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From: maddarner
Date: 08-05-2007, 08:10 PM (1 of 17)
| I've had my Brother PR-600 for about 5 months and have embroidered about 100 caps, about 50+ shirts and various other items. I've checked my needles and none appear to be warped, but what signs do I need to look for that the needles are becoming dull and need to be changed. So far everything looks ok, except for the occasional loop on top. One person told me I can tell by the sound of the machine, but I can't tell. I've lately also been having a problem with lettering raveling out. Any advice? |
User: maddarner
Member since: 08-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-05-2007, 08:54 PM (2 of 17)
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Your needles are DULL...trust me. Many people change needles about every 50,000 stitches which is one pretty good size design. I've heard that others change much more frequently. Of course, your machine is not getting even wear from the needles because it changes needles as it changes thread colors so you are using the needles/thread at different rates. I would think you could judge the need for changing the needles by the thread usage on the thread colors that stay in place (but with that number of products, I would suspect that they all need to be changed). As the needle starts to wear in a "normal" machine it starts to make a dull thud as it enters the fabric. I can hear it in my machine easily but it may be that you've heard it long enough you don't recognize it as being "different". Also, when you start having problems with thread breakage or some looping on top of the fabric, that needle is really DEAD. The needles don't warp, the ends get dull and sometimes develop chips or they will bend on the very tip of the needle. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: maddarner
Date: 08-06-2007, 12:13 AM (3 of 17)
| Thanks Pam! These are the kind of things a first time embroiderer doesn't know and I appreciate your help! |
User: maddarner
Member since: 08-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-06-2007, 08:48 AM (4 of 17)
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Here is a link to information that might help you estimate the number of stitches per cone of thread.... http://www.sew-e-z.com/threads.html good hints... http://www.sew-e-z.com/tips.html pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: maddarner
Date: 08-06-2007, 10:11 AM (5 of 17)
Thanks again, Pam. Those are great sites! Lots of good information.Sharon
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User: maddarner
Member since: 08-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 08-07-2007, 07:23 PM (6 of 17)
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Kathy Quinn of the Martha Pullen school told us at a seminar last week that one should change needles after every 5 bobbins are used. She is the Floriani stabilizer rep. I just change needles after each project is completed. It's much cheaper to replace a needle than it is to repair the machine. I buy needles in large quantities from www.discountembroidery.com. Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: pinecone
Date: 08-07-2007, 11:19 PM (7 of 17)
OMG, that needle must be flat.  I usually change mine after 8 hours of quilt sewing. If you take the needle and compare the tip to a new one under a magnifier, you will see a huge difference. The needle should glide through the fabric, not punch holes in it. It took me a few years to catch on to that one.  piney |
User: pinecone
Member since: 03-10-2007 Total posts: 59 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-07-2007, 11:23 PM (8 of 17)
|
Well, although I'm sure that is true...but keep in mind this is a 6 needle machine so the needles would not wear at the same time. The black, white, red, and any other needles that you use a lot will be very very dull. They just won't wear at the same time. I know that as a creature of habit, where I need to reuse things, I tend to reuse the same ones...so you probably keep some needles in place all the time and then change out the same ones over and over so that they also get a lot of wear. There is probably one that is less changed than the others. I don't know if you have 6 bobbins or just one, I have always assumed just one. If that is true, the idea of counting the bobbin changes wouldn't help. There is no doubt in this case though that all the needles need to be changed. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: maddarner
Date: 08-08-2007, 12:07 AM (9 of 17)
Thanks ya'll! You're right, Pam, there are some colors I use more than others and they are never in the same position on the machine. I do use alot of different colors though. I will also start keeping up with the number of bobbins I use. Hopefully when I replace the needles I will be able to tell the difference in how it sounds this time. Being a first time embroiderer, I have alot to learn! Sure glad I found this site! I appreciate all your expertise! 
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User: maddarner
Member since: 08-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-08-2007, 07:29 AM (10 of 17)
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When they are really dull they make a "PHAP" noise. You really don't want them to get to that point, but I'm amazed you aren't having other problems, like occasional looping on top of the fabric. I guess the speed and pressure of the machine is preventing that.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 08-08-2007, 09:27 AM (11 of 17)
|
Kathy Quinn of the Martha Pullen school told us at a seminar last week that one should change needles after every 5 bobbins are used. . Marty When she made her statement do you remember if she was referring to self-wound or prewound bobbins. I have been using a prewound and that bobbin seems to be lasting forever. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-08-2007, 09:42 AM (12 of 17)
|
Oh, about the raveling. I would guess that either the needle isn't completing a stitch which could be (I guess) anything from a bad needle/need to clean or oil the machine (don't know about the routine maintanence on these machines) to a simple adjustment possibly requiring a housecall OR you could be trimming the backs of your work too close and cutting off the knots...however, I believe that your machine trims its own threads, doesn't it?
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: maddarner
Date: 08-08-2007, 11:01 AM (13 of 17)
| Yes, my machine trims its own threads. Hopefully this will stop with new needles. |
User: maddarner
Member since: 08-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: maddarner
Date: 08-09-2007, 12:39 AM (14 of 17)
|
Since changing all six needles, I can definitely tell the difference in the sound of the machine. I'm certain I will notice the difference next time. Thanks for all your help everyone! Sharon
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User: maddarner
Member since: 08-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: mamadus
Date: 08-09-2007, 08:45 PM (15 of 17)
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maddarner.. there is an excellent yahoo group for our big 6 needle babies... just go to yahoo groups and do a search for pr-600/embpro and it should direct you... there's a lot of great info there, tips, tricks, and hints on everything from hoops, to needles, to stabilizer, to maintenance to troubleshooting... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: maddarner
Date: 08-12-2007, 12:05 AM (16 of 17)
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Thanks MO! I found the yahoo website and it is great and has alot of useful information! Sharon
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User: maddarner
Member since: 08-01-2007 Total posts: 12 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 08-12-2007, 12:45 AM (17 of 17)
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Kathy Quinn didn't specify whether the bobbins were pre-wound or not. I change my needles when I finish a project (or sew 8 hours) and toss the used ones away. Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293
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