INTRODUCTION

Your VEMCO V-TRACK 612 Drafting Machine achieves smooth, accurate, and reliable parallel motion by means of two carriages moving in a pair of mutually perpendicular tracks. For ordinary drafting, the 612 is equipped with Vemcos popular Model 4 Versagraphic protractor head. For the specialized work of the Civil Engineer, the Model 3 protractor head is used. Both of these heads are described in this Manual. This User's Manual has been designed to help you enjoy the full use of the many helpful features of your 612. We recommend that you review this Manual briefly in order to achieve maximum efficiency and enjoyment in your use of this design/drafting tool. The instructions and illustrations in the Manual are for a right-handed machine. The left-handed reader will recognize when "right" and "left" must be interchanged.

WARRANTY
VEMCO V-TRACK vertical and horizontal track assemblies are guaranteed unconditionally against defects in material and workmanship for a period of TWO YEARS (after registration by original users). VEMCO protractor heads are guaranteed unconditionally against defects in material and workmanship for periods of TEN YEARS for the Model 4, and FIVE YEARS for the Model 3, after registration by original users. When returned to the factory, the drafting machine, or any component thereof, will be repaired without charge. Freight charges to the Factory are to be paid by the customer, with return freight to be paid by VEMCO only if destination is within the continental United States. This warranty does not cover damages from such causes as abuse, accident, neglect, fire, or from freight damage. If it becomes necessary to return your machine for repair, please use caution when packing as VEMCO CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES THAT OCCUR DURING SHIPMENT.

Page 1 of 25

Installation

Weight-Lock Screw (Fig. 2) After you have removed your 612 from its packaging, place the vertical track horizontally, lock the vertical brake, and remove the weight-lock screw. Keep this screw in case it becomes necessary to ship the vertical track. The purpose of this screw is to lock the counterweight firmly in position, and IT SHOULD BE IN PLACE DURING SHIPMENT TO PREVENT DAMAGE.

Fig 2

Attaching the Horizontal Track (Fig. 3) 1. Release the two track brace adjust bolts on the back of each clamp bracket; this allows the clamps to slide freely along the horizontal track. 2. Place the horizontal track along the top edge of the board as shown, slide the clamps to positions near the corners of the board, and tighten the track brace bolts. 3. Positions the horizontal track so that four inches of it extends beyond the left side of the board (when viewed from the front) and tighten the thumbscrews. This position assures maximum coverage without reversing the scales. 4. Notes: a. It is important that the clamps be secure and firmly seated against the edge of the board. b. Some boards have depressed edges and require the use of shims to achieve flush mounting. Shims are included with each machine along with instructions for their use.

Fig 3

Page 2 of 25

Installation (cont)

C. Attaching the Vertical Track (Figs. 4 and 5) 1. Make sure the vertical brake is locked. 2. Place the left fixed pivot cone of the track bracket in the corresponding cone of the horizontal carriage (Fig. 4) 3. Swing the track until the pivot screw is opposite the right pivot cone in the horizontal carriage and tighten the pivot screw with the fingers. 4. Make sure the lock nut is backed away from the bracket, and tighten the pivot screw securely with the hex wrench (Fig. 5). CAUTION: Do not over tighten, as this will cause the horizontal carriage to twist when the vertical track is raised. 5. With the same hex wrench, tighten the lock-nut securely

Fig 4

Fig 5

Positioning the Support Roller (Fig. 6) 1. Although the support roller was positioned at the factory, you may find it necessary to reposition it to fit your particular board. a. Loosen the bracket-strip screw, move the support roller to the desired position, and tighten the screw.

Fig 6

Page 3 of 25

Installation (cont)
Installing (and Removing) the Protractor Head (Fig. 7) 1. Place the lower (fixed) pivot cone of the pivot hinge in the mating lower pivot cone of the vertical carriage. 2. Make sure the pivot screw of the pivot hinge is backed off sufficiently for clearance, and bring the pivot screw in line with the mating upper pivot cone of the vertical carriage. 3. Tighten the pivot screw (fingers only) sufficiently to eliminate any looseness of the head, but not so firmly as to prevent easy pivoting about the pivot axis. 4. Tighten the inner lock screw firmly with the pin on the scale wrench as shown in Fig. 7. 5. Make sure the inner pivot works properly. If not, loosen the lock nut and repeat 3 and 4. 6. To remove the protractor head, release the inner (or outer) lock-nut with the scale wrench, back off the pivot screw, and remove the head.

