Operators Manual

Congratulations on the purchase of your new Album Master Machine. Our customers believe this to be the best machine ever for engraving or debossing on books, albums, journals, leather, luggage and a wide variety of other materials.

You will feel the same way too. However, it is important that you take the time to become familiar with your machine, learn the basic elements of foil stamping/debossing and aggressively market your service.

This manual will help you but you must be committed to your success. You have chosen the very best machine possible for your application. The demand for your personalization service is huge and growing. We have designed everything you need to create a successful foil stamping and debossing service. All you need to add is desire and work. We are dedicated to your success and willing to help. Please be sure to call us if you have any questions.

The following sections of this manual are intended to provide basic step by step instruction that will help you master the stamping on Albums. Additional instruction and advice is available by phone at 888-375-8375. You can normally reach someone from the hours of 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM PST. Feel free to call for anything.

Your machine is shipped in a foam filled cardboard carton. Your accessories are shipped in a second cardboard box. Compare contents of your shipment to the packing slip or invoice and file claims of any shortage or damage immediately. Refer to the section on type for unpacking and storage of type. It is recommended that you save your carton should there ever be a need to return the machine to the factory.

Your Album Master Engraving System will come with the following items:

Album Master Machine 14” x 14” Adjustable Platform Accurate Line Locator Adjustable Right Angle Gauge Bar

Letters, Type and Dies are sold separately

Capitals, Lower Case & Numbers Letter Set Spacer Set Type Box

We have a large variety of type styles and sizes. We carry Foundry, Zinc, and now make Custom Brass Type. Call for prices.

Familiarization with the Machine

Please take the time to identify each one of the items in your system and become familiar with the working parts of your machine before you try engraving albums.

Album Master Refers to the Press itself (it has been blue but in future will be silver)

Over Arm & Over Arm Assembly This is the top part of the press that holds the type holder Also includes the lift wheel that allows up or down adjustment of the Over Arm assembly for stamping thicker products.

Over Arm Twin lock handles Silver anodized tear drop handles located on the right back side of the Over Arm. These handles lock and unlock the over arm during height adjustment of the head.

Self Centering Type holder This is the insulated blue/brass assembly with black knobs on each side is in the middle of the machine. Metal letters (type) and logo dies are placed in this attachment to allow the printing of text or graphics. (Your machine may also have the “2000 Style” type head which uses a variety of type holders, open pocket holders, and die holders. The Album Master is available with all of these type head options. If you receive an Album Master with the 2000 style type head, you will receive the desired type holders, and the type will go into these holders, and the holders will be inserted into the type head. You will not insert the type into a flip up style type holder.)

14 x 4 Adjustable Platform This is the aluminum platform with a plastic board with grid lines. This platform has front to back and left to right movement capability.

Accurate Line locator This attachment is located under the left side of the platform. It has a black knob and steel shaft with a simple gear and rack assembly attached. This is used to move the platform backwards or forwards for fine accurate placement.

Adjustable Right Angle Gauge Bar The Platform Gauge is a sliding T- square that provides a back stop and a 90 degree sliding side guide. This attachment is used to center products in a fixed position on the platform. Adjusts front to back and left to right

2" x 200ft Foil – Foil has a shiny side and a dull side always print with the dull side down. We have a wide variety of colors. Each roll should give you hundreds of imprints

Capital /Lower case /numbers Letter Set 200 pieces Alphabet referred to as TYPE

Spacers Blank pieces to go between words in a line of text

Type Box Convenient wooden case type drawers to hold and secure a complete set of type

Specific Important Attachments on the Album Master

Power Lever Black handle steel shaft used to pull the machine head down for stamping.

LED Heat Control Control box with adjustable LED temp read out controller, mounted underneath the 14 x 14 Platform. Controls the electrical pulse to the heat unit, maintains heat. LED read out indicates set point temperature. Push up arrow to increase temp, down arrow to decrease temp. Factory setting at 250 degrees is sufficient.

Heat Unit & Power Cord Heat source cylinder runs from the control box to the heat unit that lies across the backside of the type holder. Power cord has a manual on/off switch and wall plug.

