TSI Instruments STE-M User manual

800.223.4540
June 19, 2019
3451 S. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ | www.buytsi.com
Fax: [phone] | Email: [e-mail]
Made in the USA at our plant in Monticello, MN
OPERATING MANUAL | STE-M, ST & SP TIRE SIPERS

WEAR PROTECTIVE
GLOVES
READ INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
USE PROPER LOCK OUT,
TAG OUT PROCEDURES
HAND CRUSH/
PINCH POINT
FLYING DEBRIS/
LOUD NOISES
DO NOT STAND
GROUND ELECTRICAL CE MARK NEUTRAL PHYSICAL
EARTH
WEAR DUST MASK
HAND ENTANGLEMENT
HUB SPRAY MIST TIRE SHAFT ROTATION
TIRE SIPING MACHINE
DECALS - MEANINGS

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
SPECIFICATIONS
ELECTRICAL REQUIRED:
120 Volts
1 Phase
60 Hertz
20 Amp Circuit
Electrical supply shall be 20 Amp fused or 20 Amp circuit breaker. The electrical circuit must be protected with a
short circuit protective device.
AIR SUPPLY:
Minimum of ¼ I.D. Air Hose
Minimum of 130 PSIG at the machine
6 CFM should be available
Air supply should be filtered lubricated air
DIMENSIONS (Uncrated)
41"L x 44 "W x 46''H
460 lbs
NOTE: The STE-M electrical system is capable of operation correctly within a humidity range of 20 to 95 percent.
The STE-M will withstand storage and transportation temperatures within the range of -25C to 55C (-13F to + 131 F)
and up to 70C (158F), for short period not exceeding 24 hours. The STE-M will operate at altitudes up to 1000 m.
NOTE: If STE-M is operated below 32°F (0°C); The coolant media must either be a mixture containing anti-freeze or
a windshield washer fluid.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SHIPPING & RECEIVING
Unpacking
Package Contents
SET UP
Basic Requirements
ORIENTATION
Equipment Call Outs
Components
OPERATION
Mounting and Dismounting
Siping
MAINTENANCE
Main Unit
Expandable Hub
SIPER OPTIONS
Wheel Lift
6030 Quick Lock Wheel Adapter
Automatic Cycle Feed
----Troubleshooting
Sipe Angle
Wheel Adapters
APPENDIX
WARRANTY
1
2
3
4
5-6
6-9
10-14
15-16
17-24
24
25
26
27-29
29
29
30
31

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
SHIPPING & RECEIVING - UNPACKING
SECTION ONE
From all of us at TSI thank you for purchasing your Tire Siping Machine. The important operating & maintenance
instructions contained here will ensure your Siper operates dependably for many years to come. This manual will
provide the proper instructions for setting up, using and maintaining your siper.
When receiving your Siper after shipment, take a moment to look it over,
although shipping damage is highly unusual now is a good time to note the
condition it has arrived in.
To unpack, pull the pin and swing the expandable hub assembly out of the way
(STE-M-only)
SET UP & SAFETY
For overseas units, the siper will be crated. Cut the bands. Remove the
sidewalls and top of the crate. Unbolt the unit from the pallet and remove. The
accessories and rims will be banded to the unit, cut the bands and remove from
the unit.
When working near or around the blade take care to position the blade away
from you. Cut and remove the straps holding the hood down. Lift the hood.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
SHIPPING & RECEIVING - PACKAGE CONTENTS
When working near or around the blade take care
to position the blade away from you.
After you've completed unpacking your Siper please take a
moment to review the package contents. The following items
are shipped with your Siper:
Expandable Hub
Assembly (STE-M)
Expandable Rim
(STE-M, Optional)
Passenger Cone Adapters
(Optional)
Main Unit
Tool Box
Silicone
Lubrication
8 oz
Crank

