Old Pilot Press Platen Question

I have an old style pilot press C&P and need to know how to remove the platen from the press. Looks like there are two different sets of threads. This is different than the new pilot press. I tried unscrewing it all the way but the thin threads are still attached the platen. Please let me know. Attached is a photo of the threads I am talking about (not my photo just for reference)

Thanks.

image: platenbolts-RobLilly-1.jpg

platenbolts-RobLilly-1.jpg

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I think what you’re calling the “thin threads” are left-handed threads, so they have to be turned clockwise to unscrew them, as compared with regular right-handed threads which you would turn counter-clockwise to unscrew them. I believe the bolt is made so that as you rotate it the platen and the support move together or apart, depending on which way you’re rotating the bolts.

But I can’t be certain looking at the photo.

Bob

I seem to recall having to tighten all of the bolts about halfway and then working in an “X” pattern (top left, bottom right, top right, bottom left, etc.) to turn tighten the bolts. As you turn a single bolt the other bolts will prevent the platen from moving and the left-handed threads will actually back out of the platen back.

Go slowly and be careful.

It’s difficult to explain but hopefully this makes sense.

Brad.

Sorry. I tried playing around with it again. but can you explain in more detail. I think I understand. And its possible its working but they dont seem to be loosening. They are definitely not stuck. Just seems like they are just turning and the thicker threads are going in and out but the thinner thread part stays about the same, I feel like its not doing anything or its going so slightly that I cant tell which way is right.

To remove the platen from an O.S. Pilot, assuming it was installed correctly, follow these directions carefully. First lubricate all of the threads liberally. Some O.S. Pilots have jam nuts on the the impression screws (platen adjusting screws) others do not. If your press has jam nuts rotate them tight against the bolt heads. Slowly, using a crisscross pattern turn each of the four bolts clockwise about a half turn each. When resistance is encountered stop and find which bolt needs to precede the others. You are searching for the sweet spot where the platen is the same distance from the supporting frame in all four locations. Once you have found the location where binding only occurs when you advance the bolt(s) you are ready to continue the slow process of turning the bolts all the way into the platen supporting frame using the crisscross pattern. As you turn each bolt clockwise through the frame the platen will climb to the tops of the bolts (because the ends of the impression screws are left handed). When you get near the end of the travel of each bolt simultaneously; the platen will become free to lift off from the bolt ends.

Tom

T and T Press Restoration
www.tandtpressrestoration.com

Thanks everyone. This was fixed and is now on the right way.