Tilt up Self Centering Type holder This is the large 2" x 9 " brass assembly with black knobs at either end. This assembly has 2 positions. The type setting position (tilted up open end facing you) and the Type printing position (facing down towards the platform)

Tilt Lock Handle Small black handled assembly attached to the middle of the type holder, used to lock and release the type holder in the two positions.

2000 Style Type Head If you have the 2000 style type head, it will not have the tilt up type head, but you will put type in a separate type holder, and slide the type holder into the type head. The Album Master is now equipped with this style of type head, and the 2 x 9 or 1 x 5 are optional type heads.

Thermometer LED read out accurately displays operating temperature. This can be adjusted with the 2 buttons located on the controller.

Movable Platform This is the14” x 14” aluminum platform with a plastic grid lined board

Platform Locking Screw Black knob located under the right side of the platform for back/forward movement. Another Black knob located center front for left / right movement

Accurate Line Locator Smaller knob assembly located under the left side of the platform. Gear and rack assembly to make back & forth fine adjustments to the platform.

GETTING STARTED

Gold Stamping or Engraving?

There are many terms for this process. You may hear terms such as Gold Stamping, Foil Stamping, Hot Stamping, Imprinting, Engraving or Embossing. All of those terms are related and in most cases mean exactly the same thing. Most people in the Scrapbook industry call this process Engraving or Embossing. For practical purposes we will refer to the foil process as Foil Stamping or Imprinting.

Embossing or Debossing?

Debossing refers to the impression made down INTO the product (usually leather). The combination of heat and pressure gives the image a darker deeper tone and depression into the leather. This creates a sharp, clean appealing high end appearance. Debossing leather is extremely easy with your AlbumMaster.

Embossing is a raised image made with a male and female die (usually seen on greeting cards). This can be done with our equipment but it is a very advanced process that requires an experienced printer. Not recommended for the beginner.

The 4 Basic Variables of Foil Stamping

There are four basic variables to foil stamping. Heat, Pressure, Dwell, and Surface Level. Proper control and understanding of these variables, allow you to achieve perfect album stamping every time with your Album Master machine.

Your goal should be to make each variable constant under the written guidelines therefore gaining full control over the process of stamping. Each variable will be explained so you may internalize their characteristics and become a master of your craft.

Heat (part 1)

The heat element for your machine is located on the back of the typeholder. This heating element heats the entire typeholder and provides a constant, even temperature for the type.

Heat is an important variable. Heat allows the color from the foil to be released and permanently fixed to the surface of an album (or any product).

If the heat is too high the image may become blurred and letters may appear to run together. If the heat is too low the image may be faint and not completely filled. Proper temperature for stamping on albums is between 250 and 300F.

Heat (part 2, temperature) Calibrating the temperature of

your machine

The temperature can be adjusted to any desired temperature. Your machine comes pre set from the factory. If you want to change the temperature you simply press the arrow buttons that indicate up or down. Optimum printing temperature is 250 - 300 degrees.

Temperature is determined by setting the controller located underneath the platform in the center of your machine. The controller has a red LED read out that indicates the set temperature of your machine. The controller also has buttons to increase or decrease a specific temperature. The heat change buttons are located on the far right of the controller LED screen. The top has an arrow that indicates increase. The bottom has an arrow that indicates decrease.

The machine draws very little electricity and is not a cost consideration. Most people turn on their machine 15 minutes prior to a printing session and leave it on even during breaks and interruptions. This will not hurt the machine. However, remember the type holder is hot. Everyone who comes into visual contact with your machine should be made aware of this.

Dwell is another important variable in the stamping process and probably the most abused by the first time foil stamper. Dwell time refers to the amount of time the hot type "dwells" or stays in contact with surface of the product. (In this case the album cover or spine).

Normal dwell time for any product should be about one half of a second. That's right, one half of a second!! Simply bring the handle down with good firm pressure and push into the album quickly and assertively to create a clean and crisp imprint. Remember you are printing an album not waiting for a bus. A good timing reference for dwell would be

to bend your knees when you press into the album (just like a curtsy). A curtsy type motion is usually less than a second.

It is far better to be too quick with your dwell time than too long. Dwell that is too long will give you a blurred or smeared effect, called over print. (This is the same effect as having the temperature too high). Overprint can usually be brushed off with a soft cloth.

