Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Automatic Taper Machine

An automatic taper machine is an indispensable tool for professional drywall finishers, streamlining the process of applying tape and compound with precision and efficiency. Its ability to save time and maintain consistency on even the most extensive projects makes it a vital piece of equipment in the trade.

Cleaning your machine is essential to keep it running smoothly and extending its lifespan. This step-by-step guide to cleaning your automatic taper machine will help you save time while ensuring flawless results on every project.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

You can make the cleaning process go more smoothly by setting up your workspace properly before beginning. Start by selecting a spacious area; you may want to work outside to avoid cleaning up any mess later. Fill a bucket with warm water, as using warm water to clean the machine will help you loosen any stubborn debris or dried material.

Gather the necessary cleaning tools, including a soft-bristled brush to scrub, rags for wiping down surfaces, a pressure washer for deep cleaning, and a soft towel for thorough drying. An open and organized workspace ensures an efficient cleaning process while reducing the risk of making a mess or damaging surrounding surfaces.

Step 2: Completely Dispense Any Remaining Joint Compound

Ensure you’ve entirely expelled all the joint compounds from the automatic taper machine. This step is crucial to prevent any buildup or hardening of the compound, which can obstruct the machine’s functionality over time. Hold the taper at an angle and trigger the dispenser, allowing the remaining compound to flow out completely.

You can also simply roll your machine as you usually would—do not use a stick or plunger to remove excess mud, as doing so can cause your cable to snap. Properly disposing of the expelled compound will maintain a clean working environment and protect your taper machine’s longevity.

Step 3: Wash the Exterior

Fill your bucket with warm, soapy water to prepare for cleaning the exterior of the taper machine. Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub the housing and any external components to remove dried compound, dust, or debris that may have accumulated. Pay special attention to crevices and joints where residue can build up over time.

Once you’ve finished scrubbing, use a sponge dampened with clean water to wipe down the surfaces, ensuring you’ve rinsed away all soap and loosened material. Regular cleaning of the exterior keeps the taper machine looking professional and minimizes the risk of dirt or debris working its way into internal mechanisms, maintaining optimal performance.

Step 4: Clean in Between the Nooks and Crannies

If you want a more thorough clean, you must get in between your gears to remove compound buildup from the crevices. All you need is an old toothbrush to carefully clean the hard-to-reach areas of the taper machine, such as nooks, crannies, and tight joints. The fine bristles of the toothbrush are ideal for dislodging stubborn buildup or residue that may have accumulated in these intricate spaces.

After brushing, use a small cloth or compressed air to remove any loosened dirt or debris. This thorough, detailed cleaning step ensures that every part of the taper machine remains in excellent condition, reducing wear and tear and extending the machine’s longevity.

Step 5: Take Off Your Cover Plate To Clean the Head

Removing the cover plate is critical in thoroughly cleaning the taper machine’s head—where a considerable amount of excess compound tends to accumulate. Even after you’ve expelled the entire tube, the only way to truly remove that excess mud is to unscrew the cover plate.

Once you’ve removed the plate, use a pressure washer to spray the exposed components. Your pressure wash will help you quickly and evenly clean the surface, including hard-to-reach areas, to remove all dirt and grime completely. This step requires a spacious work area that won’t suffer from any mess, as the watery compound will likely splatter.

Step 6: Spray off Any Remaining Stubborn Compound

It’s likely that even after you’ve scrubbed the machine’s exterior, some thick compound buildup may remain. While you still have your pressure washer out, carefully target any areas of the machine where stubborn compound or residue remains. Adjust the nozzle to ensure the spray is powerful enough to dislodge the material without causing damage to the underlying components.

Focus on crevices, joints, and other areas prone to buildup, as these can significantly impact the machine’s functionality if you don’t thoroughly clean it. Take your time to inspect the machine after spraying; leftover compound won’t necessarily damage the components, but a clean exterior does make your machine look more professional.

Step 7: Thoroughly Dry Your Machine

Thoroughly dry your machine after completing the cleaning process. Remember, oil and water don’t mix, and while you can leave your machine to air dry, you want to make sure there’s no moisture on your machine before lubrication.

Begin by using a clean, dry cloth to wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to the areas that you’ll lubricate, such as crevices, joints, and gears of the head. Use compressed air to blow out any remaining moisture from hard-to-reach spots if necessary. Regardless, your machine should be completely dry before you store it. Always store your automatic drywall taper in a dry, well-ventilated area to further protect it from potential moisture exposure.

Step 8: Lubricate the Head With Fluid Film

Your last step should be to lubricate the head and all its moving parts to ensure all your components continue to move smoothly. While WD40 may be your first choice, it may eat away at your rubber components over time; therefore, fluid film is the better lubrication choice.

Spray all the gears and chains on the side, the nozzle, and the end of the bazooka to make sure the stopper moves freely. Ideally, you want to ensure you evenly distribute the lubricant across all friction points.

Following this step-by-step guide to cleaning your automatic taper machine will save you from costly repairs and downtime in the long run. Ensure your tool stays in peak condition, ready to make your drywall finishing projects faster and more efficient with this guide.

There’s no better way to avoid unnecessary downtime and repairs than by buying a high-quality, automatic drywall taper. Timothy’s Toolbox has a selection of affordable machines from recognizable brands, such as Columbia and Tape Tech, ready to help you get the job done. These cutting-edge tools are here to provide reliable service for years to come, helping you glide through any drywall project.