Fig 7

Scale Insertion and Removal (Fig. 8) 1. To insert a scale a. Place it flat on the board in line with the scale arm of the base plate and firmly slide the scale chuck plate into the chuck on the underside of the base plate. b. Make sure that the chuck is seated firmly and correctly. 2. To remove a scale a. Place the scale wrench on the chuck-plate lock-screw as shown in Fig. 8, and turn it clockwise while pressing the scale away from the protractor head. b. If no scale wrench is available, steady the protractor head with your left hand and give the scale a sharp blow away from the protractor with the outer edge of the palm of your right hand

Fig 8

Page 4 of 25

Installation (cont)
Scale Alignment (FIGS. 9, 10, 11) Before using any drafting machine, the scales should be adjusted at right angles to each other. For best results on a track-type machine, the scales should also be aligned with respect to the horizontal track. Both of these operations can be accomplished through the following procedure: 1. Tighten the screw nearest the end of the scale (flat-head screw) on each chuck-plate, insert scales in base plate, and press them firmly into place. 2. Make sure that the protractor angle and secondary base line readings are both exactly zero degrees. 3. Release the inner chuck-plate lock-screw (Fig. 9) on the horizontal scale, set the scale near the center of its angular range of adjustment, and tighten the lock screws. 4. Track a reference line parallel to the horizontal track as described (CAUTION: merely moving a pencil along the length of the scale will not assure a line parallel to the horizontal track.) 5. Align the horizontal scale to the reference line: a. MODEL 4 HEAD (Fig. 9). Release the lock nut on the micrometer base-line screw, turn this screw until the scale is brought parallel to the reference line, and tighten the lock nut. b. MODEL 3 HEAD (Fig. 10). Release the base-line wing-nut, Bring the scale parallel to the reference line, and tighten the lock nut. 6. Remove the horizontal scale, turn it around, and insert the other end into the scale chuck. Loosen the chuck-plate lock-screw, adjust the scale parallel to the reference line, and tighten the lock screw securely. 7. Index the protractor head 90 degrees clockwise and adjust both ends of the vertical scale by releasing the chuck-plate lock-screws, aligning the scale parallel to the reference line and tightening the lock screws (Fig. 11). 8. Return the protractor head to 0 degrees. 9. You have now adjusted the horizontal and vertical scales so that they are, respectively, parallel and perpendicular to the horizontal track. This setting is important and should be checked periodically.

Fig 9

Fig 10

Fig 11

Page 5 of 25

Installation (cont)
Attaching a Vemcolite VL-4C (FIG. 12) A plastic adapter plate is included as an accessory part with VL-4C. This part is shaped on one side to fit the top surface of the 612 track and permits the attachment of a Vemcolite VL-4C to the upper end of the vertical track. This is a convenient place to attach a local light source because the light then follows the vertical track as it is moved to various places on the table. To attach the Vemcolite: 1. Place the adapter plate at the extreme upper end of the vertical track. 2. Make sure the two clamp screws are sufficiently retracted and push the clamp over the end of the vertical track as shown in Fig. 12. 3. Tighten the two clamp screws firmly onto the track bracket.
Fig 12

Operation
Use of Brakes - Tracking Long Lines (Figs. 13 and 14) 1. The HORIZONTAL BRAKE is located on the side of the vertical track. The VERTICAL BRAKE is located immediately above the protractor head. They both have three positions (with a fourth position for the vertical brake) and work as follows: a. Position 1 is a detent unlock mode. b. Position 2 is a detent lock mode. c. Position 3 is a convenient unlock mode that reverts to lock (position 2) when the handle is released. d. Position 4 (vertical brake only) is a detent lock mode used only in shipping. 2. These brakes can be used in two different ways: a. In position 2 when the head is stationary - use position 3 to move the head. b. In position 1 except when braking is required - then change to position 2. 3. The correct use of brakes is essential in drawing long lines parallel to the tracks by a procedure called "tracking". a. To track a horizontal line, lock the vertical brake and release the horizontal brake. Place a pencil point at zero on the horizontal scale and move the protractor head and pencil as a unit across the board (Fig. 14). b. To track a vertical line, lock the horizontal brake, release the vertical brake, and move the protractor and pencil as a unit vertically with the pencil at zero of the vertical scale.

