Make:

OSTER

Model:

Golden A5

Rating:

Mains 230v/35w

Rotation rate:

Not given

DO NOT!

• Attempt to work on the clipper with it connected to the main power supply.
• Attempt to clip a wet or perspiring animal.
• Touch the blades when moving!
• Switch the machine on with loose or missing blades.
• (In the interests of safety ensure that both blades are tightly seated.)
• Push the clipper through the hair in order to force it to clip, rather guide the machine
• In the direction you want to clip and let the machine do the work!
• Use if the voltage at your site is different to that on the clipper information data.
• Attempt to take apart or assemble the blades or any parts of the clipper over straw, shavings or other materials. Only carry out such tasks on a specified area i.e. tables or workbench otherwise essential parts may be lost.
• Immerse either the machine or cutter head in liquid (oil/diesel/lubricant) of any kind.

CLIPPER INFORMATION:

The Clipper is double insulated UL approved and CE rated

Do not attempt to operate this machine without first oiling the blades.

Do not use WD 40 or other similar solvents/scouring agents to clean the clipper or the blades.

Do not attempt to sharpen the blades yourself - they need a special machine.

A wide range of “snap-on” blades can be fitted to this clipper, including those made by Oster as well as the Wahl  range and others similar “snap-on” type blades.

The “snap-on” type blades should not be taken apart other than for sharpening purposes at the place of sharpening.

Blades need to be regularly sharpened to keep a good cutting edge, and they must be constantly oiled during use.

Removing the blades:

Ensure that the clipper is not connected to the main power supply, if so, disconnect before attempting to remove the blades

Hold the machine firmly in your hand (right or left) with the maker's name facing you. (OSTER.) Now rotate the body casing 180 degrees until you are viewing the underside of the clipper.

Immediately before the blade (comb) (See fig 1) you will see a “black” blade release lever. With your thumb push this firmly upwards towards the blade above and hold in position. With your other hand place your thumb on the rear edge of the comb and your two index fingers on the front teeth. Pivot the blade in an upward and backward angle until it clicks back in position. You can now slide the blade off the blade ”tongue”.  You can now release the "thumb" of your other hand! The blade should now be fully removable from the clipper. (This is best practised a few times over something soft such as a cushion rather than a concrete floor!)

Fitting the blades:

Hold the machine firmly in your hand (right or left) with the body casing facing you (You should be able to read the maker’s name! (OSTER.)

Take the blade set in your other hand and seat it upon the blade latch tongue, which will slide between the comb blade plate and the tension spring assembly. (See fig 2)

NOTE: if the blade latch tongue has for some reason snapped shut against the blade latch assembly you will not be able to fit the blade. All you need to do to rectify this is to insert a flat object (thin screwdriver – best quality kitchen knife!) between the two and gently twist round to force open again. (See fig 3)

With the blade seated on the tongue and held in place with the fingers of your other hand, press the upper portion of the blade towards the clipper body - it should “snap” shut. (This can be done with the motor running and will not effect the performance of the clipper - whilst normally quiet a safe operation for adults NOT children! just exercise care against possible personal injury). Check the blade is right home to the clipper casing - a gap of about 0.5 - 1½ mm is normal.

The blade is now fitted!  In some cases especially with new blades/machines, the blade may requires a further degree of pressure to make sure it is right home to the casing This soon ceases once the blades have been used a few times.

However before you rush to switch on. Oil the blades before commencing a test run with the clipper

(When operating for the first time after changing blades the machine should be pointed away from you and/or any animal before switching on to test.)

Now test the clipper.

Tensioning the blades:

One of the joys of the “snap-on” blade is that there is no tensioning to be carried out!

However some blades, especially those of other manufacturers, may in certain instances need adjustment. In a normal situation you should be able to move the cutter blade backwards and forwards with moderate pressure within the "tension spring" hold. Do not undo the blade screws as this will affect the blade alignment and may cause the blade to jam and not cut.

To make any adjustment (See Fig 4) simply place the blade flat on a table surface, (screws side down) with the blade teeth pointing away from you. Next slide the cutter blade to the right, then place a flat headed screwdriver between the blade spring and the comb, now with gentle pressure pry upwards only sufficiently to slightly slacken the tension. If you over do it you will end up with the tension too loose!

Oiling:

Oiling of the blades should be carried out at regular intervals during the clipping application. Apply a small quantity of oil on the ends of the blades whilst the trimmer is running. Only use clipper oil or light machine oil of good quality

Attachment Combs:

Are not supplied with the clipper but can be obtained in various sizes. Their purpose is to allow a specific depth of hair to be left on the body irrespective of the angle you may clip. They are easily attached by clipping over the blade from front to back.

Routine Maintenance:

BEFORE carrying out any work on the clipper first disconnect from the mains power supply

Is important and should be carried regularly.  Do not conducted maintenance tasks over straw, shavings, or other types of bedding. Preferably use a flat table surface or work bench, otherwise you can risk small parts becoming lost in the process.

Air Filters: (See fig 6 & 8)

BEFORE carrying out any work on the clipper first disconnect from the mains power supply

Oster A5 clippers have a track record especially in dog grooming circles of overheating. Those machines with the "on/off" switch located at the rear of the appliance appear to be especially troubled with overheating. It is vital therefore that the air filter zone is kept clear of any blockages at all times and is cleaned daily especially in busy grooming parlour situations

The air filter zone is a vital air cooling intake for the cooling running of the clipper motor and it is natural that if this becomes even partly blocked the motor will quickly become starved of cool air with the result that it will rapidly start to overheat.

