How to clean gunk out of thread tubes

[ckramer]

Tried to find this in a former post, but didn't see it. How does one go about cleaning the tubes that the thread runs through. We've been using temporary adhesive spray quite a bit over the last 2 years and I know I saw it somewhere that this can really cause problems with the machines. They have been rather buckie lately, so thought I'd give this a try. I'm sure it won't hurt if nothing else.

[Juli in Kona]

Do a search for WD-40.

[Wishes]

I would check to see what this plastic can tolerate. I would email Melco before using any chemical besides dish washing detergent. How did adhesive get inside the tubes?

[Mama Kass]

I use temp adhesive all the time and do WD40 "washes" on a regular basis but would never squirt it in the thread tubes. Other than blowing them out with canned air or taking them apart and washing them with soap and water, I don't know how (or why, for that matter) you would do this. What causes you to think they have gunk in them?

[Juli in Kona]

I'd just replace the tubes. Any aquarium shop would sell this tubing - maybe even Walmart. I wouldn't even think of trying to clean them.

So -- we are all wondering how the tubs got gunked up.

If you use spray adhesive, the bobbin area and the cutter area (under the cover) will get a coating of glue so thin that you can not see it. But, believe me, it is there causing all kinds of problems. The WD-40 wash solved all those problems for me.

Juli in Kona

[ckramer]

Yep, we do the WD40 wash quarterly in the hook area. Just wondered if anyone ever cleaned out the thread tubes. They really pile up stuff from the way it looks when you blow them out. All sorts of debris flies out. Since the spray is, after all "spray" what else may it be settling on or in.

[Rod or Sharon]

I am having difficulty understanding how or why spray adhesive would be in or on the thread tubes. We seldom use spray adhesive and have instead used small clamps. When I did use spray, I used it away from my machines and very, very lightly. In doing tech work, we have seen needle bars literally glued in the machine from adhesive and lint working its way up the needlebars. Try to avoid it as much as possible!
Sharon

[ckramer]

I don't know that there actually is any adhesive in the tubes. Apparently from everyones reaction, I guess not. It was just something I wondered if I needed to consider.

[chalainegreg]

Seems some thread leaves a build up. I use a pipe cleaner and air.