Fig 13

Fig 14

Page 6 of 25

Operation (cont)

Use of Vernier (Figs. 15 and 16) Although most users are familiar with the use of a vernier. many beginners do not understand how to use this convenient device for reading and setting subdivisions on a basic scale unit. The Model 4 protractors are divided into one-degree units with verniers that enable the draftsman to make readings and settings to five minutes, while Model 3 machines have half-degree protractors with one-minute verniers. The vernier principle will be illustrated with the Model 4 protractor head. 1. Reading angles Assume the vernier is set at a positive angle as indicated in Fig. 15. First note that the reading is between 7 degrees and 8 degrees. Then find the 5 minute mark on the upper half of the vernier which is most closely in alignment with a degree mark on the protractor - in this case the 40-minute mark. The correct reading is 7 deg. 40'. The procedure is only slightly different for reading negative angles - as shown in Fig, 16. In this case the lower halt of the vernier is used and the reading 4 deg. 25'. 2. Setting angles To set an angle of 7 deg. 40', as shown in Fig. 15, lock out the indexing mechanism as previously described. Rotate the protractor arm until the zero of the vernier is at 7 deg. Then slowly rotate the protractor arm counterclockwise until the 40-minute mark on the upper halt of the vernier is precisely aligned with the nearest degree mark on the protractor. Finally, lock the protractor brake. Again, the procedure for setting negative angles is essentially the same (Fig. 16) except that the protractor arm is rotated clockwise from the four degree mark until the 25 minute mark on the lower halt of the vernier is aligned with the nearest degree mark on the protractor.

Fig 15

Fig 16

Page 7 of 25

Operation (cont)
Model 4 Head (Fig. 17) 1. Automatic 15-degree indexing. a. Unlock the brake L-nut by turning it counterclockwise. b. Depress the central indexing button with the palm of the left hand, and, keeping it depressed, rotate the control handle to approximately the desired position. c. Release pressure on the indexing button and allow the indexing mechanism to slide into place and I lock 2. Setting intermediate angles. a. To set off an angle that is not a multiple of 15 degrees, lock out the indexing mechanism by rotating the indexing release handle (Fig. 17) clockwise as far as possible toward the control handle. The protractor arm will then be free to rotate. b. Turn the handle to the desired setting and lock the brake lever. c. To reengage the indexing mechanism, it is only necessary to depress the indexing button and the indexing release handle will flip back into place. 3. Primary base-line setting. A primary base-line setting was obtained in the process of scale alignment, as previously described. It this setting is lost, due, for example, to changing the board angle, the following simple procedure can be used to reset it: a. Track a reference line parallel to the horizontal track as previously described or use an existing line which you wish to use as a primary base-line. b. Release the lock-nut on the micrometer base-line screw. c. Adjust the horizontal scale by turning the micrometer base-line screw until the scale is parallel to the reference line. d. Tighten the lock-nut 4. Secondary base-line setting Some drawings contain lines whose orientation is given with respect to a secondary base line rather than the primary base line of the drawing as a whole. Your Model 4 head permits you to set the "zero" of the protractor to this angle and construct these lines as described above. a. Release the base-line brake lever by turning it counterclockwise. b. Rotate the base plate and protractor to the correct reading on the base-line cursor, or, alternatively, set the horizontal scale to your new base-line if one exists on your drawing. The final setting is most easily made by slowly moving the horizontal scale. c. Tighten the base-line brake lever d. Your original base line is recovered by using the above steps to set the protractor to 0 degrees on the base-line cursor or by setting to an actual base line on the drawing.

Fig 17

Page 8 of 25

Operation (cont)
Model 4 Head (Fig. 17) cont 4. Head lifter Your Vemco 612 drafting machine with the Model 4 head has a head-lifter which holds the protractor head suspended above the table. This helps to prevent smudging of the drawings, particularly when working with ink. The head-lifter is brought into operation by raising the protractor head off of the table while keeping the scales approximately parallel with the table. The head can be returned to the table by twisting it slightly in the direction of raising the scale and lowering it. The head-lifter is adjusted at the factory and should operate correctly at any board angle. However, if it does not seem to be operating correctly refer to the adjustment instructions.

