Care and maintenance of perforator

[A Badger]

I recently purchased a Rosback perforator. It does a great job. All pins are in place and perforating.

Anyone have any advice or info source for this type of machine?

I've looked around the internet for any kind of advice on care, maintenance and use of this machine or one like it and so far no luck.

The pins look like they have a little bit of dark build up - like the kind you might get from gum or glue over time.

It was filthy - it was in a print shop that had opened in 1917, according to the seller. My neighbor helped me get the top off and I took the base to the car wash and scrubbed it down. The top part, the part that does the perforating, was taken apart and cleaned by hand.

So far, I've enjoyed playing with it but I'd like to know more about this machine.

[A Badger]

I have added photos so folks can see the machine I am speaking of.  

[Ruud Janssen]

[Ruud Janssen]

[Ti Ar Raden]

Lucky owner.

[Alan Brignull]

I've got a smaller machine of a different make, but it came to me in pretty good condition, apart from worn pins. As far as I know you can't get replacement pins any more so take care of them, and the plate with the holes they fit into.  If the pins are all there, move up and down easily and perforate properly without leaving dirt on the paper I wouldn't worry too much about the gunk. Rust and dirt on the rest of the machine is cosmetic and can be dealt with later, as long as the moving parts are lubricated and move freely. If a machine has missing or broken pins you can take it apart (carefully) and move good ones from the edge to the centre so you at least have a continuous row, even if it's shorter.

Because of the worn pins and holes on mine, I usually feed three or four sheets at a time, with the bottom one being a waste sheet. You get sharper holes that way. It works best on thin cheap paper too. Don't perforate self adhesive material, or feed too many sheets at once! That looks like a nice machine, I'll be interested to see what you do with it.

[James Warren Felter]

check out the Rosback web site:  http://www.rosbackcompany.com/index.htm

I have an electric one.

[Bradford]

You're lucky about the completeness of this piece.  It has tables and a guide in the photo.  Mine came without any of the guides.  As you know, it is heavy (about 300 lbs.), so I got some industrial grade casters rated for the weight of this beast and can easily move it on flat surfaces.

Aside from common metal/machine shop practice as to the working parts and surfaces, I don't know of any special treatment to give one of these things.  Making sure the die holes are clear by inserting a wire of smaller dimensions and inspecting them will tell you if much in the way of cleaning/restoration is necessary.

The fact that all of the pins are present is surprising.  Apparently this one was used lightly and put away for some time.

Good Luck and Have Fun Perforating!

[A Badger]

This is the perforator, cleaned up and in its new location. Its directly on the floor instead of castors because the floor is not level and I didn't want it rolling over my foot.  The previous owner added a piece of wood to the right hand side.  I was going to remove it but I realized it keeps the metal from hitting when you depress the foot pedal.

[A Badger]

This is an example of its perforating - I am using printed grid paper to try to improve my accuracy in placing the perforations. You can see that it perfs great -no hanging chads or uneven spacing.
Thanks folks for the suggestions.