TW AMP Mitre-Mite VN Alpha User manual

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100 Fairway Drive Suite 114 Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Instruction Manual
Version E
Mitre-Mite
VN Alpha
®

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Index
1. GENERAL INFORMATION 3
1.1 PRODUCER 3
1.2 ASSISTANCE CENTERS 3
1.3 CERTIFICATION 3
1.4 WARRANTY 3
1.5 PRE-ARRANGEMENTS CHARGED TO THE
CUSTOMER 3
1.6 HANDBOOK STRUCTURE 3
1.6.1 Object and contents 3
1.6.2 Users 3
1.6.3 Preservation 3
1.6.4 Symbols utilized 4
2. MACHINE DESCRIPTION 5
2.1 WORKINGPRINCIPLE 5
2.2 MAIN COMPONENTS 5
2.3 MACHINE STRUCTURE 5
2.4 DIMENSIONS 5
2.5 SURROUNDING CONDITIONS 5
2.6 LIGHTING 5
2.7 VIBRATIONS 5
2.8 NOISE EMISSIONS 5
2.9 TECHNICAL DATA 6
2.10 STANDARD EQUIPMENT 6
2.10.1 Standard accessories 6
2.10.2 Upgrading and implementing of mechanical parts 6
2.10.3 Optional accessories 6
2.10.4 Customized optional accessories 6
2.11 ELECTROMAGNETICAMBIENT 6
3. SAFETY 7
3.1 GENERAL WARNINGS 7
3.2 SCHEDULED USE 7
3.3 INADVISABLE USE 7
3.4 DANGEROUS AREAS 7
3.5 PROTECTION DEVICES 7
3.6 STOP FUNCTIONS 7
3.7 SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES 7
3.8 RESIDUAL RISKS 8
3.9 PLATES 8
4. INSTALLATION 8
4.1 SHIPPING AND HANDLING 8
4.2 STORAGE 8
4.3 PRELIMINARYARRANGEMENTS 9
4.4 UNPACKING 9
4.5 CONNECTIONS 9
4.5.1 Pneumatic connection 9
4.6 PRELIMINARY CONTROLS 10
4.7 MACHINE ARRANGEMENT 10
4.7.1 V-Nails(R) magazine loading 10
4.7.2 V-nail(R) clawhead replacement to change V-nails size10
4.8 ADJUSTMENTS 11
4.8.1 V-nails(R) inserting positions adjustment 11
4.8.2 Vertical clamp adjustment 12
4.8.2a Vertical clamp position adjustment 12
4.8.2b Vertical clamp height adjustment 12
4.8.3 Frontal clamp adjustment 12
4.8.4 Working pressure adjustment 13
4.8.5 Protective shield adjustment 14
4.9 CHECKING OPERATIONS TO BE EFFECTED
BEFORE WORKING START 14
5. FUNCTIONING 15
5.1 OPERATORS 15
5.2 FUNCTIONING DESCRIPTION 15
5.3 TIPS FOR PERFECT JUNCTIONS 15
5.4 MACHINE STOP 16
5.5 MACHINE REINSTATEMENT 16
5.6 PUTTING OUT OF SERVICE 16
6. MAINTENANCE 16
6.1 STATE OF MAINTENANCE 16
6.2 MACHINE ISOLATION 16
6.3 SPECIAL CAUTIONS 16
6.4 CLEANING 16
6.5 LUBRICATION 17
6.6 ORDINARY MAINTENANCE 17
6.7 EXTRAORDINARY MAINTENANCE 17
7. DIAGNOSTIC 18
7.1 SAFETY WARNINGS 18
7.2 TROUBLESHOOTING 18
7.3 REQUEST OF ASSISTANCE 19
8. SPARE PARTS 20
8.1 SPARE PARTS LIST 20
8.2 SPARE PARTS ORDERING 20
9 DEMOLITION 20
9.1 DEMOLITION 20
10.ATTACHMENTS 20
10.1 DECLARATIONS 20
10.2 SCHEMES 20

