Golding Pearl Improved - Removing Throw-off

Deborah,

Since the bolt is so close to the body, perhaps you will need to take out that whole vertical piece connected to the round shaft (in Photo #2). Notice that shaft has a square pin that will need to be removed first. Also, you may need to tap the shaft from the opposite end (other side of the press).

Since there isn’t much space to work or wiggle, perhaps its unavoidable that you will need to take-out the flywheel. In which case, you may need a “Gear Puller” with 4 or 5 jaws. Autozone sells Gear Pullers for cars ($30 approx).

[TH]

I just went in and studied my throw off arm to see if I could make more sense of this. The only thing I could think of is if you remove that lower “stop” nut. (The one that limits how far the throw off arm can go) Maybe it will give you that last little bit of clearance you need. Maybe. Just a thought.
The throw off on my pearl has been welded. I think it sticks out there looking like a handle to the untrained eye. Unfortunately it’s too fragile for that!

Hi Deborah,

First, once you get this off, the new handle goes on much easier. It is a newer style. You just slip the smooth stud into the slot in your picture, attach the spring, and slide the upper pivot point onto the large shaft with the set screw into the groove and your done. The only screw or bolt holding it on is the set screw at the pivot point.
Be careful and go slowly trying to get this apart. Get some penetrating oil spray like liquid wrench and soak the bolt where it goes through the castings. Let it sit overnight. This is an older style than mine so I do not know what the other side of the bolt looks like. If it has a hex head, it may be threaded into the casting and you should try unscrewing it with a wrench. If not, it may only be a taper fit and stuck. If there is no hex nut viewable put a snug block of wood behind the casting next to the body of the press. Put the nut back on slightly and gently tap on the end of the nut to try to back it out toward the body of the press. You don’t want to put any stress on either casting, and want to tap gently. You need to get this loose before trying the good idea presented above. If the bolt is loose and you remove the stop nut as suggested, the casting may pivot enough and have enough play to be able to remove the broken throw off lever. Let me know how you make out or if you have any other questions. I don’t mind.

John

Thanks to all for information and things to try. I tried something like Liquid Wrench late this afternoon (a different name but the same stuff?) and I’m waiting for that to work and pondering while I wait. The head of the bolt is just a very shallow smooth dome. Wishing I could put a magical “hex” on it though … I’ll let you know how things progress.
John, I did note that the new throw-off looked ever so much simpler to put on/take off. Looking forward to getting it on there! Thanks much.
Deborah

John Falstrom has forgotten more about these presses than i will ever know, i think you should try (maybe you already have) turning the press over by hand and throwing the lever on and off impression and see if it will clear the frame of the press. Dick G.

Yes, I can throw the lever on and off, but what’s pictured above is as far up or back as it goes. The bolt has loosened somewhat, but just enough that I can twist it around in place … it still doesn’t budge, though I haven’t tried tapping it yet - need to find a piece of wood small enough to fit back there.
I removed the lower “stop” nut, but this does not add any play at all; it stops in exactly the same place, with or without the nut.
I am really reluctant to take things further apart, and am contemplating trying to cut the bolt off with a hacksaw if it would fit between the pivot hinge-y thing and the throw-off (Photo #3). Then I could get the new arm on without taking anything else apart, or I could repent at leisure?

Hi Deborah,

How did you resolve your problem? I’m in the same situation currently. I have a broken throw-off lever that can be repaired, but I’m having trouble removing the half of the lever that’s still attached to the press. Your photos might as well have been taken of my press. Any insight/advice will be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Amy

Amy,

If your press looks the same, it is likely that the bolt is tapered with no head. It needs to be tapped toward the press on the thread end. It is usual practice to put the nut on loosely to avoid hurting the threads. There is a easy way to remove it, but, it is difficult to describe. To get the tapered bolt out, the short piece with the two stops that rotates when moving the throw off needs to move away from the body of the press slightly. It is attached to a shaft that goes through the body of the press. There is a recessed screw holding that shaft on the very back of the press around the corner from the short piece with the two stops. This screw needs to be removed completely as it goes into a groove in the shaft. If you back out that recessed screw, you can tap the whole shaft from the side opposite the flywheel. This will give just enough room to back out the tapered bolt holding the throw off. If you still have problems contact me.

John

Thanks John! Worked like a charm! When I put that set screw back in (the one on the back side of the press), is there a precise position it needs to line up? Admittedly, I wan’t paying very close attention when I took it out.

This is the press I contacted you about a few months ago, owned by the Black Rock Press in Reno, NV. I’m helping the woman who is buying it restore it.

The press has an apparatus attached on the outside of the flywheel, presumably for the belt that attaches to the motor. We’re thinking of removing this assembly. Any tips?

And finally, do you know the best way to go about finding spare parts? The press is complete and in pretty solid condition, but we do have a busted ink disc pawl.

Thanks for all your help! I’m loving working on this lovely press.

Amy

Sorry for the delay Amy,

I was upgrading to Windows 10 and had some issues. No, the screw just needs to be reinserted. It rides in a groove in the shaft and as long as you tapped the shaft back in where it belongs, the screw will be in the correct position. I have some parts. John Barrett and Mike Anton as well.

John

Thanks John! I’ll get in touch next time I run into a road block.