For example, when you are driving too fast and rocketing into a school-reduced speed zone.

Or when operating a Johnson Press punch press with a rated tonnage that ranges from 10 to over 200 tons (depending on the particular model).

So, to slow down and save lives, we examine common issues with the brake monitoring system on a Johnson Press, specifically the reset.

We explore when this is necessary and how to do it.

First, let’s get broad.

Common Issues With the Johnson Press Brake Monitoring System

For less experienced machinists or highly skilled ones new to a punch press, here are some common Johnson Press brake issues:

1. Brake Lamp Activation: The “Brake” lamp lights up, indicating the system has tripped and the press is inoperable.
2. Erratic Stopping: The press may stop inconsistently or not at all, suggesting a malfunction in the brake or limit switches.
3. Failure to Reset: The brake monitoring system may not reset properly, preventing the press from resuming normal operation.

If any of these issues occur, a thorough inspection and reset may be necessary.

Reasons for Johnson Press Brake Monitoring Reset

We’ve looked at common brake issues. Let’s get a little more detail on what might cause a brake reset.

1. Tripped Brake Monitoring System: The system may trip if the brake does not function correctly, indicated by the “Brake” lamp lighting up, rendering the press inoperable (see above).
2. Safety Compliance: Resetting ensures that the press operates safely and adheres to operational standards after an issue or maintenance to the machine.
3. Operational Readiness: A reset is necessary to restore functionality and allow the press to resume normal operations after troubleshooting or adjustments.

On the third point above, what constitutes “adjustments?”

These could be changes to the brake system, clutch settings or limit switches. 

It’s a good idea to always refer to the maintenance logs and procedures to determine if a reset is necessary after any such adjustments.

So now we know the problem. What’s the solution?

Safe Procedure for Johnson Press Brake Monitoring Reset

Here’s the step-by-step…

1. Ensure Safety First: Before starting, lock out the disconnect switch and block the ram up to prevent accidental movement.
2. Check Manual Test Plungers: Depress both manual test plungers on the solenoid valve to open the brake shoes and inspect the brake lining wear.
3. Follow Reset Steps: 
   • Turn the run/reset selector to “reset.”
   • Place the press in “Inch” mode and start the motor.
   • Inch the press to the top of the stroke.
   • Turn the run/reset selector back to “run.”
   • Select the desired mode of operation.

But wait…

…You might need replacement parts for your Johnson Press brake reset!

Parts to Consider for Johnson Press Punch Press Brake System Reset

What might those parts be?

1. Brake Linings: If the linings show signs of wear or uneven thickness, replacement may be necessary.
2. Limit Switches: If the limit switches are not functioning correctly, new switches may need to be purchased.
3. Brake Spring: A new brake spring may be required if the existing one is worn or not providing adequate compression.
4. Clutch Components: If the clutch is not releasing properly, parts such as friction discs or springs may need replacement.

Johnson Press was a company known for producing a range of mechanical and hydraulic presses used in various industrial applications.

Their machinery was primarily manufactured in the mid-20th century, from the 1940s to the 1980s.

Where do I find JP parts in the 21st century!?

LeBlond Provides Johnson Press OES Parts

We may be known for lathes, but LeBlond also provides Original Equipment Supplier parts for a variety of machine lines.

Like Johnson Press.

We will need your JP punch press serial number to get you parts. You can find it here:

If you need affordable Johnson Press OES parts,

• Order common replacement parts ONLINE.
• If you can’t find your part from our Inventory Available feature, call us at +1 (888) 532-5663 (Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm ET)
• Or just leave a comment below.

We look forward to hearing from you!

• Request for Quote for Manufacturing Parts
• How Does Our New Industrial Components Tool Work?
• What Are You Waiting For?
• Our Machine Components Are OES. Huh!?
• Need Online Quoting for Machines? We Have You Covered!
• Get Parts & Reduce Costs with a High-Speed Lathe
• Here’s Where the Manufacturing Begins! 
• Why Does Quote Customization Matter?
• Try Out Our New Inventory Available Feature & Get Free Merch
• Key Takeaways

You need manufacturing parts or machine tool replacement parts for LeBlond and its sister product lines.

You know better than to ask for a catalog and want the convenience of online shopping.