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 PRODUCER
The firm Alfamacchine-ITW/AMP can boast more than 10
years of experience in the construction of Woodworking
Machines. It has acquired the technological know-how,
developed during years of research in strict touch with
manufacturing departments and international
commercialization. We offer the best warranty that anyone
can grant its customers.
TEL [phone] FAX [phone]
1.2 ASSISTANCE CENTERS
ITW/AMP is represented in North and SouthAmerica by a
numerous and prepared sales organization. Contact our firm
directly to get the name of your local distributor.
For every need regarding Use, Maintenance or Request of
Spare Parts, the Customer should call the local authorized
service center or directly to ITW/AMP, specifying the
machine identification data impressed on the plate.
1.3 CERTIFICATION
The machine is produced in conformity to the pertinent
European Community Norms in force at the moment of its
introduction on the market.
1.4 WARRANTY
The ITW/AMP’s products are constructed to have a long life
and are tested one by one.
If, in spite of this, if any damages or malfunctioning would
occur, the replacement of defective parts is warranted
(counting from the date written on the delivery bill) for a
period of:
- 24 months for mechanical components
- 12 months for pneumatic part
Thedriverbladeistestedfor about 1.000.000 workingcycles.
TheWarranty does not include the sending of technical staff.
The repair interventions will be performed at your local
distributor or ITW/AMP’s plants.The shipping costs will be
entirely charged to the Customer.
The warranty does not cover the damages due to an
inappropriate use of the machine or not corresponding to
the instructions described in this handbook.
Warranty decays in case of unauthorized modifications or
because of accidental damages or tampering performed by
unqualified personnel.
The warranty is also void in case you use V-nails(R) different
from the original ITW/AMP ones.
To take advantage of warranty services is necessary, at the
moment you receive your machine, to fill out the warranty
card and send it back as soon as possible to ITW/AMP.
The warranty will be valid only after ITW/AMP receives the
warranty card & records it.
1.5 PRE-ARRANGEMENTS CHARGED TO
THE CUSTOMER
It is the customer’s duty, on times agreed with the producer,
to execute what is indicated in our documentation.
Things normally charged to the customer are:
•Premises predisposition, included building works and/
or canalization eventually requested
•Pneumatic supplyng of compressed air (see the
paragraph 4.5)
1.6 HANDBOOK STRUCTURE
The customer must pay extreme attention to the indications
reported on this handbook. The proper Pre-Arrangement,
Installation and Use of the Machine, constitute the basis of
a correct customer-manufacturer relationship.
1.6.1 Object and contents
This goal of this handbook is to provide to the customer all
the necessary information so that they can properly use the
machine & be able to run it in complete autonomy and safety.
The handbook contains information concerning the
technical aspects, machine working and standstill,
maintenance, spare parts and safety. Before making any
operation on the machine, the qualified technicians and
operators must read carefully this handbook. In case of doubt
about the correct interpretation of these instructions, ask
ITW/AMP or your local distributor to have the problem
explained.
1.6.2 Users
This handbook is made for the operators and technicians
authorized to perform the machine maintenance.
The operators can not execute operations reserved to the
maintaince staff or the qualified technicians.
The producer does not answer to damages derived from not-
observing this prohibition.
1.6.3 Preservation
The instruction handbook must be kept very closed to the
machine, into a special container protected from liquids and
whatever could compromise its legibility

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1.6.4 Symbols utilized
P...
A...
O...
I...
C...
R...
WARNING
OBSERVATION
INQUIRY
EXAMINATION
ADJUSTMENT
It indicates a danger with a mortal risk for the operator
It indicates a warning or a note about key functions or useful
information. Pay the maximum attention to the paragraph
marked with this symbol.
It is requested to take a measurement data, to check a
signal,....
The user is requested to check the proper positioning of any
element of the machine, before operating a certain command
It’s necessary to consult the handbook before performing a
certain operation
In case of a strange sitituation and/or anomalies, you can be
requested to perform a certain mechanical adjustment.
DANGER