Too short of a dwell will give you a faint or partial image. (This is the same effect as having the temperature too low). A partial or faint image can be easily fixed by imprinting over the same image again as long as you have not moved the album or the platform.

Pressure is needed to help embed the pigment into the surface of the album. It is not necessary to "bury" the type into the material (unless you are debossing leather). With Foil Stamping you want your image to have a nice defined imprint into the album surface that is noticeable by sight and touch. The following steps will help you attain proper pressure.

Firmly grip the handle with your right hand, bring the handle forward to about eye level and place your left hand over your right. Now you should be balance and squared in front of your machine. Try to keep the direction of your force perpendicular to the album surface (going straight down as opposed to pulling forward). Continue down to the surface of the album. The instant you sense you have reached the surface of the album push into the album with a firm "nudge" then quickly pull up on the handle ( remember your dwell time should be ½ of a second , as mentioned earlier).

If you bend your knees when you press down in the album (just like a curtsy), this acts as a dwell time reference and also allows you to use your weight for additional firm pressure.

Be careful, using too much pressure can cause you to bury the image too deep into the album. Too much pressure could also cause a blurred image. Not enough pressure will leave an image that is faint and not visible.

Practice makes perfect. Getting the right amount of pressure is an acquired touch or feel. 15 to 20 practice prints on some scrap card stock material will help you master this variable.

Please note, short lines that have one word names or numbers (like Tom, Sue, 2001, or Vol. I) require less pressure than a normal 2-3 word line. Practice one or two of those and you will see how the pressure requirements change. So, remember to ease up on the pressure for those short line jobs.

Surface level is an independent variable. It has no relation to Heat, Pressure, or Dwell except to say that if the product is not level you will not make a good imprint. The surface of the item to be stamped must be flat and level. You cannot make a clean complete stamp on an uneven surface.

Your machine comes from the factory perfectly level. Level means that the platform and the type holder will meet each other exactly on the same level plane. This means that you are starting with a level printing surface that will allow you to have a consistent, even imprint throughout any line, graphic, or image.

Before placing an album or spine on the platform, inspect the cover inside, outside and underneath. Make sure it is flat and that any straps are away from the imprint area. You should always make sure that the platform is clear of any material that would cause the surface underneath the album or spine to be uneven and compromise the level printing plane.

If you find a gross difference in your imprint image left to right or top to bottom, call us first, it might be necessary to readjust or level the platform. This is a simple process that is outlined in this manual. For convenience sake, you may call our customer service representative to help walk you through this simple process. A re-level adjustment should take no more than 15 minutes.

Please read the section about variables again.

Letters / Type

OPEN TYPE IS NOT RETURNABLE.

Carefully unwrap your type and place it into the type boxes that came with your system. Attached you will find a recommended type box scheme that is alphabetically arranged for fast and easy typesetting.

As you put your type away, carefully examine each piece for defects. We will gladly replace any defective pieces of type, free of charge, but we must be notified within 10 days after delivery of your machine. We also sell individual letters should you lose or damage one of your pieces.

As you examine your type it is important to become familiar with the type itself. Pick up any capital letter. The solid piece of the letter is called the body. The letter on the top of the type is called the face. Opposite the face is the bottom of the letter, which is also

called the foot. One side of the body has a notch cut into it. This notch identifies the front of the piece of type and acts as a reference point while setting type. Opposite the notch side is the back.

Understanding the different parts of the type will help you in identifying letters and setting lines of copy.

Using your typeholder (Same method for using 1 x 5 type holder)

Your machine comes equipped with the 2000 style type head unless you get the optional large 2" x 9" typeholder which has the largest imprint area in the industry. This 18 square inch imprint area allows you to set any size line of text or graphics and place it anywhere on any album. No other machine has that capability. The following instructions are for the 2 x 9 type holder.

The type holder has 2 positions, the printing position, (facing down), and the type setting position (facing up towards you). The type holder is shipped in the printing position. The black handle tilt lock assembly, (located in the middle-right of the brass typeholder assembly) secures the typeholder in each position.

To move the typeholder from the printing position (facing down) to the type setting position (facing you), pull the tilt lock out and swing it to the left. (This will free the typeholder from the fixed position). Next grasp the left black knob of the typeholder, with your left hand, and the black handle of the tilt lock with your right hand. Lift up the typeholder until it reaches the type setting position. The tilt lock will fall into the top locking position and secure the typeholder.

