Resetting American numbering machine

Bob:

You should be able to partially depress the plunger and that will release the lock so that you will be able to turn the wheels to reset them to whatever number you require.

John Henry

Thanks, John! I knew it had to be something straightforward but because I’ve never used the thing I had not had reason to learn about it until now. This is what makes Briar Press great.

Bob

Bob:

Don’t feel too bad. I had used the machines for several years without realizing that I could depress the zeroes by rocking them back just a bit and putting a little pressure on them. I printed lots of tickets with numbers preceeded by 3 or four zeroes. My customers never questioned it and thought that was just how I had to do it. I was in High School at the time. Once I got to college, I discovered the secret to depressed zeroes.

Bob:

Don’t feel too bad. I had used the machines for several years without realizing that I could depress the zeroes by rocking them back just a bit and putting a little pressure on them. I printed lots of tickets with numbers preceeded by 3 or four zeroes. My customers never questioned it and thought that was just how I had to do it. I was in High School at the time. Once I got to college, I discovered the secret to depressed zeroes.

Thanks for that additional tip, John — I accidentally depressed one of the zeros and had no idea how I did it. Now I can do it on purpose!

Bob

To sink the zeros turn no to the zero or nought is at the face apply gentle pressure with thumbnail and roll the wheel so the next digit starts to appear and you should feel the zero drop, at this point roll the wheel back the other way till the zero has sunk and you can see it has aligned with the other faces on either side of ti . Its a bit of a knack thing but once mastered its not difficult.
Sometimes the digit will sink but not align as it should and the edge of the sunken digit will partially print ,in this case you may get away with utilising thumb nail again just to force it to its alignment , if this fails you need to strip the box and clean it or if necessary replace the shaft .