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2. MACHINE DESCRIPTION
2.1 WORKING PRINCIPLE
The benchtop Frame Assembling Machine Mitre Mite VN
Alpha has been manufactured to assemble any kind of frame.
The Mitre MiteVNAlpha , being of simple construction and
extremely easy to use, makes it possible to join with absolute
precision any kind of moulding by means of special steelV-
nails(R).
It usesV-Nails (R) with the “pulling power” effect in different
sizes.
2.2 MAIN COMPONENTS
The main components constituting the machine are:
- Pneumatic clamping device to allow a proper locking
of the mouldings to insert several V-nails(R) in different
positions
- Magnetic pressure pads of several types, at quick
replacement, to have the proper clamping of any profile
- Dual functions foot operating pedal for separate control
of clamping and nail insertion
- Pneumatic opening of the V-nail(R) magazine for a very
quick reloading
- Nail heads sizes 7, 10 and 15 mm.
2.3 MACHINE STRUCTURE
The movement directions during the machine working are
the followings:
- X AXIS
Movement of horizontal clamp
- Y AXIS
Movement of vertical clamp
2.4 DIMENSIONS
The overall dimensions are reported on table 2.9-A
2.5 SURROUNDING CONDITIONS
The machine does not need special surrounding conditions.
It has to be installed inside an industrial building, lit, aired
andwitha compact and flat floor.The permittedtemperatures
go from 41° to 104° F, with a humidity level not higher than
50% at 104° F or 90% at 68° F.
2.6 LIGHTING
Premises lighting must be conformed to the norms in force
in that Country where the machine is installed and has to
guarantee a clear visibility and can not create dangerous
light reflections.
2.7 VIBRATIONS
In standard conditions conformed to the indication of
machine proper utilization the vibrations do not create
dangerous conditions.The average quadratic weighed level,
according to the acceleration frequency to which arms are
exposed does not exceed 2,5 m/s2.
2.8 NOISE EMISSIONS
Themachine is designed andprojected for reducing the noise
emission level to its source. In standard working conditions
the Machine noise power level is:
Acoustic Continuous Equivalent weighed
pression A <70dB
Acoustic Istantaneous weighed
pression <130dB
The noise levels indicated are emission levels and are not
representative of operating levels. In spite of existing a
relationship between emission levels and exposure ones,
this can not be used in a reliable way to define if further
precautions are necessary. The factors determining the
exposure level to which the working force is subjected,
include exposure length, working premises characteristics
and other noise sources (number of machines, closed
building, etc…). Furthermore the allowed exposure levels
could change according to the several Countries. At any
rate, the information provided, will allow the Machine
Operator to achieve a better understanding of the dangers
and risks they are submitted to.
The indicated noise levels are emission
ones measured in standard conditions of
use. In case of any machine modification,
the above mentioned levels could be
changed and should be tested on the same
machine.

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2.9 TECHNICAL DATA
We have listed below the Machine’s data and technical
characteristics to which make reference for any eventual
contact with your distributor for Technical Assistance.
TABLE 2. 9 A
Frames thickness min.-max. .24”- 3.15”
Frames width min.-max. .24”- 2.76”
V-nails magazine capacity n. 220
V-nails size mm 7-10-15
V-nails size on request mm 3-5-12
Pneumatic Supplying 40-100 PSI
Weight about 62 LB
Height of working bench 5.1”
Overall dimensions 17.1”x13”x11.8”
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
2.10 STANDARD EQUIPMENT
The equipment listed below is standard.
2.10.1Standard accessories
Once you have removed the packaging, please check the
presence of the following accessories:).
- N.1 nail head mm. 7
- N.1 nail head mm.10
- N.1 nail head mm.15
- N.1 L shaped pressure pad
- N.1 Rounding pressure pad
- N.1 Allen Wrench 5 mm. for V-nails head replacement
- N.1 Brass rod magnet to remove V-nails
2.10.2Upgradingandimplementingofmechanical
parts
This machine has been manufactured following a modular
criteria, therefore the existing equipment can be further
upgraded with additional accessories that will not alter its
basic structure.
Technical upgrades on the machine model, if any, will be
such that they can be installed at any time without requiring
any substantial modifications to the machine structure.
2.10.3Optional accessories
•Soft clamping of the moulding that allows to clamp the
moulding at low pressure
•Floor stand
•Adjustable tilting fences (see fig. 3)
•Wooden working bench extension
•Metallic working bench extension
•Special fences for octagons (fig.1)
•Special fences for hexagons (fig.2)
•Round and square pressure pads in rubber
•V-nails claw heads size 3-5-12 mm.
2.10.4Customized optional accessories
Thanks to its versatility this machine can be ‘custom-made’
to meet our users requirements. Additional accessories can
be made by your local machine shop, that can make the
frame assembling easier: EX: special fences for peculiar
moulding shapes, special clamps to ensure the mouldings
are locked properly during V-nail firing, and so on.
2.11 ELECTROMAGNETIC AMBIENT
The Machine is designed to operate properly in an industrial
electromagnetic ambient without altering it being an
exclusively pneumatic machine.

