GRAPHOTYPE.net BLOG

I have been asked to explain why in my previous post I said a Graphotype machine is not worth $5000.00, yet there is another machine on eBay listed for $2000.00 . . .

Graphotype 6381 on pallet ready to ship and make dog tags

Yes, I agree with you there is a 6300 Class machine listed for $2000.00 on eBay. 

So the question has to be asked – is this machine priced correctly?  Well, depends upon how you look at this machine – the answer is both yes and no – read on we will explain. 

The 6300 Class machine listed for sale for $2000.00 is being offered by a Graphotype DEALER.  

Let’s look at the sellers description: 

“Graphotype 6381
Military Dog Tag Machine
Recent refurbish is palletized and ready for shipping or pickup.
We will ship this unit to you for free including insurance.
We also offer the installation service from our techs.
You pay for the flight or the trip cost and we will install this machine at you location and give you 2 days training on its use.
Hotel stay would be paid by you.
We have sold many of these on eBay and elsewhere and this is one of the better units we have seen.
It is a later version because it has the solenoid for the upper case. This is the same as the 6400 models.

Unit has perfect dies and will come with . . .

1 user manual
1 repair manual
1 bottle of durovis
100 dogtags in stainless
100 chains. 

Enough to get you started making money with this machine.”

Ready out of the box to make dog tags. Turn-Key with support.

What are you really getting when you buy this machine?

The seller of this machine is offering a fully refurbished/reconditioned machine.
This machine is guaranteed to make Dog Tags immediately upon delivery to the buyer.
This machine comes with free shipping to the buyer.
This machine comes with one operator manual (Reference Manual)
This machine comes with one repair manual (Service Manual)
This machine comes with DuroVis oil – recommended oil for this machine.
This machine comes with 100 dog tags and 100 chains.

More importantly, this machine comes with a 100% guarantee that it will make dog tags immediately upon receipt to the buyer.  We personally know this seller and we also know that he will warranty the machine.  This seller will also give you pre sales support as well as post sales support.  The seller will also provide you with sources of supply to keep your dog tag business running.

Later version of 6300 Class Graphotype with solinoid present for use with the shift function on the keyboard.Rear view of Graphotype 6300 Class machine with guards and tag flattener

When a buyer is seeking a “turn key”, solution then the buyer should be expected to pay a premium and what is being offered here for $2000.00 is a true “turn key,” solution for someone who wants to make dog tags.

Debossed dog tag made on this machine as presented by the seller.

Back to the original question, is this machine worth $2000.00?  Only the buyer can determine the real value of this machine, but in our opinion you would be getting your money’s worth because of the seller, support and extras if you bought this machine.

So the answer to the question of if this 6300 Class machine is priced right at $2000.00, well . . .

The machine is priced right if you want a “turn-key,” business ready to go straight out of the box.

The machine is not priced right if you don’t need or want the value added services, accessories and “turn-key,” guarantee being offered by the seller.

Ultimately it is you the buyer that will determine if the $2000.00 price tag on this machine is too much or not.

Graphotype 6300 Class machine with keyboard and clip board.

For several months now there has been a Graphotype G1/ 6100 Class machine for sale on eBay and the seller is asking $4889.00

Graphotype G1/6100 Class machine with stand and tag flattener.

The description of the machine is:

“This is an Antique 1909 Graphotype Model G1 Metal Dog Tag Address Machine which came out of a New England estate and it is in good display and in working condition. It was made by the Addressograph Co. of Chicago, Ill., has patent dates which range from May 9, 1899 through May 11, 1909 with low serial number 2254. This visual marvel of a well made instrument likely made dog tags during WWI and II, can be used to make additional dog tags or other addressing labels and/or used for period display. It comes with an equally well built steel table which is unrivaled by todays standards measuring 19”x28”x28” and 76 pounds. The addressograph measures 16”x19”x29”, weighs 160 pounds and shipping is by special arrangement.” 

