ordered
as an option, the open cavity of the machine must be cleared of any existing tooling,
material or debris prior to tooling installation. To setup your Notching Station, please
observe the following steps.
1. Swing the notcher guard assembly up and away from the notcher table.
2. Install the top notcher blade with the keyway up and the "foot" of the blade facing the
center of the machine. Secure the top blade using the two 3/8" socket head cap screws.
Tighten bolts.
3. Install the notcher table assembly to the base table. The notcher table includes three
blades secured within the table housing. Install with the open "U" facing the center of the
machine. The guide foot of the top blade should be centered within the base table blades.
4. Loosely secure the table from the underside of the base with four bolts and washers
(provided).
5. Check for top and bottom alignment by powering up the machine and slowing inching
down the top blade to meet the bottom blades with the foot pedal. Power the machine off.
6. Using the feeler gauge, adjust the clearance between the perimeter of the top and
bottom blades to allow for .010 clearance on all three sides.
7. In the event that the top and bottom blades are not aligned, simply loosen the bolts
under the table allowing the table to be moved to center the top blade within the bottom
blades. When aligned, tighten the table bolts to secure the table.
8. Adjust the four set screws at the sides of the notcher table to engage the base notcher
table to the base table. Lock the four 3/8" nuts in place to secure the set screws in place.
These added fixtures are to provide additional support to the base table during the notching
operation.
9. Swing the notcher guard back in place.
Notching Operation
When familiar with the setup and safe operation of the Notcher Station, clear the feed table
of the notcher station of any tools or debris prior to powering the machine on. When clear
power the machine up and place the material to be notched on the feed table. Push the
material under the tooling guard and into the blade area. Position your material to the
desired cut. Clear your hands from the working area and depress the foot pedal to activate
the notcher station. When the cut is complete, release the foot pedal to automatically return
the top notcher blade to the neutral position.
Setup
Optional tooling and accessories fit within the open station of the machine. When changing
any tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and clothing and make sure the machine
is turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the operator
performing the work. Your V-Notch is equipped with one, two-sided top notcher blade and
two, four-sided bottom blades. The top blade is mounted to guide pins and return springs of
the tooling base. The moving "center" of the Ironworker, pushes on the top V-Notch blade
via the accessory push block. If ordered as a factory installed option, your V-Notcher
assembly is set up for immediate operation. If ordered as an option, the open cavity of the
machine must be cleared of any existing tooling, material or debris prior to tooling
installation. To setup your V-Notching station please observe the following steps.
1. Remove all tooling and guarding from the open station.
2. Install the push back supplied with the V-Notcher assembly. The V-shaped end of the
push block should be pointing away from the machine. Secure the push block with bolts
provided.
3. Place the V-Notcher assembly on the Ironworker support table with the V pointing away
from the machine.
4. Loosely secure the table from the underside base with four ½" bolts and washers
(provided).
5. Check for push block and top block and top blade alignment by powering on the machine
and slowly inching down the push block to meet the top blade with the foot pedal. Power
the machine off.
6. In the event that the push block ands top blade are not aligned, simply loosen the bolts
under the table allowing the table to be moved to center the push block centerline to the
top blade. When aligned, tighten the table bolts to secure the table.
7. Install the V-Notcher guard with the bolts provided.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the V-Notcher Station.
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Check V-Notcher blade clearance at every tooling change or extended notcher operation.
Maintain .010 clearance between top and bottom notcher blades at all times. Failure to
maintain clearance will damage blades and support pockets.
· Cut with a minimum of two sides of the blade surfaces engaging the material being
notched. Cutting on one blade surface may overload the blades and result in tooling damage
or injury to the Operator.
· Do not stack material to cut in the V-Notcher station.
· Perform compete notch operations only- partial notch cuts many jam the drop off side of
the tooling and could result in breakage and operator injury.
· Use notching aids when working with small items at the notching station.
V-Notching Operation
When familiar with the setup and safe operation of the V-Notcher Station clear the feed
table of the notcher station of any tools or debris prior to powering the machine on. When
clear, power the machine up and place the material being notched on the feed table. Push
the material under the tooling guard and into the blade area. Position your material to the
desired cut. Clear you hands from the working area and depress the foot pedal to activate
the notcher station. When the cut is complete, release the foot pedal to automatically return
the top notcher blade to the neutral position.
Safety Guard removed for photo purposes
Setup
Optional tooling and accessories fit within the open or standard punch station of the
machine. When changing any tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and make sure
the machine is turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the
operator performing the work. To setup your Over Size Punch Tooling station please follow
the following steps.
1. Swing the Punch Stripper assembly up from the standard punch by loosening the stripper
assembly bolts from the Ironworker frame.
2. Remove the standard punch holder from the operating center and the standard die table
from the support table base.
