Applicator Head

The only component in the Apquip system which requires particular alignment attention is the applicator head;  the head must be clean and correctly aligned in order to function properly.   

Alignment

Visual alignment of the applicator head has proven the most reliable method.   Alignment should be performed with a wood joint stopped directly in front of the head.  A white card or a flashlight placed behind the joint may make it easier to check the head clearance in poorly lit environments. 

At no point should the applicator head touch the wood during an adhesive application. The applicator head should not move, not even slightly, as the wood passes through the applicator fingers.  Mechanical wear caused by misalignment will limit the life of the head.

The applicator head need not be realigned each time the cutter heads are changed, provided the dimensions of the wood joint remain the same.  However, a check of the applicator head alignment with each cutter head change will also provide a quick verification of correct cutter head alignment.

For edge glue or face glue applications, the applicator should just contact the wood surfaces at an approximate 45° angle.