Hoffmann MU2-P User manual

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc.
OPERATING MANUAL
for
Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine
Model MU2-P
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc.
1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690 USA
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
Toll-free Technical Support: (866) 248 –0100

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 1 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
Safety and Warning Labels
A number of important warning labels have been attached to this Dovetail Routing Machine for
your information and protection.
For your own safety, please take a moment to locate and read all warning labels before operating
this machine.
If a label has been removed, defaced or is illegible, please contact Hoffmann Machine Company,
Inc. to request a free replacement.
NEVER REMOVE ANY SAFETY OR WARNING LABEL!

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 2 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
2. Safety Rules
Read and understand these safety rules before operating this machine!
1. Always disconnect the machine from the electrical power supply and from compressed air
supply before attempting any adjustment, repair or maintenance procedure (change of router
bit, depth-of-cut adjustment, removal of wood dust, etc.).
2. Do not allow power cord or air hose to lay on the floor, in the way of passing personnel or the
machine operator. They will cause a trip hazard.
3. Always wear eye and ear protection as well as a respirator suitable for wood dust.
4. Remove or confine loose hair, clothing and jewelry to avoid entanglement.
5. Avoid a dangerous environment. Do not expose electrical equipment to rain. Do not use in
presence of flammable liquids or gases.
6. Keep the area around the machine clean and free from scrap, sawdust, wood chips, oil and
grease to avoid the danger of slipping.
7. Always use a suitable dust collection system. Duct must be properly connected to the dust
extraction port at the back of the machine.
8. Use only sharp and flawless original Hoffmann router bits.
9. Check the machine upon receipt as well as before every use for improper functioning and
worn or damaged parts. Make sure the appropriate router bit is securely installed.
10. Broken or defective parts must not be used until replaced or repaired by a qualified
technician.
11. When interrupting work or upon leaving the area, machine must be switched off.
12.Only trained and qualified personnel must be allowed to use machine.
13.Only original Hoffmann replacement parts must be used to rebuild machine.

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 3 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
3. Operator Training
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model MU-2P is to be operated, maintained and
repaired only by properly trained and qualified personnel. It is imperative that the operator has
carefully read and understood these operating instructions, and that he or she is aware of all
potential risks resulting from operating this machine.
If the operator does not posses sufficient English language skills to completely understand all
sections of this manual, especially the sections on Warning Labels and Safety Rules, it is the
responsibility of the purchaser to retain a qualified translator to translate this entire manual.
All applicable safety procedures and rules, including but not limited to all OSHA Rules and
Regulations, are to be adhered to.
Any unauthorized modification or alteration to this machine by the operator or owner, including
the use of router bits other than Original Hoffmann Dovetail Router Bits, will immediately void the
machine warranty. The manufacturer cannot be held liable if the machine is used for any
operations other than outlined in this manual or if the machine is modified or altered.
Please refer to the complete Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. warranty in the back of this
operating manual.
4. General Machine Description
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model MU-2P is designed solely to process material for
the Hoffmann Dovetail Joining System.
This machine is to be used only to process material for Hoffmann Dovetail Keys, size W-1, W-2
and W-3.
USE OF THIS MACHINE FOR ANY OTHER OPERATION IS DANGEROUS AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
The manufacturer cannot be held liable if the machine is used for any operations other than
outlined in this manual.
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model MU-2P is designed to rout dovetail shaped
keyways in hard and softwoods as well as wood related sheet goods, such as particleboard,
MDF, plywood, MDO, etc.
The material is placed on the machine table, the proper location is established with either a steel
fence plate for miter joints, or with square stops for butt joints. The pneumatic hold-down clamp is
lowered to within 1/8” of the workpiece and locked in place.
Depressing the foot pedal activates the hold-down clamp and secures the workpiece. With the
workpiece clamped securely, the router motor is turned on and raised up automatically and the
spinning router bit moves up into the material. A height adjustment rod is used to set the routing
height. When the pre-set height is reached, a pneumatic valve is triggered and the motor returns
to it’s resting position and is shut off. A pneumatic valve is triggered when the motor has reached
it’s home position, this valve releases the material clamp and the workpiece is removed from the
machine table by the operator.
WARNING:
The machine is equipped with an automatic ON/OFF feature, depressing the foot pedal starts the
router motor immediately and releasing the pedal returns the motor to its home position.