3. Secure the oversize punch holder to the operating center with the bolts provided.
4. Place the oversize die tables on the support table base and loosely install 4 bolts
(provided) through the underside of the support table into the oversize die tables.
5. Install new oversize die and tighten set screw. If loading a shaped die, align the whistle
spot with the set screw and tighten.
6. Install new oversize punch and tighten punch nut with wrench. If using a shaped punch,
align the locating keystock of the punch with the corresponding slot within the punch stem
assembly and tighten the punch nut with the wrench.
7. Check for punch and die alignment by powering up the machine and slowing inching the
punch to meet the die with the foot pedal. Check to see that the punch is centered in the
die.
8. In the event that the punch and die are not aligned, simply loosen the bolts under the
table allowing the table to be moved to center to the die. When aligned, tighten the table
bolts to secure the table.
9. Swing the stripper bar back in place allowing for minimal clearance between the top of
the material and the bottom of the stripper and tighten the stripper bolts.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the Oversize Punch Station.
· Always use safety glasses and factory supplied guards when operating your Ironworker.
· Read, understand and follow punching tolerances shown in the Punch section of this
manual.
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· The thickness of the material you are punching should not exceed the diameter of the
punch being used.
· Follow manufacturers punch and die clearance recommendations as shown in the Punching
section of this manual.
· Check punch and die alignment after every tooling change or extended punch operation.
· Adjust the punch stripper supplied with your Edwards Ironworker to allow for material
positioning and material stripping.
· Do not stack material to punch in the punching station.
· Use one or two drops of oil at the punch to aid the stripping material from the punch as
well as to extend the life of the punch tooling.
· Punch complete holes only- partial holes will side load the punch tooling and could result in
punch breakage and operator injury.
· Use punching aids when working with small items at the punch station.
1. Remove the standard punch stripper from the ironworker frame, punch holder from the
operating center and the standard die table from the support table base.
2. Secure the 241 punch holder to the operating center by first removing the stud from the
holder. Place the holder to the operating center with the tapped hole positioned to the
outside of the center. Install holder with two ½" SHCS bolts and tighten. Install stud to
holder with four 3/8" SHCS bolts and tighten.
3. Place the 241 die table and slug chute on the support table base and loosely install four
½" bolts (provided) through the underside of the support table into the 241 die table.
4. Install new oversize die and tighten set screw. If loading a shaped die, align the whistle
spot with the set screw and tighten.
5. Install new 241 punch and tighten with spanner wrench. If using a shaped punch, align
the locating keystock (not provided) of the punch with the corresponding slot within the
punch stem assembly and tighten the punch nut with the wrench.
6. Check for punch and die alignment by powering up the machine and slowly inching down
the punch to meet the die with the foot pedal. Check to see that the punch is centered in
the die.
7. In the event that the punch and die are not aligned, simply loosen the bolts under the
table allowing the table to be moved to center the die. When aligned, tighten the table bolts
to secure the table.
8. Install and secure the 241 stripper bar to the ironworker frame allowing for minimal
clearance between the top of the material to be punched and the bottom of the stripper.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the 241 Punch Station.
· Always use safety glasses and factory supplied guards when operating your Ironworker.
· Read, understand and follow the punch size tolerances shown in Fig, 1 (page 7).
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· The thickness of the material you are punching should not exceed the diameter of the
punch being used.
· Follow manufacturer's punch and die operating clearance recommendations as shown on
page 7.
· Check punch and die alignment after every tooling change or extended punch operation.
· Adjust the punch stripper supplied with your Edwards Ironworker to allow for material
positioning and material stripping.
· Do not stack material to punch in the punching station.
· Use one or two drops of oil at the punch to aid in stripping material from the punch as well
as to extend the life of the punch tooling.
· Punch complete holes only- partial holes will side load the punch tooling and could result in
punch breakage and operator injury.
· Use punching aids when working with small items at the punch station.
Setup
Optional tooling and accessories fit within the open or standard punch station of the
machine. When changing any tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and make sure
the machine is turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the
operator performing the work. To setup your Pedestal Die Tooling station please observe the
following steps.
1. Swing the Punch Stripper up from the punch by loosening the stripper assembly bolts.
2. Remove die by loosening the set screw at the front of the punch table and then lifting die
from the die holder. If the die resists removal gently tap the die from the underside of the
punch table to loosen the die for removal.
3. Remove standard die table from the fixed table base by removing the four bolts.
4. Install new Pedestal Die Table to fixed table base with the two ½" bolts provided. Loosely
secure bolts with the supplied washers and nuts from the underside of the table.
5. Install die and tighten set screw. If loading a shaped die, align the whistle spot with the
set screw and tighten.
6. Install punch and tighten punch nut with wrench. If using a shaped punch, align the
locating keystock of the punch with the corresponding slot within the punch stem assembly
and tighten the punch nut with the wrench.