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
SET UP - BASIC REQUIREMENTS
SECTION TWO
You will need an air supply that can supply 90 PSI of air
and access to an electrical power source with at least a 30
AMP rating. For your air connection, a male couple will be
needed and make sure to have some Teflon tape to help
seal the connection airtight. Finally, you will need some
chalk to make marks on the tires you are going to sipe.
Operate the unit on a clean, level, non-slip surface. The
approximate work area should measure at least 3 feet
from the foot print of the machine, this distance is the
minimum recommended for non-operators in proximity to
the machine. The machine's foot print of 66"L X 48" W x
50" H. The shipping weight is 1050 lbs.
To transport the machine ensure the hood is down, the
hub is in its stored position and the lock pin on the hub is
in place.
LUBRICATION
To gain access to the
inside of your siper
move the wheel mount
assembly from its
operational position on
the side of the siper
To cool the cutting
blade and lubricate the
tire, mix 1 part silicone
lubricant (part# 2.029)
to 16 parts water and fill
the mist unit supply
container. Insert hose
and secure. Engage the
mister at the time of
engaging the blade on
the tire.
POWER CORD
Extend the power cord out
the back of the cabinet to
prevent it from being dam-
aged by the stops on the
hood. Position cord away
from walkways, a nylon tied
down may help to keep
excess cord away from walk
ways to prevent trip hazards.
If you need to use an extension cord, it needs
to be a heavy-duty extension cord, use a
heavy-duty 30 amp power strip to plug into.
DO NOT plug the siper in until you are ready
to sipe.
AIR SUPPLY
Install correct air hose fitting.
(See arrow.) Use Teflon tape to prevent air leakage. Use
correct size wrenches if available to grip fittings properly
when tightening. The moisture trap has a view glass.
Set the air regulator to 90 PSI.
Remember to wear recommend PPE
(Personal Protective Equipment)
when working with the siper.
The drip pan should be installed to collect any run-off
lubricant. All lubricant run off, rags and materials should be
disposed of according to local environmental regulations.
Please see the appendix or our website for the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the siper lubricant.
Proper Personal Protection Equipment for the operation and
maintenance of this machine includes gloves, eye, ear,
inhalation, and foot protection. The A-Weighted Sound
Pressure Level at work station measured at 79.8 dB(A).

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - CALL OUTS
SECTION THREE
Drive Shaft Arbor
Spray Mist Unit
Plastic Nuts
Acme-Threaded Rod
Lead Screw
Blade
Blade Guide
Guide Bar
Locking Collars
Guide Bar
Drive Shaft Couplers
Blade Guard
Hood
Front View
Motor
Angle Adjusting Crank
Tilt Acme-Threaded Rod
Expandable Hub
Control Valve
Spray Mist Unit
Control Valve
Blade Tracking
Crank
Main Power Switch
(CE models have box switch)
Expandable
Hub
Air
Hose
Clear
Air
Lines
Retaining
Pin
Lock Pins
Roller
Bearings
Lubrication
Jug
Hood
Hood
Rear View
Cabinet
Auto Cross-Feed Control
Lever Lock (Latch)
Hood Lever
Pressure Gauges
Handles
Cabinet
Rear View
Air
Regulators
Tire Pressure
Control Valve
Pressure Gauge
Water Separator
Air Regulator
Tightening Nut
Wheel Mount Adapters
(Optional)
Spacer
Mandrel Shaft
Tightening Nut