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 4 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
5. Potential Risks and Dangers
Even when the machine is used as designed, and when the aforementioned safety rules are
adhered to, the potential risk of injury must always be considered.
It is especially important to be aware of the following:
The risk of pinching between stationary and moveable parts of the machine.
The risk of pinching on the clamping devices of the machine.
The risk of injury from sharp edges when handling, adjusting or changing the tooling.
The risk of injury due to the inhalation of wood dust when operating the machine.
The potential risk of injury on the electrical parts of the machine.
The potential risk of injury on the pneumatic elements of the machine.
6. Toolkit
The machine is shipped with a Hoffmann toolkit, consisting of:
•Hex key 2.5mm
•Hex key 3.0mm
•Hex key 4.0mm
•Hex key 5.0mm
•Hex key 6.0mm
•Wrench 14mm
•Wrench 17mm
•One Safety Equipment Starter Kit (safety glasses, ear plugs, dust mask)
This starter kit is included as a courtesy to allow the machinery owner to start using this
machine upon receipt. It is the machine owner’s responsibility to supply additional safety
equipment as needed, and the machine operator’s responsibility to use all safety equipment as
instructed.
7. Technical Data
Number of motors one
Motor type 115 Volt, 60 Hz, 750 watt (1,000 watt motor optional)
Rotation CCW (counter clockwise)
Revolutions per minute 35,000 rpm (idle)
Compressed air supply 90 psi = 6.0 bar
Collet size ¼” = 6.35mm, 8.0mm for W-4
Max. routing height 3”
Operating noise 75.3 dB (A)
Weight: 81 lbs.
Dovetail Key sizes W-1, W-2, W-3 / W-4 with optional 1,000 watt motor

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 5 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
8. Machine Installation
8.1 Unpacking – Inspection
Upon receipt, check the machine and shipping container for any damage. Report any
transportation damage to the delivering carrier and indicate it on the bill of lading. Request an
immediate inspection for assessment of damage. Claim should then be entered with the carrier.
The carrier is solely responsible for any loss or damage during transit.
8.2 Placement
After unpacking, select a suitable location with enough room around the machine for safe and
unobstructed workflow, cleaning and maintenance.
It is best to place the machine on a sturdy workbench of comfortable height.
8.3 Cleaning
Clean the machine and remove the applied rust preventive coating with a cotton rag and thin oil
(WD-40 or similar). Be careful when using liquids containing silicones – the finishing process of
your material could later be impaired.
Never use thinner or solvents to clean machine, damage could result.
8.4 Electric Connection
The machine power cord is equipped with a standard 115 Volt plug. Be sure the receptacle is in
good working condition. Also, be sure the power cord does not obstruct any walkways. If
applicable, use only three wire extension cords of the proper size. Replace damaged or worn
power cords immediately. NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR A DAMAGED POWER CORD.
8.5 Compressed Air
Route a compressed airline to the machine. Caution: If a rubber hose is used make sure that is
does not lie on the floor in the path of normal operator movement. It is recommended that the
compressed airline drop from overhead. The airline connection should be made with a quick
disconnect fitting to allow for positive lock-out from the air source when performing adjustments,
cleaning, maintenance or repair work. The connection is made to the incoming side of the air
filter, regulator and lubricator assembly, which is mounted on the outside of the machine base.
CAUTION: WHEN AIR PRESSURE IS INTRODUCED TO THE MACHINE, THE HOLD DOWN
CLAMP AND THE MOTOR CARRIAGE WILL IMMEDIATELY MOVE TO THEIR HOME
POSITIONS. THEREFORE, USE EXTREME CAUTION AND STAND CLEAR OF THE
MACHINE WHENEVER COMPRESSED AIR IS INITIALLY CONNECTED.

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 6 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9. Machine Operation
9.1 Standard 45-degree miters with one key per joint
The machine is equipped with a routing height adjustment rod (2). The scale (3) on the vertical
bar indicates the height the router bit will travel into the material. To adjust the height, simply
loosen the locking lever (1) and move the bar to the desired height.
Always use the longest key possible to achieve a tight joint on the face side of the workpiece.
With the routing height and the keyway position set, place the material on the table and lower the
pneumatic hold-down clamp to within 1/8” above the workpiece. Secure the setting by tightening the orange
handle.
Start the routing operation by depressing the pneumatic foot pedal. Do not release the switch until the
routing sequence is completed and the router has returned to its home position. Once the clamp has
released the workpiece, it can be removed from the table.
Before routing the material make sure the orange handles securing the hold-down clamp and the steel
fence plate are properly tightened, and do not change the settings until booth parts are routed.
9.2 Standard 45-degree miters with multiple keys per joint
Adjust the machine and process the material for one dovetail key as described above.
After all material has been machined for the first key location, re-set the steel fence plate (1) on the
machine table (and re-set the routing height if necessary) and proceed as before.