What is the problem with this whole auction?

Addressing Plate made on Graphotype G!/6100 that fits into a frame for use with an Addressograph addressing machine.

This auction has caused me great grief since its first posting months ago.  Anyone who has talked to me knows I love to talk about these machines; it is a passion of mine.  It frustrates me and I hate disappointing people that contact me everyday telling me they want to sell their G1/6100 class machine for $5000.00.  It makes me feel horrible and people get really upset when I tell them the retail value of this machine is about 30 to 35 times less than $5000.00.

Patent dates do not mean production date, latest patent date on this machine is 1909, this machine was made 1912 to 1925 as evident by the serial number and paint markings on this machine.

Let me make a few statements here and now: 

FACT: These machines are NOT rare.  I cannot put it any plainer, old does NOT constitute rare or valuable. 

FACT: If one could command $5000.00 for a G1/6100 Class machine I would be selling the machines we have in inventory – at that price I could sell ½ my inventory and retire. 

NOTE: If anyone is willing to offer $5000.00 per G1/6100 Class machine I will cut you a package deal, I will sell you all I have at $4500.00 per machine and I will deliver for free anywhere in the continental United States. 

FACT: G1/6100 Class machines were not used by the military in WWI, WWII or any war for making dog tags. 

FACT: The first mass use of Graphotype machines to make military dog tags was in WWII and it was the 6300 Class machines that were pressed into service. 

FACT: The G1/6100 Class machine DOES make a great dog tag machine. 

FACT: The G1/6100 Class machine is a great machine, easy to use, easy to master and robust enough to last longer than you will.  These machines are the Timex watches of Graphotype machines, simply put; they take a licking and keep on ticking. 

FACT: Just because someone has a machine listed on eBay for $5000.00 does not make it worth $5000.00 – these machines are only worth what the market will bear. 

FACT: The G1/6100 Class machine is so simple to use my eight year old has her own and has been making dog tags for some time. 

FACT: For low volume applications, first time dog tag makers, or someone that wants a really simple hardy machine that makes military dog tags the G1/6100 Class machine is hard to beat. 

FACT: If this machine sells for $5000.00 it will be an anomaly as the market will not sustain sales of these machines for that price.  We state throughout the Graphotype.net web site it’s a buyer’s beware market and that buyers should educate themselves before they turn loose of their hard earned money.  

BOTTOM LINE: There is a sucker born every day, maybe one will pay $5000.00 for this G1/6100 Class machine who knows?

Gook looking example of a G1/6100 Class machine, would make a good machine for anyone seeking this type of machine but at $5000.00 this machine is over priced. Look elsewhere for a more reasonably priced machine.

CASH – $1000.00 – CASH REWARD FOR RETURN OF STOLEN COMPUTER.

Computer was stolen 05-01-2010.
Computer is Dell Precision Workstation 390.

We are currently offering a $1000.00 CASH REWARD
NO QUESTIONS ASKED
REWARD is dependent upon the return of the workstation IF the hard drive is intact and has NOT been altered or damaged and CAD/CAM software can be accessed.

SERVICE TAGS are as follows:

Dell Precision WorkStation 390 – JLDY3D1

If you find the computer with the correct service tags please email us through craigslist and we will make arraignments to verify the integrity of the hard drives and data on hard drives and for reward details.

Service Tags can be located in two places. One is a tag on the case on the top of the machine, this tag will be black with white or silver lettering and it will list the Service tag number and express service code. The other location will be a paper tag on the rear of the machine near the top by the power supply and it will be a white tag with black lettering that will have the service tag number printed on it.

Computer had proprietary CAD (Computer Aided Design) software and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software installed on the hard drives.

Machine had a floppy drive installed. Machine had a media card reader installed.

See photograph to identify what the computer should look like.

The load from Seattle, WA is on it’s way to Dallas, Texas.

We felt photos would speak louder than words here.