LEAD SCREWS
SELECTION The lead
screws are changed to set
the depth you are siping
into the tire. Measure the
tire tread and use a lead
screw with a minimum of 1
or 2/32 less than the low
spot on the tire, 5/32 and
7/32 for used tires, 9/32
for most new passenger tires, 11/32 for most new light truck
tires, and 13/32 for big truck tires
(20" to 24.5"}.
TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - COMPONENTS
SECTION THREE
ALLEN WRENCHES
There is an Allen wrench to
fit every set screw on the
machine. The sizes provided
are: 1/4, 5/32, 1/8 and 3/32.
Set screws are on the motor
and drive shaft couplers, the
nut on the ACME threaded
rods, and the plastic nuts on
the ACME threaded rods.
The machine will vibrate
some when using it.
(See section 6 for vibration
maintenance procedures)
TOOL BOX
Introduction
The tool box that comes with your Siper contains a variety
of tools that you'll use through out the daily operation and
maintenance of your new Siper.
BLADE GUIDES
The siper has two blade
guides supplied with it:
250/1000 for passenger
and light trucks tires
and 400/1000 for big
trucks (20" to 24.5"}.
Guides of 300/1000
and 350/1000 are
available as an option.
SIPING BLADES
One dozen spare
blades come with the
siper.
FILE
A file is provided to
keep your blade
sharp.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - COMPONENTS
SECTION THREE
TIRE SIPING MACHINE
OPERATION - MOUNTING & DISMOUNTING
SECTION FOUR
LEVELING SCREWS
Leveling screws to mount
on the front legs of the
Siper to adjust any rocking
of the Siper are also
included.
SPANNER WRENCH
The spanner wrench is used
to loosen the lead screws for
changing the blade guide or
the lead screws themselves.
To see how this is done
turn to page 11.
NOTE: Only hand tighten the
lead screw. Never use the
spanner wrench to tighten the
lead screw.
The type of tires that can be siped will depend on the Siper
model you own.
SP
The SP Siper is designed for mounted tires only and the sizes
are limited to passenger car/light truck.
ST
The ST is also designed for mounted tires only but has a wider
arrange of tire sizes from 12” to 24.5”.
STE-M
The STE-M is designed to sipe both non-mounted and
wheel-mounted tires with sizes ranging from passenger
car/light truck to heavy truck tires. Typically brand new tires are
unmounted and you will find that this will be the predominant
way in which you'll sipe tires. For situations such as this the
mounting process will be tailored for the expandable hub.
The second method is reserved for wheel-mounted tires and
for this situation you'll be swinging the expandable hub aside
(STE-M only) and using the wheel-mount adapters that come
with your siper (STE-M, ST and SP).
• Size up the load, ask for help if needed.
• Lifting loads heavier than 50 lbs will increase the risk of injury.
• Lift items close to your body from a low position
• Lift using your legs
• Carry the load close to your body from mid- thigh to mid-chest
• Avoid twisting, reaching or turning
• Information acquired from the US Dept. of Labor: Materials
Handling guidelines.
Use proper lifting techniques when
using the Sipers
EXPANDABLE HUB (STE-M ONLY)
MOUNTING
To reduce the risk of injury, seek lifting assistance from a
coworker when lifting larger tires on the expanding rim.
If your Siper is equipped with the wheel lift feature please
see page 24 for instructions.
Pull the retaining pin
to swing the expandable
hub and rim assembly
out. Remember to
always use proper lifting
techniques.
Set the tire on the
expandable rim. Swing
it back in and insert
pin.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - MOUNTING & DISMOUNTING
SECTION FOUR Visually inspect the tire is flat
and hub is contracted.
Make a small mark on the
tire to use as a reference
point. Ensure that a tire is
properly mounted on the
hub before expanding the
rim.
PRESSURE SETTINGS
To Inflate: First, pull the inflate hub valve. Second, pull the
inflate tire valve.
For passenger and light truck tires: Set the expandable
hub pressure around 75-80 PSI and the tire inflation
pressure at 30 PSI.
For big truck tires: Set the expandable hub pressure
around 75-80 PSI and the tire inflation pressure at 30 PSI.
Note: If the expandable rim does not seal or contact tire
properly, it is permissible to increase hub pressure by 10 lb
increments up to max of 120 PSI. Normal operations are
90 PSI.
EXPANDABLE HUB (STE-M ONLY)
DISMOUNTING
Pay close attention to the
order in which this
procedure is preformed.
Release the TIRE
pressure FIRST by
pushing the
valve in.
Push in the expandable
hub pressure release
valve.
Pull the retainer pin
holding the expandable
hub assembly in place.
Please refer to the
troubleshooting guide if
the hub does not
contract.
Always keep hands clear of the
expanding hub while releasing the air
pressure to avoid a possible pinch point.
Slowly swing out the
expandable hub assembly.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - MOUNTING & DISMOUNTING
SECTION FOUR
Using two hands and
proper lifting techniques,
remove the tire.
MOUNTED TIRES (ST, STE-M) – MOUNTING
WHEEL PREPARATION
To sipe mounted tires,
swing the expandable
hub and rim assembly
out of the way.
(STE-M only)
Insert the mandrel shaft
and large cone on the
back of the wheel.
Install small tapered
cone on the front of
the wheel.
Install spacer and
mandrel shaft. Handle
on the nut must face
inward.
WHEEL PLACEMENT
Lifting assistance is
important when lifting the
mounted assembly. Set
mandrel shaft into the roller
bearings in the cabinet.
Rotate tire to be sure
nothing catches or is loose.
Mark the tire for a reference
point and sipe the tire
(See Siping section 5).