Are you stuck with eBay and Amazon?

No longer!

Yes, we have a new online system with some eCommerce capabilities. We also have a spectacular offer to promote this new Inventory Available feature. Get details at the end of this post!

Request for Quote for Manufacturing Parts

With our New Inventory Available Feature, you’ll be able to build your request for a quote for the following manufacturing parts brands:

• LeBlond
• K.O. Lee
• Standard Modern
• Johnson Press & Deka Drill

How Does Our New Industrial Components Tool Work?

LeBlond understands how difficult it is to find the exact part that your vintage machine tool needs.

Our new feature will make it easy for you to find them per brand as shown below.

Currently, we feature Deka Drill and Johnson Press parts with LeBlond, K.O. Lee, and Standard Modern parts coming soon.

While navigating the product pages, you’ll see the updated inventory parts photos of our fast-moving parts. You can select the desired part and quantity.

 If you don’t see the part you’re looking for, don’t stress. 

It’s business as usual. Just click or tap the custom quote button, fill in the information, submit and we’ll contact you!

We have hundreds of parts in-house. If your desired part is not in stock, we most likely have the prints to have it made!

Add a part by selecting “ADD TO RFQ”. RFQ stands for Request for Quote.

Choose as many parts as you need and after you’re done, scroll to the top or button of the page. You’ll see a “Product successfully added to RFQ – VIEW RFQ” button.

This will take you to a “check out page” where you’ll see a list of the items you have selected.

Keep scrolling and you’ll find a short form that will ask for your contact information, billing address, shipping information, a “How Did You Hear About Us?” question with options as well as a section to include questions or comments.

Let’s review each of these sections and highlight some key elements.

Contact Information

We’ll review your information, keep it private and track your quote effectively.

Billing Address

This section is vital for RFQ processing, order verification, security, legal compliance, and customer convenience. We adhere to the strictest standards to protect your data.

Shipping Information

You’ll find this section divided into UPS and UPS Shipping Information.

UPS

You’ll be able to select whether you want prepaid or collect shipping. The key difference between prepaid and collect shipping is who covers the shipping costs.

Prepaid shipping involves the shipper paying upfront while collect shipping involves the recipient using their internal UPS account for shipping charges.

Another form field asks for your UPS account number if collect.

UPS Shipping Information

Has three options for you to choose from: Ground, 2nd Day Air and Red. 

Here are details on the three UPS options:

• Ground Shipping: Economical, slower option for non-time-sensitive shipments.
• 2nd Day Air: Expedited service with delivery guaranteed within two business days.
• Next Day Air (Red Shipping): Expedited service with delivery guaranteed on the next business day.

“How Did You Hear About Us?”

This section is essential because it provides LeBlond with valuable information to improve our online systems and overall quality, allowing us to create better content such as this blog or a YouTube tutorial.

Questions and Comments

Any comment or question is welcome. Here at LeBlond, we strongly believe that your opinion has a powerful impact. You’re a key contributor!

What Are You Waiting For?

You now know how it works. Now try it! We might have a mystery gift for you. Keep scrolling for details!

Our Machine Components Are OES. Huh!?

Yes, “OES” stands for “Original Equipment Supplier”.

OES parts are designed to meet the exact specifications of the original parts installed by the manufacturer. 

These quality parts are often used in maintenance and repair to ensure compatibility and performance comparable to the original equipment.

Manufacturers lacking the capability to produce Original Equipment Supplier (OES) components lack access to the authentic blueprints and schematics needed for crafting these quality parts. 

Consequently, these components will not adhere to precise specifications, potentially leading to significant complications like: 

• Substandard aftermarket parts have a reduced operational lifespan, requiring more frequent replacements than OES counterparts.
• Misalignment between the aftermarket part and the machine’s other components may result in collateral damage, given the aftermarket part’s deviation from exact specifications.
• And more!

Need Online Quoting for Machines? We Have You Covered!

We have a Custom Quote feature too for new machines.

If you haven’t used it, here’s a brief explanation. 

Choose from lathes to CNC milling machines. 

First, click here to visit our Machine Sales page.

