Clarke Air CAT63 Installation and operation manual

OPERATING & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
GC0314
AIR NIBBLER
MODEL NO: CAT63
PART NO: 3110463

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Air Nibbler.
Before attempting to use this product, please read this manual thoroughly and
follow the instructions carefully. In doing so you will ensure the safety of yourself
and that of others around you, and you can look forward to your purchase
giving you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of 12
months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt which will be
required as proof of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission. This guarantee does not effect your
statutory rights.

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Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WORK ENVIRONMENT
1. Keep the work area clean and tidy.
2. Dress appropriately - Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Tie long hair
out of the way.
3. Keep children and visitors away - Do not let children handle the tool.
USE
1. Stay alert and use common sense - do not operate this tool when you are
tired or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication.
2. Always wear eye protectors when using air tools. Eye protectors must
provide protection from flying particles from the front and the side.
3. Do not overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
4. Never use oxygen, CO2, combustible gasses, or any bottled gas, as a
source of power for the grease gun. This product should only be used with
a suitably rated compressed air supply.
5. Do not connect the air supply hose with your finger on the trigger of the
gun.
6. Do not fit the tool to any stand or clamping device that may damage it.
7. Do not exceed the maximum pressure for the tool of 90 psi / 6.2 bar.
8. Keep the air supply hose away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
9. Check hoses for leaks or excessive wear before use, and ensure that all
connections are secure.
10. Do not use the tool for any other purpose than described in this manual.
11. Do not carry out any alterations or modifications to the tool.
12. Always disconnect from the air supply when:
• Performing any maintenance.
• The tool is not in use.
• The tool will be left unattended.
CAUTION: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY, AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

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Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [e-mail]
• Moving to another work area.
• Passing the tool to another person.
• Never use the tool if it is defective or operating abnormally.
13. This tool should be serviced at regular intervals by qualified service
personnel.
14. Avoid damaging the tool for example by applying excessive force of any
kind.
15. Always maintain the tool with care. Keep it clean for the best and safest
performance.
16. Do not force or misuse the tool. It will do a better and safer job at the rate
for which it was designed.
HAZARDS SPECIFIC TO CUTTING TOOLS
1. Be careful around all moving parts and pinch points. Always keep your
fingers away from the point of cutting.
2. Ensure material is properly supported during cutting. Use supports for long
material. Hold the material securely to prevent it tilting during the cut. Use
clamps or vices to hold the work piece whenever possible.
3. Take care of sharp edges produced by the cutting operation.
4. Do not use damaged punches. When replacing cutting tool parts make
sure they are correctly and securely mounted.
5. Anticipate the unexpected tool movement due to a binding punch.
Release the trigger immediately if this occurs.
TRANSPORTATION
1. Never carry an air tool by the air supply hose.
2. Never carry an air tool with your finger on the trigger.
STORAGE
1. When not in use, the tool must be disconnected from the air supply and
stored in a dry place out of the reach of children (preferably in a locked
cabinet).
2. Avoid storing in cold environments.

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OVERVIEW
The CAT63 Air Nibbler is ideal for fast, accurate sheet metal cutting of curved
or intricate shapes using its 4-way adjustable punch head. The punch and die
can be rotated through 360oto aid access and obtain maximum consumable
life.
NO DESCRIPTION NO DESCRIPTION
1 Punch 3 Trigger
2 Die 4 Air Inlet

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COMPRESSED AIR REQUIREMENTS
• Use only clean, dry, regulated compressed air as a power source.
• Air compressors used with the tool must comply with the appropriate
European Community Safety Directives.
• A build-up of moisture or oil in the air compressor will accelerate
wear and corrosion in the tool. ensure any moisture is drained from
the compressor daily and the inlet filter is kept clean.
• If an unusually long air hose is required, (over 8 metres), the line
pressure or the hose inside diameter may need to be increased.
• The air hose must be rated at least 150% of the maximum operating
pressure of the tool.
• A typical air line layout is shown above. If an automatic in-line filter/
regulator is used, it will keep the tool in good condition, but should
be regularly checked & topped up with oil. Clarke air-line oil should
be used, and the lubricator adjusted to approx 2 drops per minute.
• Never exceed the maximum operating pressure for the tool. It is
recommended that air pressure to this tool does not exceed 90 psi
at the tool when running. Higher pressures and unclean air will
shorten the life of the tool due to faster wear and is a possible safety
hazard.
WARNING: COMPRESSED AIR CAN BE DANGEROUS. ENSURE THAT YOU
ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF
COMPRESSORS AND A COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY.