7. Check for punch and die alignment by powering up the machine and inching down the
punch to meet the die with the foot pedal. Check to see that the punch is centered in the
die.
8. In the event that the punch and die are not aligned, simply loosen the bolts under the
table allowing the table to be moved to center the die. When aligned, tighten the Pedestal
Die Table bolts to secure the table.
9. Swing the stripper bar back in place allowing for minimal clearance between the top of
the material and the bottom of the stripper and tighten the stripper bolts.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the Punch Station
· Read, understand and follow the punch size tolerances shown in Fig.1 (page 7).
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· The thickness of the material you are punching should not exceed the diameter of the
punch being used.
· Follow manufacturer's punch and die operating clearance recommendations as shown on
page 7.
· Check punch and die alignment after every tooling change or extended punch operation.
· Adjust the punch stripper supplied with your Edwards Ironworker to allow for material
positioning and material stripping.
· Do not stack material to punch in the punching station.
· Use one or two drops of oil at the punch to aid in stripping material from the punch as well
as to extend the life of the punch tooling.
· Punch complete holes only- partial holes will side load the punch tooling and could result in
punch breakage and operator injury.
· Use punching aids when working with small items at the punch station.
Setup
Optional tooling and accessories fit within the open station of the machine. When changing
any tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and make sure the machine is turned off.
Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the operator performing the
work. Your Pipe-Notch Station is equipped with one, top notcher die and one, bottom
notcher die. The top die is mounted within a spring loaded guide housing mounted to the
tooling base. The bottom die attaches to the face of the guide housing and is machined with
a saddle to aid in centering and guiding pipe sections into the die housing. The moving
"center" of the Ironworker, pushes on the top Pipe-Notch blade via the accessory push
block. If ordered as a factory installed option, your Pipe Notcher assembly is setup for
immediate operation. If ordered as an option, the open cavity of the machine must be
cleared of any existing tooling, material or debris prior to tooling installation. To setup your
Pipe-Notching station please observe the following steps.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the Pipe Notcher Station.
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Keep the Pipe Notch tooling clean. When dirt or metal chips accumulate, remove 5/16-18 x
1/2" limit screw located in the center at the rear of punch. Lift out punch holder and two
springs. Clean holder with solvent or kerosene.
· Check Pipe Notcher blade clearance and alignment at every tooling change, maintenance
cycle or extended notcher operation. Maintain .010 clearance between notcher blades at all
times. Failure to maintain clearance will damage blades and support pockets.
· Do not stack material to cut in the Pipe Notcher station.
· Perform complete notch operations only- partial notch cuts may jam the drop off side of
the tooling and could result in breakage and operator injury.
· Use notching aids when working with small items at the notcher station.
Pipe-Notching Operation
When familiar with the setup and safe operation of the Pipe Notcher Station clear the feed
table of the notcher station of any tools or debris prior to powering the machine on. When
clear, power the machine up and place the material to be notcher on the feed table. Push
the material under the tooling guard and into the blade area. Position your material for the
desired cut. Clear your hands from the working area and depress the foot pedal to activate
the notcher station. When the cut is complete, release the foot pedal to automatically return
the top notcher blade to the neutral position.
Setup
Brake tooling can be accommodated in either the open or punch station of the machine.
When changing any tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and make sure the
machine is turned off. Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the
operator performing the work. Your Brake tooling is equipped with one mounting bracket to
secure the "punch" to the center of the machine, one "punch", one "4-way die", and two
bottom brackets that secure the "die" to the base table. The moving "center" of the
Ironworker, pushed the top punch into the shaped die to bend the specified material. If
ordered as a factory installed option, your Brake assembly is setup for immediate operation.
If ordered as an option, the open or punch station must be cleared of any existing tooling,
material or debris prior to tooling installation. To setup your Brake, please observe the
following steps.
1. Remove all tooling and guarding from the open or punch station.
2. Secure the Brake mounting bracket to the "center" with bolts provided. The ½" tapped
hole is positioned to the outside of the machine.
3. Position punch in the bracket so that the milled relief in the keyway slips over the bracket
bolt. Tighten set screws in the bracket to secure the punch.
4. Place the die assembly on the Ironworker support table.
5. Loosely secure the two support brackets to the support table from the underside of the
base with four ½" bolts, nuts and washers (provided).
6. Check for punch and die alignment by powering on the machine and slowly inching down
the punch to meet the bottom die with the foot pedal. Power the machine off.
7. In the event that the punch and die are not aligned, simply loosen the bolts under the
table allowing the die block to be moved to center the punch. When aligned, tighten the
table bolts to secure the table.