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - MOUNTING & DISMOUNTING
SECTION FOUR
MOUNTED TIRES (ST, STE-M) – DISMOUNTING
Dismount the tire in the reverse order you mounted it
MOUNTED TIRE
(SP)-MOUNTING
Insert the mid-sized spacer on the
mandrel shaft, followed by the
longest spacer.
Next insert the larger cone with the
tapered end facing the mandrel
shaft bearings.
Always use proper lifting technique
or seek assistance when lifting
heavy tires.
Mount the tire with the inside
of the tire facing the cone.
Once the tire is in place insert the
second cone with the tapered end
pointing toward the wheel. Next
insert the smallest spacer
followed by the mandrel shaft.
Tighten the mandrel shaft by
hand until tight.
Be sure to check the assembly for
wobble by spinning the tire. The
tire should spin with NO wobble
or side movement.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - SIPING
SECTION FIVE
INTRODUCTION
Although you'll find siping to be relatively easy it's important
that we go through some pre-siping checkpoints.
Ensure hood is locked BEFORE
sharpening blade.
It's very important to disconnect the
power supply to your siper when
sharpening the blade. When available
use gloves during this stage.
BLADE SHARPENING (ALL MODELS)
With the file in one hand
hold the coupler of the
drive shaft with the other
hand.
File the leading edge of the
blade from the bottom.
Take the burr off the top.
Round off the tip of the
blade so it will follow the
existing sipe on each
revolution of the tire.
Sharpen blade on passen-
ger and light truck tire
every 8 tires. Big truck tires
approximately every 4
tires.
The blade can be
sharpened until there
is 1/2" space
between the leading
and trailing edge of
the blade.
When working with the file and
blade always take care to prevent
any injury.
BLADE GUIDE & LEADS CREW CHANGING
(ALL MODELS)
Insert the forward peg of
the spanner wrench into
the hole at the top of the
lead screw.
NOTE: On a weekly basis
check the blade for cracks
and defects.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - SIPING
SECTION FIVE
Hold the coupler on the drive
shaft. Turn the spanner
wrench.
Remove the lead screw and
washer.
Remove the top half of the
blade guide.
Remove the blade.
Remove the bottom of
half of the blade guide.
Clean parts and reverse
procedure to install.
Use anti-seize on the
drive shaft and parts
when installing.