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BEFORE USE
NOTE: Ensure the compressor is turned off.
1. If required, connect an in-line mini oiler to the tool.
• A mini oiler helps to prolong the life of the air tool.
2. If a mini-oiler is not being used, run a few drops of oil through the tool
before use. It can be entered through the inlet connector or via the hose
at the nearest connection to the air supply.
3. Connect a suitable hose as shown.
4. Connect the other end of the hose
to the compressor.
5. Turn on the air supply and check
for air leaks. Rectify any found
before proceeding.
• PTFE tape may be helpful for
sealing threaded connections.
6. Your air tool is now ready for use.
You can fit a whip hose with a quick fit coupling if required (available from
your Clarke dealer).

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OPERATION
In order to improve access to the workpiece, the die can be rotated through
360o.
1. To do this, loosen the locknut with
a 22mm spanner and rotate the
die on the punch until it is in the
right position for the job in hand.
2. Hold the die steady with a 15mm
spanner on its flats and retighten
the locknut.
3. Ensure you workpiece is properly
secured and marked out.
4. Connect the nibbler to the airline.
5. Start the nibbler by squeezing the throttle lever.
6. Introduce the sheet metal into the slot in the end of the die. Apply only light
pressure to move the tool in the desired direction through the material.
7. Do not allow the nibbler to run freely for long periods of time as this could
harm the bearings.
NOTE: It is recommended that a whip hose with a swivel (not included)
be used to prevent twisting, kinking and resultant wear to the air
hose.
DISCONNECTING THE AIR SUPPLY
Do not disconnect the air supply hose until the compressor has been shut
down and the compressed air released.
1. Refer to the compressor instruction manual for the procedure to shut down
and release the compressed air.
2. Once the pressure has been released, disconnect the air supply hose from
the air tool.
3. Store the tool safely in its box in a dry, secure environment.

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MAINTENANCE
DAILY
1. Before use, drain water from the air-line and compressor.
2. This air tool should be lubricated before use. Turn the tool upside down and
pour 1-2 drops of Clarke air-line oil into the air inlet. This should be carried
out regardless of whether or not an in-line mini oiler is used. If an in-line mini
oiler is not used, this procedure should be repeated after every two hours
of constant use.
CLEANING
1. Keep the tool clean.
2. Deposits in the tool may also reduce efficiency. This can be corrected by
cleaning the air inlet and flushing out the tool with gum solvent oil, or failing
this, the tool should be disassembled, thoroughly cleaned, dried and
reassembled.
3. If the tool becomes inefficient and the air supply is of good quality, it may
be necessary to replace worn or damaged parts. You may prefer to take
the tool to your Clarke dealer if internal maintenance is required.
Your Clarke air tool has been designed to give long and trouble free service. If,
however, having followed the instructions in this booklet carefully, you
encounter problems, take the unit to your local Clarke dealer.
PERFORMANCE
Please note that factors other than the tool may effect its operation and
efficiency such as reduced compressor output, excessive drain on the airline,
moisture or restrictions in the air-line, or the use of connectors of improper size
or poor condition which will reduce air supply.
**Clarke Air-lne Oil (part no. 3050825) is available from your Clarke dealer.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE AIR TOOL IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE
AIR SUPPLY BEFORE STARTING ANY CLEANING, OR MAINTENANCE
PROCEDURES.

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CHANGING THE PUNCH AND DIE
1. Loosen the locknut using a 22mm
spanner and unscrew the die (with
the locknut on it) from the body of
the tool.
2. Place a 9mm spanner onto the
hex section of the die collar as
shown and undo/remove the die
collar and punch.
3. Remove the old punch from the
collar and insert the new one.
4. Screw the collar and punch back
into place and tighten with the
spanner.
5. Slide the die and locknut over the
punch and screw it back into the nibbler until the bottom of the punch is
flush with the bottom of the die. Rotate the die into the best position
required by the workpiece. Hold the die steady with a 15mm spanner on its
flats and re-tighten the locknut.
STORAGE
If the tool is to be stored, or is idle for longer than 24 hours, run a few drops of
Clarke air-line oil into the air inlet, and depress the trigger in order to lubricate
the internal parts.
When not in use, disconnect from air supply, clean and store in a safe, dry
place.
ACCESSORIES
A wide range of airline accessories is available including filter/regulators,
lubricators, high-pressure hoses (5 to 50 metres) etc.
Contact your Clarke dealer or Clarke International Service Department for
further information.