Sadly the design of the air filter cover is not "over friendly" to easy cleaning, and unlike most clippers of its type rather laborious in its cleaning involvement. The removal of the mesh cover is relatively easy, - gently part the hang hook wire so that each side is withdrawn from the holes in the casing and then you can remove the mesh which slides down the clipper cable for cleaning. (See fig 8)

A surprisingly large amount of hair and dirt which somehow manages to get through the filter mesh, will often collect inside the rear compartment of the clipper (beyond the area covered by the air filter mesh). If you unscrew the two screws at the rear of the clipper either side of the on/off switch you can gently and carefully withdraw the casing which will then allow you to remove tufts of collected hair and dirt which threaten to block the area. (I find a pair of small tweezers ideal for this job) Exercise caution so as not to damage any of the wires in the area! (See fig 8)

Blade lever replacement: (See fig 5)

BEFORE carrying out any work on the clipper first disconnect from the mains power supply

Replace the blade drive lever when it shows signs of becoming worn or in the event of clipper's performance starting to drop off, signs of tracking, when tapping or clicking noises occurring. This maintenance task can be easily undertaken by most operators and only requires the clipper nameplate to be removed by undoing the two screws and lifting off. Remove the plate to expose the drive lever bar which should be gently raised to remove it from it’s the two oval pins onto which it fits. Be careful not to dislodge or lose the two "felt brushes" positioned either side of the lever

When replacing the drive lever seat it gently into the two pins using equal pressure. Grease lightly before replacing the head plate and finally fixing back the two screws. It is NOT necessary to use excessive amounts of grease

Greasing:

BEFORE carrying out any work on the clipper first disconnect from the mains power supply

Please note that over greasing can cause leakage and reduce the operating efficiency of the machine. Check monthly by removing the metal nameplate. Then remove the nylon drive lever, metal link, and gear. Insert grease tube nozzle into the hole on the top of the gear post. NOTE: If grease does not come through, clean holes. Do NOT fill the cavity with grease. Replace the link and gear and add a small amount of grease to the teeth of the gear & linkage. Use only Oster Grease, which is specially formulated for double insulated clippers.

Carbon Brushes

BEFORE carrying out any work on the clipper first disconnect from the mains power supply

These need to be inspected on a regular basis, and replaced periodically to insure maximum motor performance and life expectancy. Remove the brush cap by unscrewing it  - you will need a broad-based screwdriver - (See fig 7) Remove both the plastic cap and the brass cap using slight pressure on the side of the cap in a "finger picking" action and withdraw the carbon brush and spring assembly. Check the length of the carbon, comparing both the round and square sections of the brush. When the square section has been reduced to the length of the round section replacement is necessary to prevent possible damage to the motor armature. (expensive!)

Carbon brushes MUST be replaced as sets - not individually. Use ONLY Oster genuine Carbon Brushes  Avoid substitutes IMPORTANT! When ORDERING BRUSHES specify Model Number of clipper and voltage rating.

When reinstating the brush, make sure that the sharp pointed corners of the brush are aligned with the triangular notches in the brass cap and then the nylon cap over the brush spring and pressing down to seat the brass cap into the brush tube. Replace the outer housing cap and screw down tightly to prevent loosening

Cleaning:

BEFORE carrying out any work on the clipper first disconnect from the mains power supply

Cleaning of the blades and inside of the clipper head (See fig 3) should be thoroughly carried out after every clipping session to avoid a build up of hair and dirt. Remove all traces of oil and hair with a small stiff brush and wiped clean with a dry clean cloth. The use of an airline is ideal - if available. Failing that, use a small oil paint brush – the stubby type – This will enable you to remove most of the muck, after which a good “blow” will usually do the rest!  Try to avoid a build up of dirt and hair – it makes cleaning easier!

When completely free from hair clippings and oil, re oil all working parts within the head and likewise to the blades to prevent any occurrence of rust. Remember even the smallest spots of rust can have an adverse effect on the cutting performance of the blades - in some cases making clipping impossible.

Professional Servicing & Repairs

Should only be undertaken by qualified engineers appointed by the Manufacturer or his distributor. Regular servicing is necessary in accordance with the amount of use of the machine to protect it malfunction and to ensure it is kept in a high state of operational effectiveness. Machine should be serviced well before anticipated use.

Storage:

When not in use, having been thoroughly cleaned and oiled, the machine should be stored in a dry place preferably in your house. Do not leave in tack rooms, stables, damp grooming parlours, cowsheds and dairy parlours or similar places. The same should apply to all blades. Keep oiled and dry at all times.

Additional Information:

All Oster spare parts are available from Peasridge

(01424 882900 or e-mail PEASRIDGE info@peasridge.co.uk to order parts)

Updated information

25/02/2002 - Renewing the “on/off” switch:

Please note that when ordering the “on/off” switch for the Oster A5 clipper it is important to stipulate whether a “rocker” or “toggle” switch is required. To ascertain which your machine requires you will need to refer to the nameplate on the clipper, which is located on the top of the handpiece. Here amongst other information i.e. voltage and the serial number you will find example (MODEL 5-65L)

All Oster A5 models bearing the letters before “G” require a “Toggle” switch

Models with the letter “G” and onwards require a “Rocker” switch
You will need to solder both sides in the case of the “rocker” switch, but only one side is soldered in the case of the “toggle” switch, the other being screw fixed.

PEASRIDGE

Repair & service all makes of clippers and trimmers
and professionally sharpen all types of blades

Tel: 01424 882900 or E-mail info@peasridge.co.uk

Whilst every care has been take to ensure the accuracy of the information given both in the written text and pictures created, neither PEASRIDGE nor any of its staff can accept any responsibly of any type for injury or damage inflicted by or caused to persons or animals by any operator or a third party who has made reference to this web site. Owner/Operators of all such appliance should satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, and if they are unsure on any point consult the manufacturer direct.