Fig 17

Page 9 of 25

Operation (cont)
Model 3 Civil Engineers Head (Fig. 18) The main purpose of this machine is to set off accurate angles with respect to a base line that may occupy any azimuth in the entire circle. In this respect, it duplicates on a map the operations of a transit in the field with the scale edge corresponding to the line of collimation of the telescope. Thus, the Model 3 has no 15-degree indexing, and it has a protractor divided into half degrees with an one-minute vernier. It also has a micrometer knob for precise control of scale angle. 1. To set an angle with respect to an established base line. a. With the base-line wing-nut tight, release the brake wing-nut by turning it counterclockwise. b. By means of the handle (or the horizontal scale), rotate the horizontal scale approximately to the correct angle. c. Use the micrometer knob to make the final angular adjustment. CAUTION: Never force the micrometer screw. If the protractor brake wing-nut is tight, the parts of the head cannot move, and forcing the micrometer screw may result in damage to the machine. d. Tighten the brake wing nut. 2. To adjust to a new base-line which has a definite angular relationship with an original base-line - two methods: a. First method: i. Release the protractor brake and set the vernier at the required angle. ii. Rule a line with the horizontal scale. iii. Return the vernier setting to zero and tighten the protractor brake. iv. Release the base-line wing-nut and set the horizontal scale on the ruled line. v. Tighten the base line wing-nut. b. Second method: i. If one is not available, rule a line along the horizontal scale to represent the original base line. ii. Release the protractor brake and set the vernier at the negative of the new base line. iii. Tighten the protractor brake. iv. Release the base-line wing-nut and set the horizontal scale along the original base line. v. Tighten the base-line wing-nut. A zero vernier reading will now correspond to the horizontal scale being parallel to the new base line.

Fig 18

Page 10 of 25

Adjustments
Checking for Squareness (Fig. 19) To use a track drafting machine correctly, it is necessary that the vertical track be perpendicular to the horizontal track. Although this adjustment is made before shipment, it is possible for a machine to become misaligned. To check this, proceed as follows: 1. Track a line parallel to the horizontal track as previously described. 2. Make sure the horizontal scale is adjusted parallel to this. 3. Index the base plate 90 deg. counterclockwise and draw a long vertical line with the scale. 4. Return the base plate to 0 deg. 5. Position the protractor head near the top of the vertical line and position the horizontal scale so that the zero point is on the vertical line (Fig. 19) 6. Lock the horizontal brake to secure the head in this position. 7. Lower the head to the bottom of the vertical line. 8. If the zero point is still on the vertical line, the machine is properly squared, but if it strays off the line as shown, the machine should be squared as described below.

Fig 19

Squaring the Vertical Track (Fig. 20) 1. Loosen the lock nut on one of the two inner (closest to the board) rollers of the horizontal carriage with one of the two wrenches supplied with the drafting machine. (Note: You may have to try both rollers.) 2. With the other wrench, rotate the eccentric axle (Fig. 20) until the track appears to be in correct alignment. 3. While holding the axle in the corrected position with one wrench, tighten the nut on the axle with the other wrench, 4. Check for squareness as described above, and repeat these steps until the vertical track is correctly aligned.

Fig 20

Page 11 of 25

Adjustments (cont)
Brake Adjustments If either the horizontal or vertical brake does not hold satisfactorily when in the lock position, or it it drags against the track when in either lock or unlock position the situation can usually be corrected as follows: 1. HORIZONTAL BRAKE (Fig. 21) a. Place the horizontal brake lever in the lock position b. Release the brake cover screw. c. Move the brake cover as far as it will go towards the vertical track with only very light pressure. d. While holding the brake cover in this position, tighten the brake cover screw. 2. VERTICAL BRAKE (Fig. 22) a. Place the vertical brake lever in the lock position b. Loosen the lock-nuts on both eccentric axles of the rollers on the vertical carriage sufficiently to allow the axles to be turned while maintaining some frictional contact with the carriage plate. c. Rotate both axles until a small amount (about 1/8"-1/4") of free motion of the vertical brake handle is possible. For best results, both axles should be adjusted about the same amount in the same direction so that the vertical carriage will remain parallel to the track. d. Tighten the nuts on the axles e. Check the brake for proper operation.