To place the typeholder back to the printing position (facing down), simply reverse your steps.

Do this a few times to become familiar with the process of moving the type holder to each position. I always recommend to gently rap the black handle with your knuckle each time you set the type holder in the printing position. NEVER try to force the tilt lock further in the slot. The tilt lock is not designed to go all the way into the slot.

Your type holder is a self-centering unit. This means that when you close the jaws of the type holder, the type or die is automatically pushed to the center of the type holder. The black knobs at each side open and close the jaws of your typeholder. Bring the typeholder up to the type setting position. Open and close the jaws a few times and become familiar with the self centering operation of your type holder.

You are now ready to set your first line of type and prepare for printing. First, bring your type holder up to the type setting position.

Use your full name for your line of copy. Choose any type style and use both capital and lower case letters. Place each letter in the type holder on the thin brass rail ledge. Set your type, with the letter face towards you. Place your letters notches up reading left to right just as you would write it.

After you have finished placing all of the letters of your name in the typeholder, close the jaws by rotating the black knobs on either side of the typeholder. Your name will be automatically centered. Once centered tighten the knobs securely. Finally unlock the tilt lock handle and swing the typeholder back down into the printing position

Removing Type From the Typeholder

Your type will reach the same temperature that is indicated on the thermometer. Do not try to use your fingers to remove hot type. You will get a nasty burn. There are 2 ways of removing hot type from the typeholder.

In order to remove the type, the type holder must be up in the setting position.

The first and probably slowest method is to use the tweezers to remove type one letter at a time. Of course loosen the typeholder first. Then pick out the pieces of type one or two at a time with the end of the tweezers and place them aside to cool.

The second method to remove the hot type would be to first bring the typeholder up into the type setting position. Next loosen the jaws of the typeholder. Then grab the tilt lock handle with your right hand. Loosen the tilt lock but keep the typeholder in the up or setting position. Now that the type holder is loose, use the tilt lock handle to slowly guide the type holder forward letting the type slide smoothly out of the holder and onto your flat plate, pad, or thin piece of wood. Now place the hot type aside to cool.

You can gain mastery with this method faster by practicing with the machine off .You will be better able to concentrate on the process without worrying about the hot type. Once you have become familiar with removing the type while it is cool, you can graduate to the real application of a heated typeholder.

TIPS: After removing your type, I recommend placing the hot type on a piece of marble or ceramic tile for faster type cool down. Also, sometimes pieces of hot type stick together even after they have cooled. To separate these pieces, simply tap them firmly on your ceramic tile or piece of marble.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Now that you clearly understand the 4 variables of stamping and know how to set and remove the type it is time to practice what you have learned.

Earlier in this manual you learned the basic stamping technique that is used for most products including albums. Some albums have characteristics that require deviations from this basic technique. You will be learning about those special techniques later in this manual. However, for this exercise I want you to use the technique you have already learned

I would like for you to start with card stock as a practice medium. A good material would be a simple manila file folder. Take a file folder cut it down the fold (vertically),then cut those two pieces in half horizontally, giving you 4 pieces per folder. Place your red rubber pad on the platform as a cushion for your card stock. Place the piece of manila card stock over the red rubber pad.

Next, set a single line of type with your name or the name of your company in your typeholder.

Cut a piece of silver foil the length of your type line and lay it over the card stock directly under the area that your type will strike. Foil has a shiny side and a dull side. Always place the foil shiny side up and dull side down. Use the silver foil, only, on this card stock.

Now, remembering everything you have learned about the 4 variables of stamping, especially dwell and pressure, make your first imprint into the manila card stock. Peel away the foil and inspect the quality of your imprint.

If you followed the steps concerning heat, pressure and dwell, you should have a clean, crisp, professional imprint.Voila!

Trouble Shooting Tips: If your imprint is faint or too light, you need to check your heat first. If the heat is between 275-300 F then you need to exert more pressure during your imprint. If your image is blurred with over print, then your dwell time may have been too long or your heat is too high.

Now, as a practice exercise, make 20 more high quality imprints. Follow the same procedure and inspect each image.

