How to Bring Your Overlocker Back to Full Efficiency
Posted on: 10 June 2019
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If you love to spend hours on end working with your overlocking sewing machine, you may realise how reliable this machine is and marvel at your productivity when you are on a roll. However, it has been some time since you took the machine in for servicing, and now it is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. What could be going wrong and what areas will the technician look at?
General Clean
When you take your overlocker into a technician, they will begin by stripping it down and cleaning out all the residue that will have built up over time. They will typically use compressed air to blow away all the lint, fluff and threads that have accumulated and that may be slowing down the machine.
Knives
Next, they will have a look at the knives, which each overlocker typically has two of. The technician will look at the efficiency of each knife to make sure that they are still capable of making a sharp cut. Over time they can be damaged when they come into contact with metal pins or thick seams, and this may blunt their efficiency.
Drive Belts
The machine is only as good as its drive belt, which must be in top-notch condition or the part may need to be replaced. Over time it may start to fray or lose one or two of its teeth and, periodically, the tension will need to be adjusted if there is too much slack.
Drive Shafts
Sometimes the drive shafts can show signs of wear, but this is unusual as they will typically last for the lifetime of the machine. The technician may well add some lubrication to certain points, however, to loosen things up nicely.
Tolerances
Now it is time to adjust tolerances, especially when it comes to the two loopers. These must always be in a very precise position in relation to each other and the needles, and there must not be too large a gap in place when they meet.
Stitch-Forming Mechanism
Finally, attention will turn to the stitch-forming mechanism. This can often cause problems if it falls out of line or breaks and may be the reason why your stitching seems to be all over the place.
Service Time
If you have any other questions related to your overlocker, make sure you take the machine into an overlocker repairs service to get help.