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3.1 GENERAL WARNINGS
The operator must pay the maximum attention to the
information written in this Handbook, expressively about
proper precautions for Safety listed in this chapter.
It is imperative for the operator to follow the warnings listed
below:
•Keep the machine and the working clean & ordered
•Provide appropriate containers to stock the pieces you
will be working with
•Use the Machine only in a normal psycho-physical
conditions
•Wear adequate clothing to avoid obstacles and/or
dangerous entanglements to/from the machine
•Wear the individual protection gears prescribed by the
instruction handbook, regarding the effected operations
•Do not remove or alter the warning plates and adhesive
signs
•Do not remove or elude the Machine Safety Systems
•Keep the fingers away from the working area
•Disconnect the air pressure supply during any
maintenance intervention
•Keep your foot off of the pedal during machine
maintenance
3.2 SCHEDULED USE
The Machine is designed and built to assemble mitred
corners.
The machine is projected for manual use only (under
operator’s control).
Dangerous zone
3. SAFETY
3.4 DANGEROUS AREAS
The area where the frames are assembled is defined as the
“working area”
The dangerous areas of the machine, include the movable
parts and the surrounding zones
3.3 INADVISABLE USE
The machine can not be used:
•For uses different from those listed in paragraph 3.2
•In an explosive or aggressive atmosphere, where there
is a high density of dust or oily substances suspended
in the air
•In a flammable atmosphere
•Outside in all weather severity
•For working materials not suitable with the machine’s
characteristics
Figure 3.4.A- Working area and dangerous zones
3.5 PROTECTION DEVICES
The machine is equipped with adequate protections for
persons exposed to the risks due to the transmission mobile
elements,taking part in working (driver blade, horizontal
clamp, vertical clamp).
3.6 STOP FUNCTIONS
The machine stop functions are the following:
•Fast clutch fitting stop (Category 0).
•Foot pedal Stop (Category 1).
STOP CATEGORY 0
It is obtained by disconnecting the fast clutch fitting from
the air feed system (uncontrolled stop).
STOP CATEGORY 1
Controlled stop is obtained by lifting the foot from the
pneumatic pedal, which does not allow the v-nails(R) to fire
or the clamps to work.
The other risks related with using the machine are:
- Finger crushing in the vertical clamp working area
- Finger crushing in the frontal clamp working area
It is necessary to carefully follow the following instructions:
1 Keep the fingers away from frontal and vertical clamp
working areas
2 Disconnect the air pressure during any maintenance
interventions
3 Keep the foot away from the pedal during machine
maintenance
The machine is projected and realized to
eliminate any risk connected with its use.
Theuser is requested toachieve an adequate
training to be instructed by your local
distributor or ITW/AMP’s technicians.
3.7 SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES

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3.8 RESIDUAL RISKS
During the normal working cycle and while performing
maintenance, the operators are exposed to several residual
risks that, because of operations own nature, can not be
totally eliminated.
•Risk of finger crushing in the working areas of the
vertical and frontal clamps
3.9 PLATES
The warning plates carrying out safety functions & can not
be removed, covered or damaged.
To see the location of the plates or adhesive signs , see
Fig.10.2-D
Table 3.8 A- Types of plates
Plate concerning machine characteristics
Adhesive sign concerning the finger danger zone
Adhesive sign concerning the behaviour to be kept during
the working cycle
Adhesive sign concerning the behaviour to be kept during
the working cycle
4.1 SHIPPING AND HANDLING
The shipment must be performed by a professionally
qualified staff.The machine has to be shipped in a safe way
to avoid any damage to its parts.
•All the protections and guard devices must be properly
closed and locked.
•The machine has to be shipped like positioned for
installation.
•Before the shipment, it is necessary to lubricate the parts
which are not painted
•According to the type of shipment, it is necessary to
protect the machine from any jarring impact or stress
Figure 4.1A – machine handling indications
4. INSTALLATION
Machine total weight: about 62 LB
The machine lifting must be performed by 2
operators.
Any damaging of the machine caused during its shipment
or handling is not covered under warranty.
Repairs or replacements of damaged parts are charged to the
customer.
4.2 STORAGE
In case of long inactivity, the machine must be stored with
precautions concerning storage place and times.
•Store the machine indoors
•Protect the machine from jarring impacts and stresses
•Protect the machine from humidity and high
temperatures
•Avoid corrosive materials that could touch the machine
•Lubricate the parts which are not painted