Once you are satisfied with your results, remove the type from the typeholder and place it back into your wooden type box. (Remember place hot type on a piece of marble or ceramic tile for quick cool down.)

This exercise will help you become an expert stamper in a very short amount of time.

Final Details to Prepare for the Real Thing

Placing the Platform Gauge Bar

The platform gauge is a 2-part attachment that acts as a sliding T-square and backstop guide for various products. You will not need the smaller sliding part of this attachment for albums.

Place the longer part of this attachment on the platform with the thumbscrew to the right and the T bar to the left. Slide the bar all the way to the back of the platform just in front of the screws that hold down the plastic line board. Make sure the bar is straight and parallel to a horizontal line on the linerboard. Hold down the center of the bar firmly with your left hand and tighten the thumbscrew down securely with your right hand.

This bar now provides a nice squared edge that is a firm and secure backstop for all of your albums.

Albums, Journals, Folders, Bibles and more

There are many album manufacturers of albums, folders, journals and scrap books. I consider scrapbook albums to be the lower end of the album industry. Each album brand has specific characteristics that make them unique and sets them apart from their competitors. Each brand may have different styles that possess unique characteristics as well. These characteristics will determine how the stamping process should proceed.

Leather albums are generally higher quality and in most cases call for either gold or silver foil stamping or the elegant appearance without foil called debossing.

In some cases the stamping technique for one brand of album or cover stock may be very different from another. It is important to become familiar with your material and their basic characteristics. This will insure professional results with any album order presented to you.

Across the board leather products are the easiest to foil stamp and deboss regardless of manufacturer. Initial practice is required however to get the feel for your product. As long as you insure your album is properly clamped in place and you take your time, you will have perfect results every time.

After you have set your line of copy into the typeholder and reviewed your test stamp you are ready to place an album on the platform for engraving!

Inspect the product for defects, folds, stitching or underlining flaps that may compromise a flat surface. If you find defects bring them to the attention of your customer. Place the album on the platform right side up with the top against the back gauge bar.

Some journals or products have a gold outline on the cover that frames in the imprint area. Use these lines as points of reference to center your type., if they do not measure to the outside limits of the front album field.

Use a 6" steel ruler to center the line of type left to right within the gold outlined field. If a product does not have a gold outline simply measure to the perimeter edges of the cover.

First, make sure your typeholder is in the printing position. Then, take the ruler in your right hand and place the ruler directly on the right side of last piece of type in that line. For example if you have set the name Aamstamp Machine Company you would place your ruler directly on the right body side of the letter s.

Next measure the distance from this piece of type to the gold line on the right side of the album. Mentally note the measure.

Now measure the other side the same way. Put the ruler in your left hand and measure the distance from the first piece of type on the left ( ex. the A ) to the gold line on the left side of the album.

Finally move the album so you have an equal distance from the edge of the line of type to the gold line on each side. For example, if you get 1 1/2 inch on the left and 2 inches on the right . Simply slide the album over 1/4 inch to the left and you will have an equal distance of 1 3/4 inches on each side. ( 4 cm on the right and 2 cm on the left, slide the album to the left 1cm to equal 3 cm both left and right)

Now that the line of type is centered between the gold lines on the album, place the plastic album strap (from the accessory kit) two inches from the bottom of the album. Use your left hand to hold down the plastic strap. Use your right hand to grab a spring clamp and attach the clamp over the strap and under the platform with the album in between. Next, change hands. use your right hand to hold down the plastic album strap and your left hand to clamp the left side. This will secure the album and prevent any misalignment.

Placement Options

There are 3 basic areas of type placement on the front cover of Memory Albums. Top Third, Middle and Bottom Right. Most albums look best printed at the Top Third. Since 90% of your engraving requests will call for placement on the top third, instructions will continue with that option. Guidelines for the other placement options are described in another section of this manual under Typesetting Methods and Placement Options.

Personalization on Wedding albums is almost always done in the lower right corner.

Placement of line or graphic

Now that the album is secure and the line or graphic is centered left to right on the album, it is time to adjust the platform for proper placement of that line.