Select the machine type:

We’ll choose a lathe

Next, choose the machine model

We chose the RKL-1800 (18” Swing) – Gearhead Spindle

Next, choose the Center Distance

We chose the RKL1800G (18” Swing) – Geared Head Spindle – 90”

 Click on “Add to Your Custom Quote”

You’ll land on a form where you’ll add another quote or finalize your request.

Next, review your information and decide if you wish to add another machine or finalize your machine quote. Click on “FINALIZE YOUR MACHINE QUOTE”. 

Fill out your billing information and click on “Submit Your Quote Request” when you’re done.

Additionally, you can add accessories like a DRO, for example. If you want to know more about DROs we suggest you visit THIS POST.

Get Parts & Reduce Costs with a High-Speed Lathe 

Lathes are machines used for machining operations, specifically turning. 

Turning is a process in which a cylindrical workpiece is rotated against a cutting tool, and material is removed from the workpiece to create a desired shape.

Lathes are commonly used to produce parts with rotational symmetry, such as cylinders, cones, and spheres. They can be used to create a variety of components, including shafts, bolts, nuts, and other similar parts. 

Here’s Where the Manufacturing Begins! 

Want to know more about Precision High-Speed Lathes and production methods? 

What is a swing or center distance? 

Click here to get into the details of these machines of precision and reliability. Get ready to lower your production time with our top machinery.  

Why Does Quote Customization Matter?

Customized quotes address your specific needs and preferences. We tailor your instant quote to your situation and address your concerns directly.

Thanks to our Inventory Feature with eCommerce capabilities, you’ll benefit from online shopping with more security (humans handle payments).

• Grasp the details of the machine or part you want.
• Get an instant quote 
• Choose OES parts easily using different categories and options
• 100% Intuitive

Try Out Our New Inventory Available Feature & Get Free Merch

HURRY! 

The first ten people who submit a parts RFQ through our Inventory Available tool will get FREE LeBlond merch like t-shirts, koozies, hats, and more!

We hope this post has been helpful in detailing how to build custom quotes for quality parts and new machines.

• If you have any specific questions about the Inventory Available feature or machinery, please leave a comment and we’ll be happy to help.
• To use our new tool, click or tap HERE and look for the Inventory Available menu option at the top of the page.
• Or call us at (888) 532-5663 and select Option 2.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The K.O. Lee KOL40M and KOL60M Tool & Cutter Grinders come equipped with a handy attachment – the Radius Grinding Sharpener that is used for grinding and sharpening complex tool forms, primarily spherical surfaces.

The attachment consists of two slide bases from which you can make micrometer adjustments as well as an adjustable workhead. The grinder head has three degrees of movement: vertically, movement into the workpiece and tilt.

An operator usually sets these measurements and keeps them static while using the attachment on tool & cutter grinders. The holding fixture on these types of radius grinding sharpening attachments is a collet or chuck fixture that “indexes and has a separate Y movement to allow accurate depth setting and endmill sharpening,” according to Wikipedia in its discussion of tool & cutter grinders.

The workhead has M.T. No. 5 or No. 12 taper hole spindles. An operator can index a straight flute cutter by manipulating an index plate mounted on the back of the workhead.

When using the radius grinding sharpening attachment on K.O. Lee Universal Tool & Cutter grinders, you always sharpen the periphery of a milling cutter before creating the radius by holding the spindle perpendicular to the axis of the grinding wheel spindle or parallel with the movement of the machine table.

If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee grinders, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663 Ext. 202. If you’re interested in new LeBlond metal lathes or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.

AMT compiles research nationwide and regionally for domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment. AMT President Douglas K. Woods partially blames the soft numbers on a bad time of year and inclement weather.

“While monthly order totals are down from December, January is always a soft month and more so this year due to an unusually harsh winter,” said Woods. “Overall the news for manufacturing remains positive, with an improving housing market and strong indicators for near-term capital investment.”

The manufacturing outlook in the Americas looks stronger than other parts of the world such as Europe and Asia-Pacific, according to AutomationWorld:

The Americas fared well, with machinery production growing by 6.5 percent. The machinery market fared well in this region because of significant government investment in the U.S., plus the industry had the advantage of being a much more secure destination for investment than Europe during the prolonged sovereign debt crisis and austerity measures.

