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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.

1. 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.

2. Assemble the dies into the Die Holder.
3. 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

4. Line up the holes of the dies with the holes of the die holder.
5. Slide in the “quick release” pins, all the way.

6. 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.

7. 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.

1. Place the “U” tip on the end of the steel.
2. 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!)
3. 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.

4. 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.