Tech Advice Needed

[Linus]

One of the helicoils for the left side hoop arm will no longer stay tight. The helicoil now will work its way out, drop under the machine, hoop comes loose, design goes kattywompass and the operator (me) invents new words. Thoughts for a fix? The threads on the outside of the helicoil appear ok, but the inside look questionable. Can I get a new helicoil from a hardware store? Is this a "MelcoMart" specific part?

Thanks,
Linus

[HERB]

Do a search for helicoil and it will get you to the post where this was discussed. Gives you the part number and stuff to order a kit.

[Linus]

Herb,
Thanks for the idea...should have thought of it before I clicked the "New Topic" button. Any ways, found the solution, but its Saturday, so I'll have to use a temp solution until the real parts are installed.

Thanks again,
Linus

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

Linus,
I have had several customers with the same scenario and this was their two options. Purchase the helicoil kit from Melco and you will have to understand how to replace a helicoil or learn trying. The other option would be to replace the entire X-carriage which would be a few dollars different from the helicoil kit but you would have all new helicoil threads for all of your hoop arm screws. The most difficult part of replacing the X-carriage is aligning two of the four X-carriage roller bearings. Not really that bad if you have a good set of allen wrenches, open ended wrenches, and a little manual dexterity. I personally can replace an X-carriage in about 30 minutes from start to finish but I also have replaced a few in the last 7 years.
I always recommend to my customers that it's wise to put a drop of oil on the threads of these hoop arm screws, say.. once every six months, just to keep these threads "wet" which allows everything to slide easier. When you finally get everything back to normal, try doing this to prevent futher possible helicoil issues.
Good luck pal.
Ed Orantes