We're going to be doing some seamer maintenance soon, and I'd like to know which instruments y'all think are absolutely necessary to have on hand for whatever may be necessary when doing such work. Is a planer gauge a must-have, in addition to a dial indicator? What about the incredibly expensive spring pressure gauge? The least costly one I've seen quoted was $1500. Didn't buy one yet.

I have a dial indicator for now and prepared to buy a planer gauge if necessary. I don't think I could convince the boss that $1500+ would be best allocated to a spring pressure gauge unless we were in the business of setting up seamers throughout the southwest and not just ours.

I appreciate any feedback.

--dave

We're going to be doing some seamer maintenance soon, and I'd like to know which instruments y'all think are absolutely necessary to have on hand for whatever may be necessary when doing such work. Is a planer gauge a must-have, in addition to a dial indicator? What about the incredibly expensive spring pressure gauge? The least costly one I've seen quoted was $1500. Didn't buy one yet.

I have a dial indicator for now and prepared to buy a planer gauge if necessary. I don't think I could convince the boss that $1500+ would be best allocated to a spring pressure gauge unless we were in the business of setting up seamers throughout the southwest and not just ours.

I appreciate any feedback.

--dave

Hi Dave,

Short answer is "yes" to the planer gauge and the dial indicator.  You don't really need a spring pressure gauge unless you are in the service business and rebuilding lower lifters.  But it depends....

Planer Gauge

True pin height can only be checked/set on can seamers that have lifter cams.  So this would include all rotary can seamers and handful of single head seamers that use a lifter cam of some sort.  Rotary can seamers include PSAngelus, Angelus, Ferrum, CFT, COMAC, Profill, and a few others.

Some single head can seamers use an air cylinder to activate a cam that pushes the lifter up; in this case, you can measure the pin height.  For example, the PSAngelus CB series of can seamers use this method.

Many single head seamers only use an air cylinder to directly lift the lifter.  Pin height can't be set with this type.  You can get it where it puts the lid on the can and seams marginally well, but true pin height can't be measured because of the can deflection and air cylinder deflection.  

Planer gauges are nice because you can accurately measure where your seamer is at any given time if you're trouble shooting make up, assembly, or bodyhooks.

I have a friend who makes adjustable pin height gauges that are less expensive and super nice.  

Indicators

Again, more useful on rotary can seamers, but they have multiple uses.  Highly recommend having one in your tool kit.

Spring Pressure Gauge

Not necessary unless you do service, as you said.  Spring pressure is important to provide ample axial load on the can during the seaming cycle.  You'll know when your spring pressure is good by the body hook measurement.  Keep in mind that axial load can be influenced by both spring psi and pin height.  

Have fun with the rebuild!

David

We're going to be doing some seamer maintenance soon, and I'd like to know which instruments y'all think are absolutely necessary to have on hand for whatever may be necessary when doing such work. Is a planer gauge a must-have, in addition to a dial indicator? What about the incredibly expensive spring pressure gauge? The least costly one I've seen quoted was $1500. Didn't buy one yet.

I have a dial indicator for now and prepared to buy a planer gauge if necessary. I don't think I could convince the boss that $1500+ would be best allocated to a spring pressure gauge unless we were in the business of setting up seamers throughout the southwest and not just ours.

I appreciate any feedback.

--dave

David,

Do you have a dial indicator you would recommend?

Hi Dave,

Short answer is "yes" to the planer gauge and the dial indicator.  You don't really need a spring pressure gauge unless you are in the service business and rebuilding lower lifters.  But it depends....

Planer Gauge

True pin height can only be checked/set on can seamers that have lifter cams.  So this would include all rotary can seamers and handful of single head seamers that use a lifter cam of some sort.  Rotary can seamers include PSAngelus, Angelus, Ferrum, CFT, COMAC, Profill, and a few others.

Some single head can seamers use an air cylinder to activate a cam that pushes the lifter up; in this case, you can measure the pin height.  For example, the PSAngelus CB series of can seamers use this method.

Many single head seamers only use an air cylinder to directly lift the lifter.  Pin height can't be set with this type.  You can get it where it puts the lid on the can and seams marginally well, but true pin height can't be measured because of the can deflection and air cylinder deflection.  

Planer gauges are nice because you can accurately measure where your seamer is at any given time if you're trouble shooting make up, assembly, or bodyhooks.

I have a friend who makes adjustable pin height gauges that are less expensive and super nice.  

Indicators

Again, more useful on rotary can seamers, but they have multiple uses.  Highly recommend having one in your tool kit.

Spring Pressure Gauge

Not necessary unless you do service, as you said.  Spring pressure is important to provide ample axial load on the can during the seaming cycle.  You'll know when your spring pressure is good by the body hook measurement.  Keep in mind that axial load can be influenced by both spring psi and pin height.  

Have fun with the rebuild!

David

We're going to be doing some seamer maintenance soon, and I'd like to know which instruments y'all think are absolutely necessary to have on hand for whatever may be necessary when doing such work. Is a planer gauge a must-have, in addition to a dial indicator? What about the incredibly expensive spring pressure gauge? The least costly one I've seen quoted was $1500. Didn't buy one yet.

I have a dial indicator for now and prepared to buy a planer gauge if necessary. I don't think I could convince the boss that $1500+ would be best allocated to a spring pressure gauge unless we were in the business of setting up seamers throughout the southwest and not just ours.

I appreciate any feedback.

--dave