Yep that is 6000 lbs, of machines and equipment headed our way, we will keep you posted.  Check back often to see our progress.

Graphotype.net just found a cache of machines sleeping in Seattle, WA.  This cache of machines is uniqe in that the machines are all 6300 series machines but they are not set up to make dog tags.

 These machines have been converted from debossers to “indenters”.  These machines are set up to make id braclets not dog tags.  The purchase has been made and the shipment is coming LTL direct to us.  As soon as we get the “modified,” machines in hand we will be posting information on these “indenters,” this will be interesting keep checking back.

We have heard of other machines set up as “Indenters,” and the most recent is a machine in Romania with our friend Christian Munteanu - owner and operator of DOGTAG.ro – we are very excited about having a partner and sponsor in Romania, please check out http://www.dogtag.ro

The key board on the Class 6300 Graphotype machines is the only interface betweenthe operator and the machine.  Key caps on the key board keys are the operators navigation chart and when the key caps are missing it can make composing tags on a Graphotype difficult and tedious.

Photo by Tiwonge - from Flickr

Many times the key caps will be lost, damaged or become illegible over time.  Weather and age can cause the key cap material to become brittle, crack and break.  Chemicals, solvents and lubricants can cause key caps to become illegible or damaged.  Other times key caps are lost simply because they are knocked off or fall off.

While original Addressograph Multigraph key caps can be located from time to time, original key caps are becoming increasingly harder to find.  When one finds original key caps the set us usually incomplete and more often than not the one cap you need is the one that is missing!

Photo by Tiwonge - from Flickr

We recommend that you pull a known good key cap from your Graphotype machine and inspect it so that you have an idea how they mount.  Better yet take one of the good key caps with you when you go to look for replacement key caps so you have a known good sample with you thus eliminating any guess work.

Several people I have visited with have gone to thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales to purchase old typewriters.  Many times you can find old typewriters for $10.00 or less.  Before you buy just any old typewriter pull one of the key caps off the machine to make sure that the two are interchangeable.  Not all typewriter keys caps are interchangeable with Graphotype machines.  Keep this in mind if you buy a typewriter for its key caps if you do not have a sample from your Graphotype to compare it to.

PLEASE – be respectful of the merchant and others seeking old typewriters -  if you find that a key cap you have pulled off a prospective machine will not work with your Graphotype, please, please put the cap back on the original typewriter so person behind you can purchase a complete machine.  Attention to detail and common courtesy – these are virtues of a true Graphotypist.

eBay is a good place to look for key caps, at any given time there are dozens of auctions for key caps going on, just make sure the key caps will fit your Graphotype before purchasing.

Happy Hunting.

We have blogged about cleaners and lubricants now we will answer the question about how to apply these oils to the Graphotype.

Give your Graphotype a shot !

Three steps to a happy Graphotype – Clean, Oil, Oil

#1 A CLEAN machine

#2 OIL to lubricate machine

#3 OIL to prevent corrosion to machine

Lubricating a Graphotype is critical to the proper operation of the Graphotype machine.  Illustrated here we have a page from a Class 6200 Graphotype showing the factory recommended oiling points.

 
Oiling Points on Front of a Class 6200
Graphotype machine.  Total of 38 locations.

Oiling points on Rear of Class 6200 Graphotype
Flywheel removed for illustration.  There are a total
of 20 factory recommended oiling points.

The Class 6200 Graphotype has 50+ recommended oiling points illustrated in the factory operator’s manual.  When looking at any Graphotype it is immediately evident there is more than one place to put the lubricating oil.  In fact on Class 6300 and 6400 Graphotypes the lubricating points seem endless.  Class 6100 and Model 350 manual machines are not exempt from oiling requirements either, as a matter of fact the G1 / 6100 Class machines have as many oiling points as the Class 6200.

The main focus of this blog is not the oiling points on a Graphotype, but rather how the heck does one get way down into those tight areas to lubricate everything?  Most of the oiling points are not easily accessible with a standard bottle of oil?