Fig 21

Fig 22

Retainer Post (Fig. 23) When properly adjusted, the retainer post will prevent the horizontal carriage from being forced out of its track, even when considerable weight is put on the vertical track. It the retainer post is dragging on the track, or too far from it, the situation can be corrected as follows: 1. Release the retainer post screw. 2. Move the retainer post until it is about 1/16 inch above the horizontal track. 3. Tighten the retainer post screw.

Fig 23

Page 12 of 25

Adjustments (cont)
Vertical Track Elevation (Figs. 24 and 25) Correct track elevation is achieved when the pivot hinge is parallel to the board surface wherever the protractor head is located on the board. This is accomplished as follows: 1. Adjust the horizontal track elevation (Fig. 24) a. Bring the protractor head near the top left corner of the board. b. Loosen the track brace bolt on the left (viewed from the front) clamp and raise or lower the horizontal track until the pivot hinge is parallel to the board when the protractor head and scales rest squarely on the board. c. Tighten the brace bolt and check the position of the pivot hinge. d. Move the protractor head to the upper right side of the board and repeat steps b and c with the right clamp. 2. Adjust the support roller (Fig. 25) a. Bring the protractor head near the bottom of the board. b. Loosen the support roller screw and adjust the track so that the pivot hinge is parallel to the board when the protractor head and scales rest squarely on the board. c. Tighten the support roller screw and check the position of the pivot hinge.

Fig 24

Double Pivot Hinge The purpose of the double pivot hinge is to keep the scales flat at any position on the board. For proper operation, the pivot hinge should be approximately parallel to the board in all positions, and both pivots should operate smoothly and with no looseness, which will cause inaccuracy. 1. If the pivot hinge is not approximately parallel to the board, adjust the vertical track elevation as previously described. 2. If one (or both) of the pivots is too tight or loose, it can be adjusted as follows: a. Loosen the lock-nut with the scale wrench b. Tighten the pivot screw with your fingers as previously described. c. Tighten the lock-nut.
Fig 25

Page 13 of 25

Adjustments (cont)

Wing and L-Nut Adjustments - Model 4 Head (Fig. 26) Because of wear, the user may find that the locking position of the brake lever L-nut or base-line wing-nut (Fig. 26) has altered to an awkward position or even to a position in which there is interference with the proper operation of the protractor head. Correct the situation as follows: 1. Set the wing or L-nut in the locking position. 2. With a screwdriver, release the screw on top of the nut until the teeth on the bottom of the plastic part become disengaged from the mating teeth of the steel nut (Fig. 26). 3. Rotate the plastic part to the desired locking position. 4. Tighten the screw.
Fig 26

Vernier Adjustments MODEL 4 HEAD (Fig. 27) 1. Set the zero point of the protractor opposite the zero point on the vernier and lock it there by means of the indexing mechanism. If these two zero points are not exactly opposite each other, a correction is required. 2. With a 1/8" (3/32" on older machines) Allen-head wrench, loosen the two pawl-bearing screws, but do not release them completely. 3. While holding the control handle with the left hand, rotate the base plate and protractor until the zero lines or the vernier and protractor are exactly opposite each other. 4. Tighten the pawl-bearing screws very firmly. 5. Check to make sure that the zero marks remain in alignment.

Fig 27

Page 14 of 25

Adjustments (cont)

MODEL 3 HEAD (Fig. 28) Since the Model 3 protractor head has no index plate, it is never necessary to adjust the zero mark. However, it the gap between the vernier plate and the protractor becomes too small (which can cause binding when the base plate is turned) or large, proceed as follows: 1. Loosen the vernier plate-screws (Fig. 28) and press the vernier plate away from the protractor. 2. For clearance, insert two small pieces of thin paper between the protractor and each end of the vernier plate and press the plate lightly against the protractor. 3. Tighten the vernier screws and remove the pieces of paper.