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 7 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9.3 Miter joints with angles other than 45 degrees
Replace the standard 45-degree steel fence plate (shipped with machine) with either a fixed fence plate for
hexagon or octagon frames, or the adjustable Hoffmann Synchro fence and proceed as outlined in section
9.2.
The square stop (1) can also be used to machine miter joints with any given angle.
The square stop (1) is set to the desired position and locked in place. All material is machined on its right
end miters with this setting.
The square stop is then moved to the other side of the table, and the same position is set with the aid of the
tape scale (2).
With both settings being equal, a perfectly aligned corner is achieved.
9.4 Butt-joints with square cut ends (e.g. face-frame construction, radiused parts)
Remove the steel fence plate from the machine table and use the supplied square aluminum stop
(1) instead. Recessed in the machine table is a tape scale (2), with is used to adjust these stops.

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 8 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
9.5 Compound Miter Joints
Moulding joined with a compound miter is machined almost like a standard, flat moulding. To achieve a
tight and correctly aligned joint, the mitered face must be placed tight against the machine back fence and
the moulding edge must rest against the black steel fence plate.
The machine is set for the first Key location and routing height. After all moulding parts are processed the
set-up is changed for the second Key location and routing height.
This series of pictures shows the operation on a MU-2 manual bench-top machine, however the same set-up is used in
principle on all Hoffmann Dovetail Routing machines.
dovetail keyway locations push miter face tight against back fence
moulding edge rests against fence plate Keys are inserted with a round steel punch
The completed joint with no visible fastener.
Note: Depending on moulding width, use two or
more Keys for tight joints.
Use of good quality glue is important.
For best results, use a shop-made jig to
hold moulding steady while routing (jig
can be mounted to recessed aluminum
fence rail).
Place first Key close to inside corner and
second Key close to outside corner - choose
thick moulding sections and use longest Key
possible.

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 9 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
10. Accessories for MU2 and MU2P bench-top models
Syncro fence, adjustable from 18-64º Laser guide for working to pencil lines
order number: W 3105000 order number: W 3900006
Table flip-stop with spring loaded tab Inside corner fences for 45º miters
order number: W 3900002 order number: W 3208000
Mullion jig for coped mullion joints Optional 1,000 watt motor for W-4 Keys
order number: W 3012000 order number: W 3900008

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 10 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
11. Change of router bit
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY AND COMPRESSED AIR LINE BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY SERVICE,MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORK!
Follow proper “Lock-Out / Tag-Out” procedures as specified by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration “OSHA”.
1. Verify that electrical power and compressed air supply has been disconnected.
2. Loosen the lock-nut and raise the motor carriage manually by turning the threaded stem (49/50) on the
right side of the motor carriage. Raise the carriage until the router bit is approx. 1/4” above the machine
table.
3. Remove the old chip breaker from the table recess and discard.
4. Loosen the hex head screw in the black motor bracket and carefully slide the motor out.
5. Use the included metric wrenches (14mm, 17mm) to open the ¼” collet and remove the old router bit.
6. Install new bit and tighten collet securely.
Distance between tip of router bit and top of collet should be:
For W-1 router bit: 15.5 mm = 0.610”
For W-2 router bit: 17.0 mm = 0.669”
For W-3 router bit: 19.0 mm = 0.749”
7. Slide the motor back into the bracket and use the square stop to set the proper distance. The stop has
three steps in one side (W1, W2, W3) and one large step machined in the opposite for W4 router bits.
Slide the square stop out of the fence rail and remove the locking lever, washer and square nut. Place
the stop upside down on the table to use.
Use the smallest step for W-1, the middle step for W-2 and the deepest step for W-3.
8. Lower the carriage to its home position and re-connect electrical power and air supply.
9. Make a test cut and verify proper settings by inserting a Hoffmann key.
10. Disconnect electrical power supply and compressed air again before proceeding to install chip breaker!
11. Raise the carriage again and install a new chip breaker insert. Place a piece of scrap wood over the
insert , lower the hold-down clamp and lock it in place, re-connect ONLY the electrical power supply
(leave air supply hose DISCONNECTED for
this step!) and slowly lower the running
router bit down through the wood. The scrap
wood eliminates tearout on the surface of the
chip breaker.
Hold the scrap wood securely in place and be aware
of the turning bit at all times. Lower the router carriage
by turning the threaded stem slowly. When the motor
has shut off, secure the threaded stem with the
locknut.
SQUARE STOP WITH STEPS FOR W1 -W4 BITS

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 11 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
11.1 Change of router bit
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SERVICE,
MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORK!
threaded stem (49/50) raised router bit old chip breaker & screw
loosen screw to remove motor from carriage router motor, wrenches (14mm, 17mm), bit
use notches in square stop to adjust bit scrap wood placed on machine table for initial cut
through new chip breaker
Lower the router bit SLOWLY with threaded stem!