8. Select 1/16", 3/16", 1/8", or ¼" test material for bending. Rotate your four-way die to
your selected material thickness. Power the machine on and jog the center down until the
punch pushes the sample material into the die. If the punch stops before the material has
been formed to a 90 degree angle, a small steel shim must be placed between the bottom
die and support table.
9. Re-install all guarding to the machine prior to machine use.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating the Press Brake Station.
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Keep the brake tooling clean.
· Check Brake clearance and alignment at every tooling change, maintenance cycle or
extended Brake operation. Failure to maintain proper clearance may damage punch, die and
support brackets or adjacent tooling.
· Brake material towards the center of the brake length.
· Do not stack material in the Brake station.
· Use Brake aids when working with small items at the Brake station.
· When not in use, remove the Brake die from the holder.
Setup
Optional "bump-die" tooling and accessories fit within the open or punch stations of the
machine. Verify recommended location per Ironworker model below. When changing any
tooling, always wear protective safety glasses and make sure the machine is turned off.
Failure to power down your machine could result in injury to the operator performing the
work. Edwards "bump-die" tooling consists of a housing which holds a stationary blade, a
moving blade, return springs and a push block. The moving "center" of the Ironworker,
pushes on the top moving blade via the push block to shear the material. If ordered as a
factory installed option, your "bump-die" assembly is setup for immediate operation. If
ordered as an option, the open or punch cavity of the machine must be cleared of any
existing tooling, material or debris prior to tooling installation. To setup your Rod Shear or
Multi Shear tooling installation please observe the following steps.
2. Remove all tooling and guarding from the appropriate open, punch or open cavity station.
3. Place the "bump-die" assembly on the Ironworker support table with the push block in
line with the moving center.
4. Loosely secure the table from the underside of the base with four 1/2" blots and washers
(provided).
5. Check for push block and moving center alignment by powering on the machine and
slowly inching down the center to meet the push block with the foot pedal. Power the
machine off.
6. In the event that the push block and top die are no aligned, simply loosen the bolts under
the table allowing the bump-die to be moved to center the push block with the moving
center. When aligned, tighten the table bolts to secure the table.
7. Power the machine on and jog the center down. The moving blade will close or bypass
the fixed blade. The push block should not come in contact with the die housing.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when operating any Rod Shear or Multi-Shear
bump-die tooling.
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Keep the tooling clean.
· Check blade clearance and alignment at every tooling change, maintenance cycle or
extended tooling operation. Maintain .010 clearance between blades at all times. Failure to
maintain clearance will damage blades and support pockets.
· Do not stack cut material.
· Perform complete shearing operation only- partial cuts may jam the tooling and could
result in breakage and operator injury.
· Use shearing aids when working with small items at the Rod Shear or multi Shear Tooling
station.
Setup
Stroke control is currently offered only as a factory installed option and arrives fully setup
for immediate use. Always wear protective safety glasses and make sure the machine is
turned off when adjusting the electric stroke control option. Failure to power down machine
could result in injury to the operator performing the work.
Safe Operation
Please observe the following guidelines when adjusting the electric stroke control function.
· Always use safety glasses and factory supplied guards when operating your Ironworker.
· Read, understand and follow punching, notching and shearing tolerances as described in
related chapters of this manual.
· Never exceed the capacities of the machine or tooling as described in the Ironworker
specifications or listed at the tooling station.
· Keep limit switches free of dirt and grime.
· Never remove stroke retention nuts from factory setting.
· Never reverse stroke limit switches.
Electric Stroke Control Operation
Set upstroke for rapid cycling of your punching, shear and notching stations.
· Power machine on and use the jog function of your electric foot pedal to bring tooling
down to rest just above the material being worked.
· Turn machine off.
· Adjust upper handle with tapered collar to engage limit switch.
· Power machine on. Tooling will stay in set position.
· Remove material from tooling station and cycle machine. Tooling should return to pre-set
position.
· Place material in tooling station and cycle machine.
NOTE: For using other optional equipment such as the various Back Gauges, Angle Gauge,
Gaging Tables, Stripper Reducer, Urethane Stripper, Rotating Turret, please see their
individual instructions.
ELECTRICAL HOOKUP
Confirm the electrical supply coming to the terminal location that will power your Ironworker
with a certified electrician prior to hooking up your machine. Confirm your electrical supply
with the electrical specifications of the machine listed in your Operator Manual and located
on the Ironworker starter box. It is critical that a qualified electrician install your machine as
your Warranty protection does not cover mis-wiring of electrical components at your site.
Power wiring of Overload Relay for single phase motors shown above.
The overload relay is designed to speed tripping in case of uneven loading or loss of one
phase, therefore all 3 overload heaters must be used on 1 phase.
Incoming power hooks in on top of starter to #3 and #5. It does not matter which lead goes
to #3 or 5. But the ground wire does matter. The motor should already be wired for correct
rotation at the factory.