ESSICK FM9 — PARTS & OPERATION MANUAL — REV. #1 (03/12/01) — PAGE 9

FM-9 — OPERATIONS
FULL ACOUSTIC CEILINGS AND FIREPROOFING UNDER
STEEL DECK
There are a number of various acoustic materials available, all
of which can be pumped through this machine. Some of these
materials are made from vermiculite and others from perlite.
Although we do not make any recommendations as to which is
the better acoustic material, we do point out the fact that perlite is
very abrasive and will cause rapid pump wear whereas,
vermiculite will give longer pump life.
Only water needs to be added to ready-prepared materials. Some
manufacturers suggest the correct amount of water in the
instructions on the bag. However, if no instructions are available,
the material should be mixed to a consistency thinner than. that
of a mixture for hand application. I.E., thin enough so that only
about i0 percent of the material will be retained on a 1/2" screen
when it is poured into the hopper of the machine.
After the material is mixed, proceed as explained in the operating
instructions. Use either a 3/8", 7/16" or 1/2" orifice, depending on
the desired texture. Use the same size hopper screen as the size
of the orifice that is going to be used. Use 3/8" screen with 7/16"
orifice. Use a hard rubber stator with vermiculite and a soft rubber
stator with perlite. By adjusting the volume to second speed and
the air pressure to 15-20 lbs, a good yardage can be obtained in
small areas. However, in larger areas it may be desirable to
operate at full volume.
The application of full acoustic is very similar to that of simulated
acoustic, except that successive coats can be applied until proper
thickness is obtained. For application procedure refer to
“simulated acoustic ceilings” paragraph.
FIREPROOFING STEEL BEAMS
Consult the building specifications regarding the type of material
to be used. Normally, for fireproofing metal lath wrapped steel
beams, the mixture consists of one sack of either perlite or
vermiculite and one sack of gypsum. These materials should be
mixed to a consistency thinner than that for hand application
and sprayed approximately 1" thick with an application. If a
greater volume is desired, it is recommended to use a 1-1/2"
hose with the machine at full volume. Note: The shorter the hose
length, the greater the volume obtained.
Use the hard rubber stator with vermiculite and the soft rubber
stator with perlite. It is also suggested that the largest size air jet
be used in the nozzle and a 7/16" or 1/2" orifice. With the air
pressure at minimum (approximately 10 PSI).
This is a very difficult operation and the operator’s technique will
improve with experience. The majority of experienced operators
prefer to use a short nozzle for better maneuvering around steel
beams.
DRYWALL MIX APPLICATION
The FM9 works quite satisfactorily for applying drywall texture
mixes such as: Spatter, orange peel, fog, sand finish, as well as
simulated acoustic textures. In addition, it can be used for
application of mastics, sealants, emulsions, glazes,
roofingfinishes, sealers, water base paints, and cement paints.
BROWN COAT
As previously stated, the ESSICK MODEL FM9 plastering
machine is not designed to do the work of a large base coat
machine. Although it is not recommended, due to the rapid wear
on the rotor and stator tube, it can apply brown coat and scratch
material at a rate fast enough to be practical for some jobs.
When the machine is to be used for the application of brown or
scratch material we recommend that the following suggestions
be taken into consideration to aid the machine in pumping and
also to obtain better results.
Install on machine, if not presently equipped, a soft rubber stator,
a ���hi volume” rotor and a 1-1/2" pump outlet fitting. Refer to “hi
volume” instructions for changing of rotor and stator.
Use, if possible, a 400675 browning nozzle with a 5/8" orifice for
outside brown and scratch and a 1/2" orifice for inside brown.
The length of 1-1/2" hose should not exceed 100 ft. With hoses
and nozzle attached adjust the air pressure to approximately 20
p.s.i. and set machine at full volume.
The following is a satisfactory brown coat mix:
1-1/2 cu. ft. — Vermiculite
1-1/2 cu. ft. — Sand
1 Sack gypsum
Note: The best results are obtained by not using over 50 percent
sand aggregate.
The mixing procedure should be as follows: Put approximately
10 gallons of water in the mixer and add 1-1/2 cu. ft.of vermiculite.
This allows the vermiculite to absorb sufficient water. Add one
sack of gypsum (machine application type) and shovel in 1-1/2
cu. ft. of sand (approximately eleven no. 2 shovels). additional
water should be added at this time.
It is difficult to predetermine the amount of water, as there are
several variations possible. The amount of water is critical and
experience will allow the operator to deterhine the correct amount.