Top Third placement is the most requested option for 12 x 12 albums. These orders usually call for one, two or three lines of stamping. If the order calls for 1 to 2 lines of copy, I recommend placing your first line of type 3 inches below the top gold (or silver) line. Orders that call for 3 or more lines should start the first line at 2 1/2 inches below the top gold (or silver) line. I like giving a one-inch space between lines. Those measurements balance your copy nicely within the boundaries of the album imprint area.

If you are printing on an album that does not have gold embellishment lines, you should add one inch to the recommended placement numbers above. (3 inch becomes 4 inches) This allows for the distance covered by the gold lines.

Top Third placement of text is accomplished by moving the platform (with clamped album) the desired distance by using the precision line finder.

First, step to the right of the machine. Loosen the platform locking screw located under the right side of the platform. Take the 6" steel ruler in your right hand and place the starting edge directly on the back of the body of the type in the middle of your line.

Next, take your left hand and engage the precision line finder attachment located under the left side of the platform. The precision line finder allows you to move the platform forward or backward for placement of your copy top to bottom.

Now establish placement on the album (make your measure). Basically you are moving the album (and platform) until the gold (or silver) line lines up with a specific number on the ruler, like 3 inches (or whatever you established for that album). After you have made the correct measure, reach underneath the right side of the platform and secure the platform locking screw. This will insure the integrity of your measurement and will not compromise the squared position of the album.

Ready Set Go

You are now ready to print your first album. Not a big deal. …Simply recall all of your ttraining and skill you acquired while doing your test stamps on card stock. You are ready!

Check Heat………. Remember ½ second Dwell………. use firm smooth Pressure.

Now, Go ahead and engrave your first album.

Remember to inspect your image before removing the album from the platform. It sometimes helps to shield the light from your imprint to get a better view of the image. The reflective quality of the gold and silver foil may prevent you from seeing an incomplete or faint image.

If the gold is not completely covered in, drop your type holder back down and make a second stamp over the same imprint. Don’t worry your typeholder will be in the exact same position as the previous imprint.

If you have over print, use your brush to clean up the edges of your imprint. Stamp again if necessary

Remember, It is normal to be anxious the first few albums. The more you do the more confident and relaxed you will become. Soon you will be on your way to doing 4-6 albums an hour and making huge profits from your new business.

Extra Advice

Perfection comes from repetition. Create a simple stamping procedure and follow the procedure systematically for every album. and you will become a master at your craft. Below is a guideline for you to use as your procedure format.

Customer completes his or her own order form and always pays in advance Receive the order and payment Proof the order Plan your placement of lines (distance from the top etc.) Set the type to order Proof stamp the first line on paper (check for spelling) Place album on platform Center left to right Clamp in place Measure for top placement / check for square Lock platform into place Stamp the album Inspect the stamp (leave on platform turn off the light) Brush the stamp (if necessary) Stamp a second time (if necessary) Inspect again Remove type

If the album order calls for a second or third line continue with the following steps

Remove the first line of type from the typeholder Set new line in typeholder Test stamp new line for spelling – place the red rubber pad over the album as a barrier for your card stock test paper Measure new distance from previous line – usually one inch between lines Stamp the album Inspect the image Remove album Replace order form in between cover and cardboard hinge

Type Setting Methods & Alternative Album Placement Options

You have two typesetting methods and three basic album printing options. Front cover, Bottom Right, and Middle. These options dictate which method you use to set the type into the type holder.

Method #1 – Used for Top Third, Middle, and Spines Most of your album printing will be done on the front cover. This option calls for the type to be set with the notches up and spelled left to right (just as you would write it ). Simply place your type in the typeholder one at a time starting from the left and continue until you have set the complete name.

Top Third option was explained in detail in a previous section of this manual.

Middle placement option is most always used on 5 x 7 albums. Centering the line of type from left to right is the same as previously outlined for the 12 x 12 albums. To center the line of type in the middle of any size album, place the typeholder in the printing position. Then measure equal distance from the line of type to the top and bottom gold (or silver) line.

Securing a 5 x 7 album

Use the plastic album strap to secure the 5 x 7 by running the edge of the strap, horizontally across, and even with, the bottom gold or silver line. Firmly hold down the center of the strap with your left hand and place a spring clamp over the right side of the plastic strap. Switch hands and hold down the plastic strap with your right hand and place a spring clamp and the left side of the plastic strap. It is important to hold the album firmly during this process because the clamping has a tendency to push the album.