It’s important to note that industrial machinery does not only cover machine tools but agricultural equipment, packaging machinery, semiconductor equipment and robotics as well.

The machinery outlook in 2014 looks a shade brighter but still somewhat murky for Europe and North America “where growth continues to be subdued,” according to IHS Senior Analyst Andrew Robertson.

If you’re interested in new LeBlond lathes, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663. If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee machines or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.

The year-to-date machine tools orders totaled 2,349.38 million, down 2.7% from 2013. These numbers are compiled by AMT from companies participating in The United States Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) program and are based on actual data compiled by the trade association representing the production and distribution of manufacturing technology.

The USMTO report is a strong indicator of the vitality of domestic manufacturing since “manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity,” according to manufacturing.net.

AMT President Douglas K. Woods predicts moderate growth in the domestic machine tool sector.

“Order gains in June were driven by two factors – the end of the quarter and continued strength in key customer industries, especially automotive, aerospace, medical and energy,” said Woods. “What really warrants attention, however, is a rise in the average value of orders, as this suggests manufacturers are making investments in greater productivity as well as capacity. Our forecasts suggest continued moderate growth throughout the rest of the year and going into 2015.”

The Southeast was the strongest of the five regions in the United States at $214.05 million in manufacturing technology orders. The North Central-East was the second strongest region domestically with $119.32 million in orders.

Don’t miss our K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels promotion until September 30, 2014. To order new Expanding Mandrels, call Aaron at LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663 Ext. 202. If you’re interested in new LeBlond manual lathes, K.O. Lee grinders or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.

I was shopping at a low-cost box store with my wife and stumbled upon a three-pack of boxers for under $5. I couldn’t resist. I didn’t consider the brand or where it was manufactured … all I knew was they had my size and it was cheap, so I forked over the cash.

I soon discovered the downside to cheap things. When I washed the boxers, the elastic band unraveled. I never wore the $5 boxers for one lousy day!

My wife and I eventually bought several pairs of higher quality boxers. That was three years ago and I still have them today.

What is the lesson of this rant? Buy quality! We’ve all heard the sage advice – you get what you pay for.

K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels are quality and cost-effective to boot. Last July, we ran a post on how K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels reduce cost due to their wider range of expansion.

Here is a hypothetical case study:

Suppose we have Company A. They supply the automotive companies with parts. Company A is filling an order for engine parts. One of Company A’s machinists needs to create a cylinder sleeve 4” in diameter for the cylinder block. The machinist is machining the sleeve on a LeBlond RKL-1560V EVS manual lathe along with a KM5C, the part number for a K.O. Lee complete Expanding Mandrel (arbor and sleeve) that has a range of expansion from 3 ¼ – 4” (82.55 – 101.6mm).

The machinist is turning the outside diameter of the piston sleeve to the specs of his supplier by using the K.O. Lee KM5C mandrel (arbor and sleeve). This will save time on setup and the machining of the part on the lathe.

You can replace 3-4 mandrels with the one KM5C cited above. I went online last week and discovered that mandrels in the KM5C’s size range go for over a $100 a piece. That’s around $400 when compared to one K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrel!

So buy quality and save money, and also, stay away from cheap underwear …

Don’t miss our K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels promotion until September 30, 2014. To order new Expanding Mandrels, call Aaron at LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663 Ext. 202. If you’re interested in new LeBlond manual lathes, K.O. Lee grinders or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.

Constant surface speed (CSS) is a convenient feature that reduces the number of calculations that an operator needs to make because rpm does not need to be determined. Speed is measured directly in sfm or mpm, units that are broadly used by most manufacturers for recommended cutting speed.

CSS on LeBlond RKL Series manual lathes also provides a consistent workpiece finish. When an operator enables CSS in tandem with feed per revolution feed-rate mode, the finish will be consistent, regardless of the diameter of the workpiece being machined. CSS also optimizes tool life, as tools will always be machined at the appropriate speed.

Finally, using CSS on LeBlond RKL Series manual lathes optimizes machining time. Your cutting conditions will always be set correctly, leading to minimal machining time.

LeBlond Sales Manager Aaron Juillerat considers CSS an integral feature of the company’s manual lathes. “When a machinist or hobbyist uses constant surface speed on one of our manual lathes, he or she can feel confident that the cutting will be streamlined and result in less time bothering with upfront calculations,” says Juillerat. “CSS will also reduce tool wear.”

