The method of changing the ink pad in AutoStamps and in Self-Inking Stamps is generally the same, although different manufacturers of the machines tend to differ in the details.
When an AutoStamp or Self-Inking Stamp is at rest, just sitting on your desk, the rubber die (the part that actually makes the impression on the paper) is held tightly against the ink pad.
As you press down on the handle to print, the die moves away from the ink pad, flips over and comes into contact with the paper, leaving the impression. When you release the pressure on the handle, the die rotates back up to come into contact with the ink pad, ready for the next impression. If you'll pardon the pun, it's impressive engineering.
In order to change the ink pad in the machine, the die must be moved away from the ink pad. This is done by pressing down slightly on the machine, as if starting to print. On most AutoStamps and Self-Inking Stamps, there is a button, or pair of buttons, or pair of tabs which can be pressed to hold the stamp in the "partway down" position.
On some stamps, notably the Mini Auto Stamps, there are no buttons or tabs, and you must maintain a slight pressure on the top of the machine while changing the pad. If you fail to do this, the die will be knocked off by the pad as you change it.
While the die is in the "partway down" position, you can remove the old pad. Be careful to touch the pad only on the edges, or you may end up with inky fingers.
Most machines are able to have the pad removed or inserted from either the front or the back, but on some machines the pad has a lip or handle and can only be removed or inserted from the front.
If the machine can have the pad removed from either side, you may find it easier to push the old pad out the back by inserting the new pad in the front. This will probably help prevent ink on the fingers.
When inserting the new pad, make sure you have the ink surface facing toward the bottom of the stamping machine, so that when the die later comes into contact with it, it is resting on the surface of the ink pad, not the hard plastic back.
After inserting the new pad, test the machine to make sure it prints as expected.
If there is only a partial print, the pad may not be fully inserted, or the die may have been pushed off, if the handle wasn't pushed down far enough while changing the pad.
If there is no print, it may be because either of the two reasons above, or it may be because the pad is upside down.
If the print is as expected, you are ready to begin stamping.
Thank you for choosing your replacement pads from Toronto Stamp. |