The Tag Tech’s personal preference and one of the most important tools in my Graphotypist’s tools box is a GLASS SYRINGE and long needle.

After much research and trial and error, I found that for me – a glass syringe and long needle was the best solution for reaching into and lubricating those hard to reach places found on all Graphotype machines.

A long blunt needle or long needle such as a catheter/spinal/epidural needle will allow you to reach all those nooks and crannies as well as areas normally inaccessible with a standard oil bottle.

The syringe needle combination also allows me total control over how much oil is applied and helps me not over oil.

Personally I use a B&D (Becton, Dickinson & Co.), 20cc glass syringe with “Luer-Lok” tip and a 6” long blunt tipped 14 gauge Yale needle.  I purchased both the needle and syringe in separate auctions on eBay.

For more ideas on Graphotype oiling and lubrication see our Oiling tools page on the web site.

Hello all:

Photo by Drew Zahn – WorldNetDaily

We get contacted by a lot of non-profit organizations requesting dog tags for a variety of reasons.  We work with them just as anyone else but today we were contacted by an organization that really moved us.  www.donttearmedown.com – is the web site of the Liberty Legal Institute and they are currently working against the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) to save one of our war memorials. 

Given the nature of this web site, most people can assume we are PRO Vet 100% and that includes any and all memorials honoring our Vets!

In 1934, WWI Veterans erected a monument in the Mojave Desert to honor their comrades who had died in battle.  The ACLU now wants to tear it down as well as all other war memorials that stand on public lands if they contain religious imagery in any form or fashion.

Personally I have no real use for the ACLU but in this case I am going to take an actual stand.  Many in my family are veterans and this is beyond comprehension to attack our veterans and the memorials dedicated to them and their sacrifice to our nation.

Photo courtesy of http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=10878

Currently the momument is boarded up to prevent it’s public view until the matter is resolved in the courts.  The ACLU found that the monument being a cross (a symbol of religion) would offend and divide Americans and veterans.

“People of every faith fought and died for this country, “says Peter Eliasberg, counsel for the ACLU.  “Yet we will have veterans divided about the idea of how you reflect the sacrifice of American veterans.”

The very fact that the ACLU is involved is all I need to know.  This issue is not about religion, it is about an assault on our veterans.  Our veterans laid down their lives in many of the assaults they conducted during their service to our country only to have their memory assaulted by lawyers that have the right to practice because of their original sacrifice.

The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of a former National Parks Service employee who was offended by the cross.  The offended employee lives in Oregon and he is not a veteran.  My solution is simple – to the offended – don’t look at it.

I feel it would be far cheaper to put signs up 1/4 mile on either side of the monument warning of the monument so that those offended could be prepared to avert their eyes while passing the monument.  How many dollars and hours of precious life will be consumed by this needless and senseless lawsuit?

Photo from http://lonestarminutemen.com/pictures_of_real_america

There is a VIDEO on the www.donttearmedown.com web site and I encourage everyone to review this video it is only a couple of minutes long but the contents are moving.  www.graphotype.net, www.dogtagsrus.com, and www.thearmystore.com are all going to do their part by helping the Liberty Legal Institute combat the ACLU to preserve our heritage.

Current care takers of the memorial are Henry and Wanda Sandoz, their story can be read HERE.

Another web site we would like to recommend to all is www.saveourmemorials.com– this web site addresses not only the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial but many other memorials that might be affected by the ACLU’s court case.

Please take an active interest in saving our war memorials, don’t let these photos here on this blog be the only thing left after the ACLU gets done.

 And now we return you to the world of Dog Tags.

Graphotype.net sponsor – DogTagsRus.com supports our troops no matter where they are. Recently DogTagsRus.com was asked to provide accurate replacement notched dog tags for a class being offered to some of our troops in Iraq.

