On-line Instructions for the Bone Tipping Machine/Tool
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All the bones above were tipped with the Bone
Tipping Machine/Tool (currently discontinued)
Regardless of which machine or tool you use with the bone tipping dies
the process is basically the same.
- Choose the appropriate die for the bones being tipped.
| Die Size |
Steel Bone |
Tip |
| 6mm dies |
47-8000-96
47-8000-series
50-8406-06
50-8206-series |
91-8015-06 |
| 10mm dies |
50-8001-96
50-8405-10 |
91-8016-11 |
Note: the 10mm die is used in all of the following photos.
- Assemble the dies into the Die Holder.
- Place the die holder on the machine base.
There are two pieces of each item required for the dies and die holder.
The photo below shows all the pieces prior to assembly.

Two “quick release” pins with rings in the ends to aid
removal from the die holder unit. Do not remove these rings and do not
lose the pins!
Two pieces make up the die holder, the bottom piece has the two posts
rising from the base and the top part has the two holes for the posts
to fit through. Each post has a spring, these springs are integral to
the functioning of the machine, do not remove them. If you look at the
interior base of both the top and bottom die holder you will see a grove
that runs the length of each piece. The width of the groove is not the
same on top and bottom pieces so you cannot set the dies incorrectly
– the male die always goes in the top groove.
Two pieces create each size of die, there is a “male” and
a “female” die piece to create a whole die for each size.
Always be sure that both male and female die pieces are of the same
size!
ASSEMBLING THE DIES AND DIE HOLDER
- Separate the top and bottom die holder by simply pulling the top
section off.
- Remove “quick release” pins from die holder.
- Slide the die pieces into the correct die holder section based on
which die fits which groove – male section is always in the
top of the die holder.
- Be sure both dies are the same size.
- Be sure the dies are both facing the correct direction so that they
fit together when the top and bottom die holders come down. See Photo
below

- Line up the holes of the dies with the holes of the die holder.
- Slide in the “quick release” pins, all the way.
- Replace the top of the die holder on to the posts of the bottom
die holder. Slide it down into place, so that it is resting on the
springs.

- CHECK that the dies are facing the same direction – if they
are and they are the same size then they will automatically be lined
up correctly.
You are ready to place the die holder onto a hand or arbor press tool.

The die holder has been designed to fit various hand press/arbor press
tools and it does not attach to them but rests on the base of them.
This allows you to angle the die holder so that it is comfortable for
you to use regardless of how your hand press operates or if you are
right or left handed.
TIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
The process of tipping is now quite simple.
For spring steel/white steel bones, hoop steel and large spiral there
is only 3 steps.
- Place the “U” tip on the end of the steel.
- Slide the end with the “U” tip into the groove of the
bottom/female die, as far as it will go. (The steel bone will not
lay flat in the groove but will slide in at an angle!)
- Slowly bring the handle of the machine/tool down to press the tip
on to the steel bone.
Moving fast and hard is NOT advantageous! The machines/tools have
enough power.
Remove your steel bone and check the set of the tip, if necessary press
again. It is not often needed.
For tipping the small ¼” spiral bones you may need a few
more steps as it is smaller than the die.
Follow steps 1-3 above.
- Remove the steel and re-enter it into the die vertically so that
you are holding it on its edge. Pull the handle of the machine/tool
down again. Remove the steel bone and re-enter it into the die flat
side down and again pull the handle down. It is amazing how quickly
the three presses can be done, still faster than pliers, with a better
more permanent grip and with no strain on your hands.