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 12 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
11.2 Fine Adjustment
The operator can adjust the tightness of an assembled joint as well as the clamping force exerted
by the key.
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY AND COMPRESSED AIR HOSE BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY SERVICE,MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORK!
Follow proper “Lock-Out / Tag-Out” procedures as specified by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration “OSHA”.
12. Verify that electrical power and compressed air hose has been disconnected.
13. Raise the motor carriage as described before.
14. Loosen the hex head screw in the motor collet.
15. Carefully move the motor further toward the operator to increase the routing depth, or move
the motor away from the operator to decrease the routing depth.
Only a small movement (0.1 – 0.5mm = 0.004 – 0.020”) is necessary to make a noticeable
difference. Increasing the depth will increase the “draw” or pull of the Key, resulting in a tigher
joint.
16. Tighten the hex cap screw and lower the carriage.
17. Re-connect the electrical power supply and compressed air hose and make a test cut.
18. If the new setting is unsatisfactory, the above steps are repeated.
To re-set the machine to the factory setting, use the included aluminum set-up jig.
Wrong Setting Correct Setting
12. Applications for the Hoffmann Dovetail Joining System

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 13 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
13. Installation of fence extensions
If accessory fence extensions have been ordered with the machine please follow these assembly
instructions:
1. Push the left and right hand side fence with the steel connector plate (2) and bolt (1) into the
machine fence profile.
2. Tighten the screw (3) on the connector plate.
3. Attach the self-adhesive tape scale to the fence extension.
Proper line-up with the table scale is important!
14. Maintenance
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER AND COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY BEFORE ATTEMPTING
ANY SERVICE,MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORK!
Follow proper “Lock-Out / Tag-Out” procedures as specified by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration “OSHA”.
•All moving parts should be cleaned weekly and lubricated as necessary.
•The cooling vents in the motor housing must be kept free from dust and debris.
•Promptly replace damaged or worn router bits. Use only Original Hoffmann Dovetail Router
Bits for best performance.
•All fasteners, nuts and bolts should be checked periodically and re-tightened as necessary.
•Periodically check the machine for damage or unusual wear. Never operate the machine if
damaged.
•Do not modify the machine. Any modification will void the warranty and may cause a
hazardous condition.
•Periodically remove condensation from the air filter assembly by opening drain on bottom of
plastic reservoir.
•Periodically re-fill oil reservoir with good quality air tool oil.
Set-screw should be adjusted to dispense one drop of oil approx. every 30 machining cycles.

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 14 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
15. Parts List
1. Cast aluminum table base 41. Router bit
2. Fence rail 42. Scale, self-adhesive
3.Arm 43.Screw
4. Motor carriage 44. Lock nut
5. Fence plate 45. Linear bearing
6. Square stop 46. Dust seal
7. Motor 47. Hoffmann label
8. n/a 48. Hold down stem
9. n/a 49. n/a
10. n/a 50. n/a
11. Knob 51. Mounting plate
12. Scale, self adhesive 52. Cylinder top plate
13. Height adjustment rod 53. Hose fitting
14. n/a 54. Hold-down plate
15. n/a 55. Angle bracket
16. n/a 56. Foot pedal, pneumatic
17. n/a 57. Electrical limit switch with roller arm
18. n/a 58. Pneumatic limit valve f. routing height
19. n/a 59. Pneumatic main cylinder
20. n/a 60. Cylinder mounting bracket
21. Threaded stem 61. Hold-down cylinder, short stroke
22. Locking lever 62. n/a
23. Guide block 63. Plastic knob
24. Locking lever 64. Hose connector
25. Screw 65. Self-adhesive foam pad
26. n/a 66. Bolt
27. Screw 67. Nut
28. Chip breaker 68. Pneumatic valve with roller arm
29. Screw 69. Air regulator-filter-lubricator assembly
30. Screw 70. Pneumatic air pressure gauge
31. Guide Block 71. Mounting bracket for regulator assembly
32.Screw (part #’s 69 – 71 are not shown on drawings)
33. n/a
34. n/a
35. n/a
36. Locking lever
37. n/a
38. n/a
39. n/a
40. Guide rod
See page 1 of this manual for Warning and Safety Labels

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 15 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
16.1 MU2P side view

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 16 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
16.2 MU2P front view

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 17 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
16.3 MU2P top view

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 18 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
16.4 MU2P rear view

Hoffmann MU2-P Dovetail Routing Machine
- 19 -
Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc. 1386 Drexel Road Valdese, NC 28690
Phone: (828) 430 - 4510 Fax: (828) 430 - 4620 e-mail: [email protected]
www.Hoffmann-USA.com
17. Electric Schematic
Note: All MU-2 machines for the USA, Canada and Mexico are shipped for 115 Volt, single phase
electrical power supply.