SFC Heather Enciso (US Army) conducted a class on the History of the Non-commissioned Officer, as this year is the year of the NCO. For class room aids she requested accurately reproduced WWII – Viet Nam notched style military identification tags or “Dog Tags”.

 My mom and step mom are both US Army veterans, DogTagsRus.com has always supported our troops. The Coca-Cola Company made a commitment to our troops that there would always be Coca-Cola® where ever the troops went during WWII and DogTagsRus.com honors that same commitment today, we will ship direct ANYWHERE in the world you find United States troops! DogTagsRus.com would like to say to all our troops – THANK YOU.

Kobie – Owner – DogTagsRus.com

DogTagsRus.com is one of the proud sponsors of Graphotype.net, they make some of the most accurate replacement notched tags available. The interesting thing is that they make these tags on vintage equipment.

If you are looking for authentic notched tags look no further than DogTagsRus.com

The notch in the WWII dog tag was not a tooth notch; the notch was for correct loading and registration when a tag was used in conjunction with an Addressograph Model 70 medical printer.  If the tag or “plate” was loaded incorrectly (backwards and/or upside down) the Addressograph Model 70 would not function and could not print the text of the identification tag / plate.

For more information on the notch in WWII Dog Tags and the Addressograph Model 70 – Click Here

For anyone that owns or inspects an Addressograph Model 70 will notice on the data plate it says “PAT NO. 2116235 AND OTHERS”.  If you research this Patent Number 2116235 this number returns a “Printing Device”, but it does not resemble an Addressograph Model 70.  The 2116235 device is a desktop imprinter for transferring data from embossed plates onto paperwork.

2,116,235 - F. E. Curtis – Printing Device – May 3, 1938

The concept of the 2116235 patent is similar in function to the Addressograph Model 70 but through research we have found several other patents the specifically deal with the Addressograph Model 70 and the notch in the WWII military identification tags or WWII dog tags.

2,342,698 – C. H. Sand, Jr. – Printing Machine - Feb. 29, 1944
 This Patent is clearly the Addressograph Model 70 – The text of the actual patent clearly outlines what the notch in the identification tag is for and how the notch is used.  The drawings of the patent show the registration pin as 62 and the notch in the identification plate as a-3.  Anyone who claims the notch was a tooth notch in the military dog tags is mistaken or uninformed.

On page 2 of Patent 2,342,698 – it clearly states, “A suitable pin 62 carried by the head is adapted to coact with the notch a-3 in the plate and allow it to reach final position, shown in Fig. 1, only when the plate is inserted that end foremost and with the type on the plate facing downwardly.”

2,342,699 – C. H. Sand, Jr. – Printing Machine – Feb. 29, 1944
 This Patent is also the Addressograph Model 70 though the verbiage is slightly changed.

On Page 2 of 2,342,699 – “When a properly positioned plate is inserted to the limit of its inward movement, so that the notch a-3 comes about the stop pin 62, the end of the plate abuts the front end of the latch 70 and forces it rearwardly, thus causing the shoulder 15 to clear the plate 25 to release the platen arm, and then operating lever 40 may be actuated to swing the platen arm upwardly to effect the printing.  If, however, the plate should be inserted the wrong end foremost, the convex end thereof would strike the pin 62 before the end of the plate abutted the front end of the latch 70 and accordingly the latch would not be released and no operation of the platen could be effected.

The same result takes place if the plate is inserted wrong side up, because in this case the notch a-3, which is at one side of the axis of the plate would be distance from the pin 62 so that the plate could not be inserted sufficiently to release the latch.

It will be seen, therefore, that the device is only released for operation of the platen when a plate is inserted in the proper position for printing, and this is one of the features of the present application.”

2,540,704 – W. H. Wolowitz – Reversible Printing Plate – Feb. 6th, 1951
 It appears this device was based on the Addressograph Model 70 but was adapted for use by plates other than military identification plates or dog tags, maybe for medical applications in hospitals.

For more information on the notch in WWII Dog Tags and the Addressograph Model 70 – Click Here