The RH Polyester Welder is connected, by the cable supplied, from the socket in the back of the unit, located beside the isolation switch, to a power outlet of the nominated rating and voltage on the compliance label.
The RH Polyester Welder is started by the isolation switch. When the unit is turned on, the switch will be illuminated. Two pieces of identically sized polyester film are placed on the top of the RH Polyester Welder and pushed under the guard and against the stop. Their ends should be level and if it is correctly aligned, the edges closest to the operator will also be in alignment. The lever at the back of the RH Polyester Welder is then moved from left to right. With this action, the clamps within the guard will come down and the timer will be set in operation. The red indicator lamp on the front of the RH Polyester Welder will illuminate to show that the heating element is in operation. When the timer cycle is complete, the lamp will go out and about 5 seconds later a low buzz will be heard, this is to indicate that the clamp may be raised by moving the lever to the left and the polyester film may be removed from the welder.
The next edge of the polyester may then be welded. The duration of the weld cycle may be increased or decreased by the knob beside the isolation switch. It is best to start by trailing some scrap and getting the time right so you achieve a fine even weld bead. If the weld is not consistent, either the edges of the film are not in alignment, or the time is too short. If the weld bead is too large, reduce the time. The thicker the polyester film, the longer it will take to form a weld. To make a longer weld than the length of the RH Polyester Welder, once the first weld starting at one corner of the film is complete, move the film along the guard so that the end of the weld is at the point where the weld starts, indicated by the yellow arrow on the gard. This procedure may be repeated to give a weld of infinite length. Should you encounter any operation different from that detail here, please contact RH Conservation Engineering.
To replace the heating element, disconnect the the power supply. Remove the screws securing the guard and lift the guard off. Draw the left hand end of the tensioning spring to the left and remove it from the retaining pin on the inside of the back of the RH Polyester Welder. Using a 6 mm Umbrako/hex wrench, remove the socket hex screw retaining the end of the heating element in the tensioning roller. Using the same Umbrako wrench, loosen the socket hex screws from the clamp retaining the element on the left hand end. Slip the element out of the clamp. Unpack and carefully unroll the new element. Place one end in to the clamp on the left hand end so it lies within the slot on the clamp, tighten the hex socket screws. Place the right hand end of the element into the slot in the tensioning roller so it lies in the slot on the roller. Retain the right hand end of the element by replacing the socket hex screw. Draw the tensioning spring and put the end on the retaining pin on the back of the body of the RH Polyester Welder. Refit the guard and retaining screws. Reconnect the power and operate the RH Polyester Welder without any polyester film. This will heat and straighten the heating element. You have now fitted a new heating element and the RH Polyester Welder is ready to commence welding.
To pack the RH Polyester Welder away, reverse the assembly instructions.
When cleaning the RH Polyester Welder, no abrasive cleaners, strong alkalis or acids should be used. The anodized housing of RH equipment can be cleaned with Windex™ to remove finger marks.
Please Note: RH equipment is intended for use only by professional conservators. Use by inexperienced operators may result in damage to objects being treated. The RH Polyester Welder is not intended for use by infirm persons and should be kept out of reach of young children.