Hoffmann X-25 User manual

© Hoffmann Machine Company, Inc.
OPERATING MANUAL
for
Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine
Model X-25
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 X-25 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
1. 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 X-25 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 the 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 the air hose to lie on the floor, in the way of passing personnel or the machine
operator. They may 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.
3. Operator Training
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model X-25 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.

Hoffmann X-25 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
4. General Machine Description
The Hoffmann Dovetail Routing Machine model X-25 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 X-25 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 and the proper location is established with either a steel fence plate for
miter joints, or with square stops for butt joints.
Depressing the pneumatic foot pedal activates the main cylinder. The cylinder piston extends downward and presses
the material onto the machine table. Once the material is secured by the pressure plate, the cylinder raises the motor
carriage upward. The motor is automatically switched on once it moves upward from its home position. A height
adjustment rod is used to set the routing height. When the pre-set height is reached, the motor carriage is automatically
returned to its home position, the motor is switched off and the workpiece is removed.
WARNING:
The machine is equipped with an automatic ON/OFF feature, depressing the foot pedal starts the router motor
immediately. The motor will only stop once it has reached its home position with the router bit under the table surface.
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 > never place fingers under pneumatic main cylinder!
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.
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.

Hoffmann X-25 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
7. Technical Data
Number of motors one
Motor type 115 Volt, 60 Hz, 450 watt
Rotation CCW (counter clockwise)
Revolutions per minute 27,000 rpm (idle)
Collet size ¼” = 6.35mm
Air supply 90 psi compressed air
Supply air must be dry and slightly lubricated
Max. routing height 2 3/4”
Max. material thickness 3 3/4”
Dovetail Key sizes W-1, W-2, W-3
Dust collection port 2 3/8” dia. = 60mm
Operating noise 75.3 dB (A)
Machine dimensions 24” x 23 1/2" x 30 1/2" (handle extended)
Table dimensions 19 3/4" x 12 1/4"
Weight: 42 lbs.
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 Electrical 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 X-25 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
9. Machine Operation
9.1 Standard 45-degree miters with one key per joint
The machine is equipped with a routing height tape scale attached to the routing height adjustment rod. The scale
indicates the height the router bit will travel into the material.
To adjust the height, simply loosen the top locking lever 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.
The lower locking lever is used to lock the router carriage for transport and to keep the router bit in a raised position
when changing the router bit (see “Changing the router bit”).
With the routing height and the keyway position set, place the material on the table and depress the pneumatic foot
pedal to start the routing sequence.
The motor is switched on automatically and the router bit cuts the keyway. When the pre-set routing height is reached,
the operator must release the foot pedal and the motor carriage will return to its home position and you can remove the
workpiece.
Before routing the material make sure the orange handle securing the steel fence plate on the table is properly
tightened, and do not change the setting 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.
Lockin
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lever for routin
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Lockin
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lever to lock router carria
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Height adjustment rod (tape scale on front)

Hoffmann X-25 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
9.3 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 X-25 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
9.5 Compound Miter Joints - processed on X-20 and X-25 models
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.
(operation is shown on a X-20 manual routing machine - same sequence applies with X-25 model)
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 X-25 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
10. Accessories for X-20 and X-25 bench-top models
Synchro fence, adjustable from 18-64º Laser guide for working to pencil lines
order number: W3105000 order number: W3900006
Table flip-stop with spring loaded tab Inside corner fences for 45º miters
order number: W3900002 order number: W3010001
(all accessories are shown on a X-20 manual routing machine but will fit on X-25 models as well)

Hoffmann X-25 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
11. Change of router bit
ALWAYS DISCONNECT THE ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY AND THE COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY 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 has been disconnected.
2. Verify that compressed air line has been disconnected.
3. Tighten the upper locking lever and loosen the lower locking lever on the back of the machine.
4. Raise the motor carriage by hand until the router bit is approx. 1/4” above the machine table.
5. Tighten the lower locking lever to lock router carriage.
6. Remove the old chip breaker from the table recess and discard.
7. Loosen the hex head screw on the underside of the motor bracket and carefully slide the motor out.
8. Use the included metric wrenches (14mm, 17mm) to open the ¼” collet and remove the old router bit.
9. 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”
10. 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 (W-4 bits can only be
used on MU-2 and larger machines, not on the X-20).
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.
11. Lower the carriage to its home position.
12. Make a test cut and verify proper settings by inserting a Hoffmann key.
13. Raise the carriage again and install a new chip breaker insert. Place a piece of scrap wood over the insert and
slowly lower the running router bit down through the wood. The scrap wood eliminates tear-out 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 slowly
by hand – do not connect the compressed air line for the initial cut.
It is highly recommend that one person holds the scrap wood board on the machine table while the second person
slowly lowers the motor carriage with the spinning router bit through the scrap piece and then through the new chip
breaker.
SQUARE STOP WITH STEPS FOR W1 -W4 BITS