Method #2 – Used for Bottom Right Front Cover or Bottom Center Back Cover If you are going to print on the lower right hand corner of an album ( name& date) or the bottom center of the back cover ("made with love by mom") you will have to set your type in the typeholder with the notches down and spell the name starting from right to left. This is the exact inverse of the above.

You will also need to place the album on the platform with the bottom up against the back gauge bar. The cardboard strap hinge will still face to the left.

The Back Cover is always printed one inch from the bottom and centered left to right. Follow the same steps for placement measuring as previously outlined. However, since the back cover does not have gold or silver embellishment lines you will measure from the perimeter edge of the cover.

After measuring, clamp the cover as previously outlined and make your imprint.

Bottom Right orders are always printed 1 inch from the bottom gold or silver line (or edge if there are no gold or silver lines) and 1 inch over from the left side (remember the album is on the platform bottom first so the visual left side is the actual right side).

Simply measure from the back side of the line of type to the gold or silver line (or bottom edge). Then slide your cover over to the right and measure 1 inch from the left body side of the letter to the left gold or silver line (or side edge)

Clamping the album in this position is tricky and can be accomplished by using the thin wooden spine attachments. Put one on the left side in the front and one on the right side in the rear and clamp them both. Check your clamps to make sure they will not get touched by the typeholder during printing. Adjust if necessary

Spines

Scrap books only. Most spines are printed in the same manner as the Front Cover - Method #1. This presents the name on the spine running from top to bottom, letters side by side , like the books on a library shelf.

Spines easily slide out from the album cover sleeves. They are easy to stamp and set up on the platform. Spines are generally made from the same fabric material as the cover and pasted on a light weight card stock. The fabric covers all but a 1 to 1/2inch margin on each side of the spine. The cardboard margins have a curved edge at the top and a squared edge at the bottom.

You will use some special attachments designed to make your spine printing fast and easy. You will need your ruler, 2 clamps, red rubber cushion pad and the 2 thin wooden spine slats.

First, set the type into the typeholder using Method #1. Make a test stamp and proof your copy. Then place your typeholder up in the typesetting position. Next take the spine and turn it sideways so the rounded margin edge (the top) is to the left and the squared margin edge (the bottom) is to the right. With the spine in your hands, take the red rubber pad and hold it horizontally under the natural bend that runs through the middle of the spine. Now slide the spine onto the platform so the right card stock margin rests on the back gauge bar (remember, the rounded edge is to the left and the squared edge is to the right). Keep both hands in place and eyeball for center.

Since the spine is approximately 12 1/4 inches wide you can easily feel with the fingers of each hand an approximate overhang of about 1/8 inch on each side of the platform. Now push down and smooth out the natural bend of the spine. Hold it down with one hand and place a paper weight in the middle. Now your hands are free to finish.

Next take the wooden slats and place one on the right side, vertically, running from the back gauge bar to the front of the platform. Secure it with a spring clamp. Do the same

with the left side. Check your clamps to make sure they will not get touched by the typeholder during printing. Adjust if necessary

Now bring your typeholder down to the printing position and measure for placement. Placement for spines is almost always centered equally 3 7/8 inches from the back and to the front. However since the spines are movable in the cover small discrepancies in center are easily adjusted.

You are now ready to stamp the spine. Use the same procedure as covers and remember to concentrate on your variables of Heat, Dwell, & Pressure.

Make sure your red cushion pad is running side to side underneath the imprint area. If it is not, you will have an uneven surface which will result in a misprint.

If the customer wants a year, date, or the word "Volume" printed horizontally on the spine then use the same type setting Method #2 for the Bottom Front Cover.

If your engraving order calls for more than one line simply follow the steps outlined above and then remove the first line of copy. Place the second line of copy into the typeholder. Use your steel ruler to measure an additional 3/4-inch to 1-inch space from the original gold line. If you started with a 3-inch placement from the top gold (or silver) line, an additional inch would put you at 4 inches from the top gold line. Use your precision line finder to move the platform.

Next, lay your red rubber pad over the cover. Over the pad place a piece of card stock and make a test stamp of the second line. Proof your copy, remove the red rubber pad and stamp your second line.