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Picture 4
Picture 5
Picture 6
Once you have connected the machine with the pneumatic
system, check the proper operation of the foot pedal in the
following way: Move the vertical bar to its full up position
(see paragraph 4.8.2b).
•Pressing the footpedal half way down activates the
horizontal clamp, vertical clamp and the fence locking
•The foot pedal pressed full down activates the V-nail(R)
driver
4.3 PRELIMINARY ARRANGEMENTS
In order to install the machine it is necessary to prepare a
working area adequate to the machines dimension & the
length of moulding you will be working with.
To fulfill the characteristics of precision and steadiness, the
bench frame assembling machines must be positioned on a
solid and leveled plane able to sustain the weight of the
machine. The bench must be studied and prepared by the
customer and/or qualified staff.
4.4 UNPACKING
The benchtop machine is shipped packed into an
appropriate carton and protected by polystyrene parts.
Remove the external packing and save it for a future use.
Check for any casual shipping damage and report it
immediately to the carrier. Shipping damages or any other
defects must be reported to ITW AMP or your local
distributor, within 3 days from receipt of the machine.
4.5 CONNECTIONS
To avoid any problems while setting up your machine, it is
recommended that you follow the instructions below.
4.5.1 Pneumaticconnection
The machine is controlled by a dual action footpedal.
The 3 pipes the pedal must inserted into the 3 fittings located
on machine’s right side in the following sequence (fi. 4-5):
Upper connection Red pipe into the red fitting
(external side)
Central connection Black pipe into the black fitting
(central fitting)
Lower connection Transparent pipe into the 3rd fitting
(user side)
Use the supplied fast clutch fitting to connect the air
compressor system. You could use also another fitting
suitable with your pneumatic system (see fig. 6).
We recommend that you install a filter/
lubricator on the compressed air system to
obtain clean and lubricated air.
Use only silicone lubricating oil for
pneumatic systems. The use of inadequate
oil could damage the valves.
Check the foot pedal operating when the
V-nail(R) magazine is closed. The foot
pedal control is deactivated when the V-

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Picture 7
Picture 8
Picture 9
4.6 PRELIMINARY CONTROLS
The Machine preliminary operations before starting the
machine, must be executed by a technician appointed by
the customer. Before setting up the machine, it is necessary
to execute certain verifications and checks to prevent
mistakes or accidents during setup.
•Verify that the machine has not been damaged during
the assembly steps.
•Verify with extreme care, the pipes integrity
4.7 MACHINE ARRANGEMENT
4.7.1 V-Nails(R) magazineloading
To load the V-nails(R) magazine proceed as follows:
•Move the clawpusher backwards by pulling backwards
on the control wire (see fig. 7).
•Insert one or more V-nail(R) strips, making sure that the
sharpened edge of theV-nails(R) (glue side) faces up and
that they are loaded with the V of the nails pointing in
the direction indicated in the figures 8 and 9. Make sure
that you have the correct type of claw head for the nails
that you are using.
•Move the claw pusher forward by gently releasing the
control wire (see fig.7)
4.7.2 V-nail(R) clawheadreplacementtochangeV-
nail(R) size
TheV-nail(R) guide head must be changed each time you use
V-nails(R) of different sizes.
Proceed as follows to replace it:
•Loosen the locking screw of the V-nail(R) guide head
using the proper 5 mmAllen wrench (the screw is on the
opposite side from the V-nail(R) magazine(See fig. 10)
•Remove the V-nail(R) guide head
•Move the clawpusher backwards by pulling backwards
on the control wire. This will permit access to the V-
nail(R) magazine (see fig. 8).
•Remove all the V-nails(R) that are still in the magazine
(usingtheproper brass magnet, if necessary)(see fig.11).
•Insert the new V-nail(R) stick(of desired height) into the
magazine
•Move the clawpusher forward by geltly releasing the
control wire. (see figure 7).
•Insert the new size V-nail guide head to match the V-
nails to be used (see fig. 12).
•Tighten the locking screw of the V-nail guide head (see
fig.10).