Owner’s Manual

Congratulations on your purchase of a Preusch Four-String Binder. The concept of the four-string binder has been around for years. Two pairs of opposing spools simultaneously wind and counter-wind the rod section in a single pass. When properly tuned, this canceling effect will bind sections perfectly straight every time. The unique design of the Preusch Binder provides total speed control and hands-free operation, allowing you to concentrate on your rod section, rather than having to struggle with the equipment. Please observe the following instructions and recommendations to get the most from your Preusch Binder.

TIM PREUSCH & CO.

CLARKSVILLE, ARKANSAS

Initial Setup

Your binder should be bolted securely to a flat work surface for rigidity and stability.

Connect the foot control to the receptacle in the right-hand side of the unit.

Routing the Drive Belt (Fig. 1)

A temporary yarn belt is installed on your Preusch Four-String Binder to eliminate rattle damage during shipping and to illustrate the proper routing of the drive belt. This temporary belt must be replaced with the neoprene belt before using the binder.

1. First, install the belt across the two lower idler pulleys (A). Press the belt firmly into each of the pulley grooves.

2. Holding one side of the belt in each hand (like the reins of a horse) bring both sides up and over the spindle heads (B) making sure the belt lays into the spindle head grooves.

3. Stretch the belt around the fixed idler (C) and motor pulley.

4. Draw back the tensioning pulley (D) and pass the belt to the inside as shown.

It is recommended that the belt be removed when the binder is not in use to avoid causing a set, or kink, at the points of contact with the pulleys. These kinks will cause rough operation and could result in the belt coming loose and damaging the rod section. If kinks do develop, soak the belt in hot water (not boiling) for 5 - 10 minutes and then lay it out on a flat surface to cool. A spare belt is included with your binder, and replacements are available for re-order.

Installing Thread Spools (Fig. 2)

For best results, use a 100% cotton hand quilting thread (Coats&Clark #V62-N) available at most fabric or department stores. This thread is strong enough to bind firmly and is capable of withstanding the temperatures of heat-treating. A 65% cotton/polyester hand quilting thread is also acceptable.

A set of alternating metal and nylon flat washers is included on each of the four spool holders. Install the thread spool with an equal number of washers on either side.

(You will notice that there are two metal washers side-by-side in the middle of the stack. The spool goes between these.)

* Be sure to mount each spool such that the thread unrolls from the outer side of the spool as shown.

Setting Thread Tension (Tuning)

Proper tuning is crucial for maintaining straight rod sections. In order for the forces to cancel out, the tension in all four spools must be equal. Opinions vary as to the optimum amount of thread tension for various types of rod sections. Some makers use as little as 8 oz. for tips and as much as 24 oz. for butt sections. A thread tension of 11 oz. will work well both for tips and butts up to about a 6wt rod. You may want to experiment with different tensions to determine what works best for you.

1. Pass the thread through the closest guide and attach the tensioning weight.

2. Tighten the wing nut enough to hold the weight unsupported.

3. With the weight hanging freely, slowly loosen the wing nut until the weight just begins to drop.

4. Gradually re-tighten the wing nut until the weight stops.

5. Repeat for all four spools.

A set of tuning weights is included with your binder. By using various combinations of weights, you can achieve any increment from 1 to 16 oz. The number of ounces is stamped on the top of each, with the j-bolt & nut weighing 1 oz.

Binding a Rod Section

* Before binding a rod section, insert a 3x5 index card into each of the axle tubes. This will permit any excess glue to be easily removed from the inside of the tubes, and eliminate any problems from a very hard-to-clean area. The time saved will be well worth it.

1. After carefully tuning the thread tension in each spool, bring the four threads together and pull out about 6 or 8 inches.

2. Begin twisting the four threads into a single “rope”. The object of this is to gather the threads together and keep them from tangling in the thread guides. Continue twisting until the V of the threads comes together well inside the path of the guides.

3. Insert the rod section through one of the axle tubes and slowly begin wrapping, taking care to keep the thread “rope” clear of the guides.

4. After 5 or 6 turns are in place, stop and trim the rope to about 2 or 3 inches.

5. Resume wrapping and steadily feed the rod section through. Four String Binders are not self-feeding; you must push the rod through. Avoid forcing the rod through too quickly, as this could cause the threads of one spindle head to tangle in the guides of the other. If the spools are properly tuned, you can feed the rod through with one finger. Any rotation or oscillation (wobble) means that the tension in one or more spools is unequal.

6. As you approach the end of the section, slow the binder and allow the thread to wrap completely off the end.

7. Continue running the binder as you pull the rod section clear of the final axle tube. This will form a braid that will hold the threads together for the next section.

8. Cut the braid allowing 5 or 6 inches to tie an overhand loop for hanging the section.

Cleanup and Maintenance

The Preusch Four-String Binder is treated with a clear Teflon coating to resist the adhesion of epoxy-based glues. Do Not Use solvents or abrasives when cleaning. Allow the glue to cure, then gently flake it away. Be sure to remove the index cards from the axle tubes before the glue dries.

The idler pulleys should occasionally be lubricated with a silicone-based dry lubricant.

Be sure to remove the belt, disconnect the foot control, and unplug the power cord when the binder is not in use

Notes and Precautions:

Your Preusch Binder is capable of speeds much higher than you will find necessary. Exercise restraint. Resist the temptation to “really make that baby scream.” (It’s not easy, I know. But it would be a shame to ruin 20 or 30 hours of work by crashing a tip.)

Always start with the High/Low speed switch on Low (down). If you find that the motor is bogging down under heavy thread tension, then switch to High.

As with all machinery, exercise caution while operating. Although the risk of serious injury is minimal, there are moving parts that could yield some uncomfortable surprises. This is not a toy, and should not be used by children under 16 years of age without proper supervision.

The tuning weights contain lead. Treat them accordingly.

All the Common & Standard disclaimers apply. Small parts… Choking hazard… Not a flotation device… that sort of thing. Basic common-sense stuff.