Fig 28

Head Lifter - Model 4 Head (Fig. 29) The Model 4 Head is equipped with a head lifter, which is a simple mechanism to support the protractor head and scales above the drafting surface. Fig. 29 (see also Fig. 22) shows how this device works. The lifter has been adjusted at the factory, but if it should ever need readjustment, use the following procedure to bring the head into the proper elevated position. 1. Lift protractor head to its maximum elevated position - head about 90 to board. 2. Loosen the lift plate screws and move the lift plate as far away from the protractor as it will go. 3. Tighten the lift plate screws lightly so that the lift plate will move when forced. 4. Lower head so that vertical carriage, pivot hinge and lift plate are in the position shown. 5. Carefully position head, while allowing the lift plate to move, until the scales will be supported approximately parallel to the board. 6. Again raise head to its maximum elevated position and tighten the lift plate screws securely.

Fig 29

Page 15 of 25

Minor Repairs and Replacements

The user will be able to make many repairs and replacements himself. Some of these require removal of a carriage or the counterweight; others require correction of a problem for which diagnostic help is given. 1. Head Looseness and Other Faulty Motion If the scales, head, or carriages seem loose, or if, for any reason. the motion of the machine appears faulty, then the following points should be checked. a. SCALES. Make sure that the scales are set firmly in their chucks, that they are aligned as previously described and that both scale screws are tight. A damaged chuck plate may not seat itself properly in the chuck, and it may be necessary to replace it. b. PIVOT SCREWS. Check the pivot screws which connect the vertical track to the horizontal carriage, and which connect the head to the vertical carriage (II.E.). Any looseness at these points will result in faulty operation and should be corrected. c. MOTION OF CARRIAGES. A force applied to the machine may cause a roller on the vertical or horizontal carriage to be displaced from its track, which will make the machine operate erratically. Check to make sure that these rollers are properly in their tracks and move smoothly. d. PIVOT JOINT Make sure that the pivot joint stays approximately level as the head moves up and down. If it doesn't, adjust the horizontal track and/or the support roller as previously described. e. VERTICAL TRACK NOT ALIGNED. If it appears that the vertical track is not perpendicular to the horizontal track, refer to previously described method to square the track. 2. Scales Not Flat If the scales do not lie flat as the protractor head is moved around the board, check the following points: a. FLATNESS OF BOARD. The board can be tested for sags and ridges by means of a straight-edge. Badly warped boards will not give satisfactory service and can cause the scales to not lie flat in certain positions. b. FAULTY SCALES. Make sure scales are of approximately the same thickness, are straight, and are properly inserted in the scale chucks. It is possible to straighten an aluminum scale, but a badly warped wooden or plastic scale will probably have to be replaced. c. PIVOT SCREWS. If one or both of the screws on the double pivot joint are too tight, the scales will not stay flat. Refer to ILF2. to correct this situation. d. FLATNESS OF BASE PLATE. Release one of the pivot screws, remove the protractor head, and place it on a table bottom-side up. Check the flatness of the base plate with a scale, and look for bending particularly where the scale chucks project from the base plate. With care, the base plate can be straightened by hand.

Page 16 of 25

Minor Repairs and Replacements (cont)

Horizontal Carriage (Fig. 30) 1. To Remove: a. Remove the vertical track by the reverse of the previously described procedure. b. Remove one of the end covers by removing the two end cover screws. c. Remove the carriage from the end. Be careful not to lose the springs that load the two outer carriage rollers. 2. To Replace: a. Reverse the above procedure.

Fig 30

Vertical Carriage, Counterweight, and Cables (Figs. 31 and 32) 1. To Remove: a. Remove the protractor head as previously described. b. Remove the vertical track by reversing the procedure as previously described. c. Place the vertical track in a horizontal position so that the counterweight will not drop when the cable is released. d. Remove the lower end cover by removing the two screws that hold it in place (Fig. 32). e. Loosen the support-roller bracket screw and slide the support-roller bracket oft the lower end of the track. f. Release the upper cable by loosening the two LOWER cable screws (Fig. 31). Leave the lower cable attached. g. Disengage the cable pulley mount and pulley, with the lower cable threaded through it, from the track (Fig.32). h. Remove the vertical carriage GENTLY through the lower end of the track. i. With the lower cable, pull the counterweight down and remove it through the lower end of the track Fi (Fig. 32). j. If necessary, loosen the two upper cable screws and detach the lower cable from the carriage. k. The cables can be removed from the counterweight by pulling the springs, to which they are attached, up through the rectangular holes in the lead counterweight by means of a wire with one end bent to form a hook.
Page 17 of 25

