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The guidelines below apply to all AceCo tools- finger joint, moulder, planer, hydraulic cartridges and saw collars- that are retained with hydraulic clamping sleeves. AceCo Ace-Loc hydraulic tools- are manufactured to very precise tolerances. Although the tools are made from very high-quality hardened steel, they are not indestructible. If the tool will not easily slip onto the spindle– STOP and investigate. DO NOT force the tool down onto the spindle with a hammer.
Always use proper Personal Protection Equipment when working with wood tooling and machinery. Anytime a head is to be removed/installed, pressure checked or inspected follow lockout/tagout procedures.
Guide for Specifications and Tolerances
Torque Specifications Specific for Moulder and Planer Head:
Clean all gibs, knife pockets and knives with an evaporating solvent (Zep’s I.D. Red). Lubricate threads of gib screws with anti-seize lubricant (Loctite CS-A). CAUTION: Do not allow anti-seize to get on the knife or any mounting surfaces such as the gib, end of gib screws, pocket faces etc.
Using a calibrated torque wrench, make sure all gib screws are tightened to the proper values and done in the proper sequence.
| Gib Screw | Torque Value |
| 3/8-16″ | 25-30 ft/lb (34-41n-m) |
| M12x 1.75 | 30-35 ft/lb {34-47n-m) |
| For other gib sizes, call for torque recommendations. | |
For more information regarding proper torquing sequencing watch this video.
Torque Specifications Specific for Finger Joint Head:
Using a calibrated torque wrench, make sure all finger joint head nuts are tightened in proper torqueing sequence. For 3/4” bolts, a maximum of 250 ft/lb (340Nm) is recommended. For 9/16” bolts, a maximum of 140 ft/lb (190Nm) is recommended. Over tightening can result in bolt and or head damage. Under tightening can cause cutter rollback and possible head damage. Torque values may be different for different cutter stack height variations. Torque wrenches should be tested for correct calibration at regular intervals. Call AceCo for assistance if torque value is in question.
For more information on posting and torqueing finger joint knives, watch this video.
Cleaning Specifications for Finger Joint Head:
Before reposting, grinding or disassembly, clean all knives, head surfaces and bolts with a cleaning solution. AceCo recommends BLADE CLEAN brand cleaner when cleaning Ace-Loc heads and knives. Using the wrong chemicals can deteriorate the O-rings. After cleaning, balancing and reinstalling the knives, install the top plate and lubricate the threads of all the finger joint head bolts, nuts and washers with anti-seize lubricant. CAUTION: Do not allow anti-seize to get on the knife or any mounting surfaces. A little anti-seize goes a long way.
Correct Spindle Size and Clearance Specifications for Hydraulic Tooling:
Ensure proper spindle size before setting tool in place. Using a micrometer- with .0001” (0.0025mm) graduations- measure the spindle at the top, middle and bottom at 90-degree intervals. Nominal spindle size for AceCo heads is +0.0000″ I -0.0005″ (+0.0000mm/-0.0127mm).
Total clearance between the spindle and the bore of the head cannot exceed .003” (.076mm) for keyless spindles. Clearance for keyed shafts cannot exceed .002” (.050mm). To determine the clearance between the head and spindle, measure with a micrometer at the top, the middle and bottom at 90-degree intervals. Record the measurements.
Examples: If the nominal diameter of the spindle is 1.8125”, the spindle diameter of a keyless shaft should be no less than 1.8095” or 1.8105” for a keyed shaft. In another example, if the nominal diameter of the spindle is 1.5000”, the spindle diameter of a keyless shaft should be no less than 1.4970” or 1.4980” for a keyed shaft.
Determining Correct Runout:
Runout should not exceed .0010″ on a new spindle. The outer limit of tolerance on a used spindle should not exceed .0025″. To achieve correct joint fitment, the joint will need to be shortened by about .010″ for every .0010″ of runout increase. Read this article to see how runout affects joint length and glue area.
Head Inspection
Check the pressure of the head at least once per shift and more frequently when ambient temperature changes significantly throughout the day. Check head pressure using a calibrated grease gun. Use only NLGI 2 rated grease when pressurizing the heads.