By now you should clearly understand all the variables of Foil Stamping. You should have made many practice stamps on paper, card stock, and perhaps some old album covers.

Good Advice

Some of the important things to remember when stamping is to select an area that provides you with adequate working space for your machine, type, new album orders and completed albums. A good clean,organized workplace helps you maintain efficiency and quality.

Also select an area that is free of distraction. If you plan to print at an event or function, make sure that your host has a stamping area that is set aside from the group. You want to concentrate on your work at all times. Talking with customers slows down your productivity and increases your chances for error. Take breaks every 2 hours and socialize after the event.

Important Check Points (short version)

Review your test stamp. Insure the line is centered left to right Measure and set placement at proper distance from the top. Make certain the type line is parallel to the gold (silver) line. Mentally review the variables of imprinting. Check your Heat 225F to 250F Pressure is firm ,Dwell is quick.. Make your stamp Lift up the type holder and inspect your imprint. Make a second stamp (if necessary)

Other Helpful Things

Your album system may come with one or more sets of type. Your customers may want a choice between script and block style lettering. You may purchase additional sets to meet your customers' needs.

We recommend you take a conservative approach to purchasing type. Purchase only what you are certain your customers want and need. It is our experience that you will have a demand for a smaller set. We recommend the 24pt Goudy cursive as the first purchase. This set is used for smaller albums and for placing names at the bottom right corner of the 12 x 12 baby albums. This set matches the Goudy cursive that came with your system. You can also purchase the 24pt Times Roman, which also matches your larger set.

We have a large selection of graphics or "dies". These are very popular and look fabulous in combination with any line of text. These items are also an added income opportunity for you. The more unique designs you have to offer the more you are able to sell to your customer. You will find a list of our dies in this manual.

You can also have custom dies or logos made for corporate customers. If you find clip art or designs that you would like to have made as a die for your customers, simply send us clean, laser quality artwork, the exact size you want and we will make the die for you. Cost for custom dies vary with size. Please refer to the custom die chart in the type manual to determine cost.

We Work Together

We are committed to your success. We have tried to include everything you need to create a successful engraving service. However you must be committed to your own success as well. You have chosen the very best machine possible for memory albums. The demand for your service is huge and growing. All you need to add is desire and hard work.

We will support you in every way possible. Please be sure to call us if you have any questions at 888-375-8375 or 661-272-0500. You can normally reach someone from the hours of 7:30AM to 4:00 PM PST. Feel free to call us for anything. We are committed to your success! Thank you for choosing Aamstamp!

EQUIPMENT WARRANTY

Aamstamp Machine Company warrants its Machine Series Equipment for a period of 3 Years (36 Months) from the date of purchase. We warrant our accessories and fixtures for a period of 1 year (12 months) from the date of purchase. These warranties are extended solely to the original purchaser. Our sole obligation under this warranty is to repair or replace the defective merchandise, at our option, after our verification that stated defects are not resulting from one of the below listed excluded items. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is given. Any warranty implied by law including warranties for any particular purpose or merchantability is limited to a duration of one year from the date of purchase. Excluded from this warranty are defects resulting from improper application or installation, abuse, misuse, disassembly, alteration, unauthorized attempts at repair, accidental or negligent use, or removal, defacement or alteration of equipment, original identification, accessories or other circumstances beyond our direct control. This warranty specifically excludes consequential or indirect damages, shipping damages, damage to product or loss of prospective profits. Defects discovered after three years will be deemed ordinary wear and tear. Aamstamp Machine Company requires for the length of this warranty that all repairs or upgrades of our equipment be performed by Aamstamp Products authorized personnel only. We further strongly recommend that all future repairs or upgrades of our equipment should be performed by authorized personnel only. The Above warranties are subject to extension. For information on extended warranties please contact us at 888-375-8375

Return Policy All returns must be made within 14 days of the receipt of the product as verified by United Parcel Services Online Tracking System. Any return must be properly packaged in the original packaging and have a return authorization number marked on the outside of the box. Authorization numbers can be obtained by contacting Customer Service. Any return or box not having a return authorization number on it will be refused. All returns other than defective merchandise will be charged a 25% restocking fee.

Used Foil and opened Type are not returnable