If you’re interested in new LeBlond RKL Series manual lathe, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663 Ext. 202. If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.

The mandrels bear the quality and superior workmanship consistent with the K.O. Lee brand, a subsidiary of the Cincinnati-based supplier LeBlond Ltd. LeBlond is part of a great machine tool tradition dating back as far as 1887.

K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels are a work-holding tool for production lines, tool rooms and home workshops. A novice or veteran machinist can use a full compliment of these tools to reduce cost and the need to stock a separate mandrel for each job.

With the general-purpose sets of arbors and sleeves, you have five units ranging from the KMO to the KM4. These sets have a range of expansion from 3/8” (9.53mm) to as wide as 2 ½” (139.7mm). With the competition’s mandrels, a machinist might need to buy as many as eight sets to attain this range.

K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels will hold work from thin sleeves and bushings to heavy castings and forgings. The tools are primarily used for grinding, turning and milling. The Expanding Mandrels are “Best-In-Class” and will hold work from thin sleeves and bushings to heaving castings and forgings.

If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee Expanding Mandrels, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663 Ext. 202. If you’re interested in new LeBlond metal lathes, K.O. Lee grinders or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.

Different types of reamers exist including hand reamers, straight-shanked and taper- shanked machine or chucking reamers, adjustable or expansion reamers, inserted tooth reamers and shell ones.

Check out the following video on the use and care of reamers that can be sharpened with K.O. Lee Universal Tool & Cutter grinders:

Don’t pay attention to the video at the 4:10 mark! Reamers can be sharpened, as mentioned, on K.O. Lee Universal Tool & Cutter grinders. With the exception of grinding the chamfer or leading taper, all solid reamers are reduced in size when their blades are ground on the periphery.

With these reamers, when the peripheral cutting land has become dull at the cutting edge, a cup wheel is used and the reamer is reduced to the next smaller size. Since most dullness occurs at the lead cutting edges, most sharpening consists of grinding only the chamfer or lead taper. Refer to this Practical Machinist forum post on tips for sharpening your reamers.

If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee grinders, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663 Ext. 202. If you’re interested in new LeBlond manual lathes or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.

Discounted K.O. Lee Tool & Cutter models are the KOL40M and KOL60M. Surface Grinder models include the KOL618/2A, KOL820/2A, KOL1020HS, KOL1224HS and KOL1632HS.

The KOL40M and the new, larger KOL60M Tool & Cutter Grinders can be used to increase the life of cutting tools by re-sharpening and shaping them. Both models feature a wheelhead that can be easily tilted up to 15 degrees or swiveled 360 degrees horizontally. K.O. Lee’s new KOL60M provides an additional 7” of workspace between workhead and tailstock. Both models are available with a large selection of optional attachments.

With table ranges from 6” x 18” up to 16” x 32,” K.O. manual and automatic Surface Grinders offer all of the accuracy of more expensive surface grinders but with the same quality features. The longitudinal and cross slide ways are precision hand-ground, then laminated with the thermoplastic resin Turcite-B to provide smooth, even travel with low wear and friction. The base, column and saddle are made of high-quality Meehanite cast iron that relieves stress and ensures rigid stability.

These K.O. Lee Surface Grinders feature dynamically balanced motors from 2 to 7.5 HP and hydraulic table traverse capability. The crossfeed on these models can be set to automatic mode for feed increments from 0.006” to 0.30.”

For larger operations, K.O. Lee’s new KOL1020HS, KOL1224HS and KOLSG1632HS Surface Grinder models have the space to accommodate expanding table sizes. These are not the only increase in functionality, as the KOL1020HS and 1632HS models allow for a host of new operations including automatic downfeed, NC parallel dressing and compensation to name a few.

If you’re interested in new K.O. Lee grinders, call LeBlond Ltd. at (888) 532-5663 Ext. 202. If you’re interested in new LeBlond metal lathes or need original OEM parts for LeBlond, K.O. Lee, Standard Modern, Johnson Press, Deka Drill and W.F. & John Barnes equipment, call (888) 532-5663.