Fig 31

Minor Repairs and Replacements (cont)

2. To Replace: a. Replace the cables, it they were removed, by pushing the springs back through the rectangular holes in the counterweight. b. Remove the upper end cover and upper cable pulley assembly as you did the lower end cover and pulley in d and g above. c. Push the upper cable through bottom of the counterweight cavity in the track and insert the counterweight in the cavity, d. While holding the spring-loaded rollers in their compressed positions, replace the vertical carriage through the lower end of the track. e. Tip the track so that upper cable falls through the upper end of the counterweight cavity, and use the cable to pull the counterweight to the upper portion of the track. f. Replace both cable pulley assemblies in their slots in the track and position the upper and lower cables properly around their pulleys. Note that the slot for the pulley in the pulley mount is not in the center of the upper part of the pulley mount. The wider section of the pulley mount should be positioned closest to the side of the track which is nearest the pivot cones of the carriage on a right handed machine (see Fig. 32). g. Replace the upper end cap and pull the upper cable (properly positioned around the upper pulley) downward toward the carriage until the upper cable pulley housing stops the counterweight. h. Position the carriage so that its lower end is 1 1/4" from the end of the track and lock the vertical brake. THIS IS A CRITICAL DIMENSION AND SHOULD BE MAINTAINED WHILE EXECUTING F STEPS i., j. and k. (and 1. if necessary). i. Thread the upper cable between the track and carriage, and through the cable hole (Fig. 31) in the carriage. A hooked-shape piece of wire (a properly bent paper clip works fine) is helpful in pulling the end of the cable through the hole. j. After making sure that the cable is properly positioned on its pulley and on the riser which holds it in proper alignment above the carriage, loop the cable around both lower cable screws (Fig. 31). k. Make sure the cable is between the carriage and the washers of the cable screws, and pull it taut enough to slightly compress the springs to which it is attached on the weight carriage; then tighten the cable screws firmly. If the cables have only an inch or two of extra length, pliers may be required to apply tension to the cable. l. If the lower cable has been detached from the carriage (step 1.j. above), thread it through the cable hole and attach it by means of the upper cable screws as described in j. and k. above. m. Replace the support roller and lower end cover, and reassemble the machine as previously described.
Page 18 of 25

Fig 32

Wall Mounted and Chalkboard Drafting Machines

VEMCO Chalkboard machines are available with either Model 4 or Model 3 heads. Although these machines are often used for lecture demonstrations on chalkboards, they can also be used (with standard drafting scales), for doing normal drafting on boards mounted on a wall in such a manner that clamps cannot be used for attaching the horizontal track. To accommodate surface mounting, these machines also differ from other VTrack machines in that they are equipped with an adapter block to bring the protractor head down to the level of the chalkboard, and have a different support roller. 1. Mounting (Figs 33 and 34) a. Screw the chalkboard brackets to the wall in a straight, horizontal line. The screws should penetrate wall studs for best results, Alternatively. attach a 3/4" x 2" wood strip to the wall and then attach the chalkboard brackets to the strip. This method will be required if the drawing surface is more than 3/4" out from the wall surface. b. Release all of the track brace adjust bolts and raise the horizontal track approximately to its final position. Two people will usually be required for this and the remaining steps. c. Slide one of the stub braces along the track until its threaded hole is in alignment with the elongated hole in the corresponding chalkboard bracket. d. Insert a brace bolt through the hole in the stub brace and screw it into the stub brace. As shown in Fig. 33, the brace bolt should be positioned as far from the wall as possible. e. Repeat steps c and d for all of the chalkboard brackets. f. Slide the vertical track to the desired final position and tighten all of the track brace adjust bolts. g. Mount the vertical track as previously described. Make sure this track has an adapter block and chalkboard support roller attached as shown in Fig. 34. h. Attach the protractor head as previously described. 2. Track Height Adjustment a. Move the protractor head to the top of the chalkboard. b. Loosen all of the brace bolts (Fig. 33) c. Adjust the vertical track until the pivot joint remains parallel to the board throughout the entire horizontal travel of the vertical track. d. Tighten all of the brace bolts. e. Move the protractor head to the bottom of the board. f. Release the socket cap screws (Fig. 34) and adjust the CB roller leg until the pivot hinge is parallel to the chalkboard. g. Tighten the socket cap screws.

