RIDGID 1233 - User Manual

The RIDGID 300 Compact and 1233 Threading Machines are electric motor-driven tools designed for centering, chucking, and rotating pipe, conduit, and bolt stock while performing cutting, reaming, and threading operations. They are equipped with an integral oiling system with an adjustable flow rate to ensure the work is flooded with thread cutting oil during operation. With appropriate optional equipment, these machines can also be used for threading larger pipe sizes (2 1/2" - 4"), short or close nipples, or for roll grooving.

Important Technical Specifications:

Compact Threading Machine:

Pipe Threading Capacity (Nominal Pipe Size): 1/8 to 2 inch (3 to 50 mm)
Bolt Threading Capacity (Actual Stock Diameter): 1/4 to 2 inch (6 to 50 mm)
LH Threads: Yes (units with REV only)
Rated Motor Power (HP): 1/2 HP (0.37 kW)
Motor Type: Universal Motor, Single Phase
Electrical Information:
- 36 RPM: 115 V, 50/60 Hz, 12 AMP; 230 V, 50/60 Hz, 8 AMP
- 52 RPM: 115 V, 50/60 Hz, 18 AMP
Operating Speed: 1700 W (36 RPM); 2100 W (52 RPM version available)
Controls: Rotary Type REV/OFF/FWD (2/0/1) switch and ON/OFF foot switch. Some units use an OFF/ON Rocker Switch in place of the Rotary Switch.
Front Chuck: Hammer-Type with replaceable Rocker-Action Jaw Inserts
Rear Centering Device: Scroll operated, rotates with Chuck
Die Heads: See RIDGID Catalog for available Die Heads
Cutter: Model 360, 1/8" - 2" Full Floating, Self Centering Cutter
Reamer: Model 344, 1/8" - 2" Reamer
Oil System: Reservoir Capacity 3.2 qt (3 l), with integrated Gerotor Pump, adjustable flow rate
Weight (Unit with Die Head): 141 lb (64 kg)

Threading Machine:

Pipe Threading Capacity (Nominal Pipe Size): 1/8 to 3 inch (3 to 80 mm)
Bolt Threading Capacity (Actual Stock Diameter): 3/8 to 2 inch (9.5 to 50 mm)
LH Threads: No
Rated Motor Power (HP): 1/2 HP (0.37 kW)
Motor Type: Universal Motor, Single Phase
Electrical Information: 115 V, 50/60 Hz, 15 AMP; 230 V, 50/60 Hz, 8 AMP
Operating Speed: 1700 W (36 RPM)
Controls: Rotary Type REV/OFF/FWD (2/0/1) switch and ON/OFF foot switch. Some units use an OFF/ON Rocker Switch in place of the Rotary Switch.
Front Chuck: Hammer-Type with replaceable Rocker-Action Jaw Inserts
Rear Centering Device: Scroll operated, rotates with Chuck
Die Heads: See RIDGID Catalog for available Die Heads
Cutter: Model 763, 1/4" - 3", Self Centering Cutter
Reamer: Model 743, 1/4" - 3", 5-Fluted Reamer
Oil System: Reservoir Capacity 3.2 qt (3 l), with integrated Gerotor Pump, adjustable flow rate
Weight (Unit with Die Head): 165 lb (75 kg)

Usage Features:

Mounting Options: The machines can be mounted on various RIDGID Threader Stands, a level and stable bench using four 1/4" - 20 UNC bolts, or on pipe legs (four 1" (25 mm) pipes cut to 33" (0.84 m) length, secured with 10 mm hex bolts).
Pre-Operation Inspection: Before each use, a thorough inspection is required, including checking the power cord and plug, foot switch, warning labels, and the condition of dies, cutter wheel, and reamer cutting edges.
Work Area Set-Up: The work area should be clean, well-lit, stable, dry, and adequately ventilated. Proper grounding of the electrical outlet is crucial. Pipe stands are recommended for supporting long or heavy pipes.
Die Head Set-Up: The machines support Quick-Opening, Self-Opening, and Receding Self-Opening Die Heads. Dies are inserted with numbered edges up, aligning with corresponding slots. Thread size can be adjusted by aligning the link index mark on the size bar or by slightly offsetting it for larger/smaller diameters.
Cutting: The cutter is opened by turning the feed screw counterclockwise, lowered into position, and aligned with the mark on the pipe. The feed screw handle is tightened while the foot switch is depressed to cut the pipe.
Reaming: The reamer is moved into position, the REV/OFF/FWD switch is set to FWD, the foot switch is depressed, and the carriage handwheel is used to feed the reamer into the pipe.
Threading Pipe: The die head is lowered into threading position, closed, and the REV/OFF/FWD switch is set to FWD. The carriage handwheel is used to start the die head onto the pipe, with cutting oil flowing. The die head automatically opens when the thread is complete (for self-opening models).
Threading Bar Stock/Bolt Threading: Similar to pipe threading, ensuring the correct dies and die head are used. Bolt threads can be cut to desired lengths.
Left Hand Threading: Possible with the 300 Compact machine (REV/OFF/FWD switch only) by changing oil pump connections to allow oil flow in reverse and using left-hand die heads and dies.
Pipe Removal: After threading, the pipe is loosened from the chuck by turning the handwheel counterclockwise, and then removed from the machine.
Thread Inspection: Threads should be visually inspected for smoothness and completeness. A ring gauge is the preferred method for checking thread size, ensuring the pipe end is flush with the gauge side plus or minus one turn. Alternatively, a new clean fitting can be used to gauge hand-tight engagement (4-5 turns for 2" and under NPT, 3 turns for BSPT; 5.5-6 turns for 2 1/2"-3" NPT, 4 turns for BSPT).

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: After each use, the chip tray should be emptied, and any oil residue wiped off, especially from exposed surfaces and carriage rails. Jaw inserts can be cleaned with a wire brush to remove pipe scale.
Lubrication: All exposed moving parts (carriage rails, cutter wheels and rollers, cutter feed screw, jaw inserts, pivot points) should be lubricated monthly (or more often) with a light lubricating oil.
Oil System Maintenance: The oil filter screen, located at the bottom of the reservoir, should be kept clean for sufficient oil flow. Thread cutting oil should be replaced when dirty or contaminated. The oil pump should self-prime; if not, it indicates pump wear and requires service.
Replacing Cutter Wheel: If the cutter wheel is dull or broken, the pin should be pushed out, and the wheel replaced. The pin should also be checked for wear and replaced if necessary.
Replacing Jaw Inserts: Worn jaw inserts that do not grip pipe should be replaced. This involves turning a screwdriver in the insert slot to remove the old insert and pressing the new insert onto the locking pin, then turning it so the teeth face up.
Replacing Carbon Brushes: Motor brushes should be checked every 6 months and replaced if worn to less than 1/2". This involves unplugging the machine, removing the motor cover, unscrewing brush caps, inspecting brushes and commutator, and then reassembling.