Inspect head for grease seepage around sleeve and inlet/relief fittings when checking head pressure. If any seepage is detected, do not run the head.
Never leave an unpressurized head installed on a spindle.
Note the pressure recommendation on the flange of the sleeve. Do not exceed maximum pressure stamped on the flange.
Never install or pressurize a head that is not properly sized for the spindle.
Never install an Ace-Loc head on a keyed spindle that had not been fitted with a specially hardened sleeve. The standard sleeve could deform around the keyway and render the head unusable.
Inspect the internal bore of the head for damage, burrs or embedded foreign matter. Any burrs or embedded material can be removed using a small round honing stone. Do not use emery cloth on a split dowel or brake/ball hone and drill to remove burrs. This will remove excessive material and could compromise the clamping ability of the hydraulic sleeve in the head.
Always lift and carry hydraulic heads. Do not slide across any surface. Damage to the bottom of the hydraulic sleeve may result.
AceCo recommends BLADE CLEAN brand cleaner when cleaning Ace-Loc heads. Using the wrong chemicals can deteriorate the O-rings.
Ensure that the pressure relief valve is closed before soaking the head in cleaner.
Always use anti-seize compound on all bolt threads, washers and nuts before torqueing. Ensure that the proper grease fitting is used when being replaced. There are two industry standards- 1/8”-27 NPT and 10mm. Although the two threads are similar in size and will fit in the opening, they cannot be interchanged. Installation of the wrong fitting will result in a mismatch of the threads, compromising the ability to form the proper seal.
Never sandblast heads or cutters. Damage will result.
Head Installation
Verify that the machine has been powered down and is LOCKED OUT and TAGGED OUT.
Clean the machine spindle with a shop towel and solvent (alcohol or acetone) to remove oil and dirt before removing or installing the head on the spindle. Inspect spindle diameter, in 3 locations, on a regular basis.
Remove any burrs or embedded debris from the spindle with a honing stone. Do not use an emery cloth with the spindle running as this will eventually reduce the spindle diameter and could compromise the clamping ability of the hydraulic sleeve in the head.
Clean the internal bore and the bottom of the head to remove any oil and dirt and set the head on a clean surface. Open the pressure release valve to relieve residual grease pressure that may be have built up due to an increase in temperature.
Lift the head and gently position on top of the spindle. Slowly lower the head in a rotating motion to help align the internal bore of the head with the spindle. Do not drop the head. If the head does not freely seat on the bottom flange of the spindle, Stop and remove the head from the spindle. Do not force the head down on the spindle- damage to the head and spindle will result.
Always use a lock collar on hydraulic tooling. If a bottom lock collar is used, rotate the head until the lock collar pins engage in the receptacles on the bottom of the head.
Close the pressure release valve with the correct size Allen wrench. Do not over tighten. Using a too small Allen wrench will eventually round out the set screw and the valve will become inoperable and need to be replaced.
Before pressurizing the head, clean the inlet fitting on the head and the hydraulic coupling on the end of the grease gun hose before mating the two. Dirt on the fitting or coupling could be pumped into the head, preventing the inlet valve from sealing properly, causing a slow loss of pressure and eventual head failure during operation.
Use only NLGI 2 rated grease when pressurizing the heads.
Pressurize the head to the specified value- you will find the correct value stenciled into the flange of the sleeve. Release the hose pressure and remove the hose from the head. Clean excess grease from around the inlet and pressure release valve with a cotton swab.
Install top lock collar and tighten.
Install all machine guards prior to energizing the machine.
Head Removal
Verify that the machine has been powered down and is LOCKED OUT and TAGGED OUT.
Clean exposed spindle area above the head with shop towel and solvent to remove any dirt or foreign matter.
Remove the top lock collar.
Release pressure by opening release valve with the correct Allen wrench. Using a too small Allen wrench will eventually round out the set screw and the valve will become inoperable and need to be replaced.
Lift head slowly, straight up. Place on a clean, smooth surface. Begin the inspection process.