Fig 33

Fig 34

Page 19 of 25

Large Drafting Machines

VEMCO can supply drafting machines with horizontal tracks as long as thirty feet and vertical tracks of eight feet or even longer. For vertical tracks of length five feet or longer, some loss of accuracy is encountered because of bending of the track. To improve the accuracy of these machines, we make machines with "rigidized" vertical tracks. Also, it is possible to make horizontal tracks of unlimited length by "splicing" individual pieces of horizontal track together. 1. Installation of Rigidized Drafting Machine (Fig. 35 and Parts List) a. Follow directions for installing the horizontal and vertical tracks. Make sure the vertical track is attached to the right-hand pivot block. b. Attach the swing hinge (49-284) to the left pivot block with the pivot screw (49-9) and lock nut (49-11). c. With the support rod washer (49-272) in place, pass the support rod screw (49-267) through the support rod (49-0265) and support rod post (49266), and screw it into swing hinge (49-284) by means of the 3/16" Allen wrench (49-270). Leave the screw loose by 1/2 turn at this time. d. Attach the other end of the support rod (49-0265) to the rod hanger (49-274) as follows: e. Place a rod holder (49-273) on each side of the support rod (49-0265) and slide this assembly between the flanges of the rod hanger (49-274), which should be at, or very close to, the correct position. f. Put the hanger bolt (49-276) through this assembly and tighten the Keps nut (49-277) and the support rod screw (49-267). g. Check the machine for squareness as previously described. h. If alignment is needed, use the track wrench to release the hanger screws (49-275), and also release the support rod screw (49-267). i. Square the vertical track as previously described. j. Tighten the support rod screw (49-267) and then the hanger screws (49-275). k. Again check the machine for squareness and adjust if necessary.
Fig 35

Page 20 of 25

Large Drafting Machines (cont)

2. Installation of Spliced Horizontal Tracks (Fig. 36 and Parts List) NOTE: The following procedure is for clamp-mounted machines. Some modifications will be required for wall-mounted machines. a. Mount the left-most (from the front) section of track. b. Use four connector plate screws (49-287) to install the connector plate (49-286) in the right end of the mounted track. Do not tighten these screws firmly. c. Assemble the track extension brace (49-0283) with the two bracket strips (50-53), six adjust bolts (49-79), and six washers (50-51-10) so that there is a 1/8" gap between the track extension brace (49-0283) and bracket strips (50-53). d. Slide one of the bracket strips (50-53) of this assembly into the lower T-slot of the right end of the mounted track so that the end of the track bisects the track extension brace (49-0283). e. Slide the right section of the horizontal track into place so that the holes in the underside of the track line up with those on the connector plate (49286). f. NOTE: It may be necessary to adjust the track elevation of the right section by the procedure previously described to make it coincide with the elevation of the left section. g. Install the remaining four connector plate screws (49-287), but do not tighten them. h. Loosen all track brace adjust bolts (part no. 49-79) on the right-hand section of track, position the clamps at their desired positions, and tighten the clamps. Leave the track brace adjust bolts loose. i. Loosen the track brace bolt (part no. 49-81) nearest the track splice on the right side in order to permit vertical motion of this end of the track. j. While applying a slight pressure to force the ends of the track together, tighten the six adjust bolts (49-79) on the track extension brace (49-283) alternate from a bolt on one side of the splice to the corresponding bolt on the opposite side. k. Tighten the connector plate screws - alternate from a screw on one side of the splice to the corresponding screw on the opposite side. l. Tighten the track brace adjust bolts and the loose track brace bolt m. If necessary, adjust the vertical track elevation as previously described.

Fig 36

Page 21 of 25

Page 22 of 25

Page 23 of 25

Model 612 V-Track

Page 24 of 25

Model 612 V-Track (cont)

Page 25 of 25