Use your right hand to
unlatch the hood and
carefully lower the hood
down to the tire without
starting the Siper.
(Use caution to prevent
dropping the hood).
Please inspect these
parts for normal wear.
The safety knob/grip, handle or shield should be replaced
at the first signs of wear or malfunction.
Knob/Grip
#15.550
Handle
#90.070
Lock Bar Shield
#54.298
Use the adjustable nozzle of
the spray mist unit to
create a light mist on the
blade. During operation
of the siper the blade should
be continually damp. If there
is a significant amount of run
off from the overspray on the
tire, adjust the nozzle's
spray to a lighter mist.
Engage the spray mist unit
control valve button at the
back of the unit at the same
time you engage the siping blade. The blade should be kept
damp during the siping process.
Periodically check the drip pan and empty as necessary
according to local environment procedures. The drip pan
should be installed directly under the siper to collect any
run-off lubricant. All lubricant run off, rags and materials should
be disposed of according to local environmental regulations.
Please see the back of the manual or our website for the
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on the siper lubricant.
www.buytsi.com
TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - SIPING
SECTION FIVE
Only tighten the lead screw by
hand when assembling.
The Spray Mist Cooling Unit
is designed to cool the blade
during siping and provide
additional lubrication for the
tire. See installation instruc-
tion (Fig. 2.2) for proper
solution mixture for the
cooling unit.
Damage to the blade and tire can
occur if not properly lubricated
while siping.
OPERATION AND SETTINGS OF THE SPRAY
MIST COOLING UNIT.
PRELIMINARY
Use your left hand for
the handle and on
switch.
LEAD SCREW
ALIGNMENT
Adjust the Siper blade
so the lead screw is
parallel with the tread
of the tire.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - SIPING
SECTION FIVE
Set the Siper to the left
edge of the tire.
Have at least 3/4 the
diameter of the lead screw
on the surface of the tire.
BEGINNING
With your left hand on the
handle for the hood, turn
the main power switch on.
Pull the hood back and
release lock on lever.
FINISHING
Continue siping across
the tire to the right edge
of the tread.
Squeeze the handle and
lower into the tire at the
reference point
(chalk line).
At this time engage the
spray mist unit. Start the
spray mist unit at the
same time you engage
the blade.
After each revolution of
the tire turn crank 5 turns
clockwise to move Siper
to next section of the tire.
1/4 Diameter
Do not let more than
1/4 the diameter of the
lead screw off the
edge of the tread
surface. It's accept-
able, on the last pass,
if you do not get five
full turns.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
ORIENTATION - SIPING
SECTION FIVE
INSPECTION
The sipes should be plainly visible on close inspection of the
tread.
INTERRUPTIONS
If you are interrupted while
siping a tire, lift the hood from
the tire with it running.
Then turn the power off.
To continue, rotate the tire
back 1/4 turn.
Start the Siper with
the hood in the upright
position and slowly
lower into the tire. It
will fall into the
existing sipe.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
MAINTENANCE - MAIN UNIT
SECTION SIX
Unplug unit before maintenance
The STE-M requires regular maintenance to ensure dependable
performance. Daily, weekly and monthly maintenance should be
completed as recommend in the manual.
LUBRICATION
After you have removed
the lead screw with the
spanner wrench, apply a
visible amount of anti-seize
on these parts.
Refer to the Blade Guide
and lead Screw Changing
section 5 of this manual.
Keep the threads and
guide bars clean by gently
wiping down the surfaces
with a clean rag as
needed. Make sure to lube
these items with a silicone
spray lube.
WEEKLY MAINTENANCE
Raise the hood and clean
the 2 guide bars using a
3M Scotch guard pad or
emery paper.
Using a silicon spray
spray the guide bars.
NOTE: DO NOT use an
oil which attracts dust
and dirt
Spray the cross-feed
ACME threaded rod.
Spray the tilt ACME
threaded rod.

TIRE SIPING MACHINE
MAINTENANCE - MAIN UNIT
SECTION SIX
DAILY PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
VIBRATION
Vibration is expected during the normal operation of your
Siper. It's important to ensure that the following areas are
checked and properly re-tightened accordingly.
Always follow proper
lockout/tagout procedures
Check the regulator.
Make sure your not
exceeding the maximum
pressure of 90 PSI.
Loosen set screws on ACME
adjusting nut using proper
wrench. Adjust nut out to side
frame on both sides. Do not
over tighten.
Tighten set screw, test hand
crank. It should turn freely. If
not re-adjust.
Check the lock pins on
the expandable hub once
a day to ensure they
remain locked.
(STE-M Only)
WEEKLY PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Use the supplied allen
wrench to physically
check the tightness of the
set screws on the blade
guides, coupler and and
the cross feed nuts both
on the cross feed rod and
the tilt rod
The siper drive shaft bearings, hood latch, and other
moving parts will require replacement if showing signs of
malfunction or wear. These should be inspected when
performing monthly safety inspections on the equipment.
TROUBLESHOOTING THE SIPER
SIPER MOTOR WILL NOT RUN
Possible causes:
1. Drive shaft seized
2. Power Switch malfunction
3. Handle Control switch malfunction
Solutions:
1. Unplug the Siper
2. Try to spin the drive shaft by hand. Verify bearings are
in working order
3. Test power switch for continuity
4. Test handle control for continuity
BLADES BREAKING
Possible Causes:
1. Washer missing from between lead screw and top blade
guide.
2. Blade guides worn out or improperly installed.
3. Leading edge of blade too pointed (round off with file)
4. Angle of lead screw set improperly
5. Rocks and or debris not removed from tire
6. Lead screw worn out
7. Drive shaft bearing is worn out