slim line2 question

[GF]

What kind of clamps Sharon? Would you use the XL Slim Line for a jacket back? How many clamps and where do you place them? Looking down at the Slim Line, how do you clamp the top without risking damage to the machine during movement? Do you experience any flagging during your sewouts? I think I'll try the clamps so if you could be specific as to what to ask for, I'd really appreciate it. This group is great.

[Rod or Sharon]

I am in the middle of a project that must go out this morning so if you will give me a little bit, I will take photos so you can see how we do ours--send me your email address and I will try to send pictures in awhile.
Sharon
[email protected]

[sschroed2]

I purchased the large slimline 2 clamp and had the same problems. I could not get it to clamp tight. I also called about if their was another piece and was told the same thing by Melco. Also had the puckering and flagging problem, plus other problems. I decided it was too expensive an item to keep if it did not work the way I expected so I returned it. However, I had to pay a 15% restocking charge, which still made it an expensive transaction.

I recently talked to melco about it again and they said they've been able to hoop a piece of paper and have it hold tight. One of the main reasons I originally bought it was to do automotive carpet. Melco told me they had used it for that purpose and it worked fine. So I've considered trying again. I thought maybe something was wrong with the 1st one I bought, they said that was possible and if I ordered again and it still did not work they would waive the restocking fee this time. I feel that's fair so may try again in the near future.
Sue
All Custom Embroidery

[Debbie Garifi]

Mine is arriving today and I am not liking what you are all saying about this expensive clamp. I sure hope to god mine is a new and improved model.
Sharon when you return and send your picture of how you use this clamp would you please be kind enough to send it my way too?
Thanks
[email protected]

[Beckie]

I purchased the Slim Line from Melco for my machine although I haven't tried it yet. I have to embroidery on some sport bags. Sharon could you also send me an email with your pictures. I'm apprehensive about using it, since I've never seen it in action. Thanks!

Beckie
Bee-Utiful Creations
[email protected]

[signman]

Sue, if you get it again and it doesn't work...we'd be interested in buying it to test on our machine-intstead of you getting burnt on shipping and restocking....
unless Rod and Sharon want to try it on their machine before you get it...that would be a good test!

Roland

[Rod or Sharon]

All,
I have been following this thread with some interest. I see that my wife has added some coments too.

The clamping system, in my opinion, was never created as a replacement for any of the other style hoops that we use. It is merely another tool that we can apply for specific uses to make our life a bit easier. Learning how to use it to our best advantage is largely left up to the individual.

For these systems, the size of the design being sewn is very revalant to what you can expect in conjunction with the pull/puckering factor. I have found with large designs, if I cannot secure the backside or top of the clamp, as well as the front side, with additional clamps, then I can expect to see the material slip and allow the design to "pull". I make absolutely sure that any clip or extra clamp that I use will not and does not interfere with the operation of the machine when doing a trace or during the sewing operation.

When selecting the hoop for use, a pop-up comes up on the computer screen warning you about damage resulting if the clamp is improperly used The "improper use", they are referring to, is primarily all about interference.....

The clamp just cannot, with the current spring tension in the toggle clamp system, hold every thing tight enough to not allow some slipage. It doesn't take very long to add the additional clip, clamps or whatever around the edges to help prevent this.

We like our clamps and use them often for a lot of things. It does really well on large bags and oddball shaped items that are just a pain to hoop any other way. Before the clamps, we used the fast frames for doing these items. Still use the fast frames for some things too...just another tool. We had to use clamps or clips with them too to get the best usage out of them even tho sticky back backing was the recomended way to operate with them. We found that the sticky back backing created more problems then it solved so we use it sparingly for those items that just nothing else will do.

These tools are just like 4 wheel drive in a vechile.....just sits around doing nothing a lot of the time, but when you need it, you really need it and nothing else will get you out of the jam you are in.

My 2 cents....

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[sschroed2]

I'll let you know if I decide to get it again.
Sue

[hemb]

Just in case you haven't heard Balboa threadworks or aka Balboa Designs has a fantastic deal going on there full Library.
Shirley Lowe
Happy Hooligan

[cbireley]

I have used my Slim Line several times and I'm not sure I have it in the right position. It stitches out fine, but the yellow part is peeling off some b/c it is rubbing the arm. I don't understand the instructions, really, on how to make it higher. Is this normal for it to touch the arm?
Thanks!

[Barbara Bunker]

Cindy, I'm sure someone else will come back with precise instructions, but you need to loosen the four screws -- two on each side -- that require an allen wrench. You'll be able to adjust the frame so it sits above the base a little (I'm drawing a blank at what it's actually called).

Hope this helps,
Barb

[cbireley]

Thanks Barb, I have done that and I still think I'm not adjusting it correctly b/c it makes a loud clanking noise ever so often, when it's hitting the "bar"...

[signman]

Is it hitting the 'needle plate' when sewing out? We found that you have to 'lose' a half inch of space all around the inside of the slimline 'sewing area' because the bottom frame will hit the needle plate and ride up long before the 'trace' function tells you no room left. This makes the clunk, and if you watch as it sews-the material also moves up and pulls, causing needle movement, thread breakage, etc.
When you got the slimline frame assembly there should have been a narrow plastic 'strip' in the package...why they couldn't stick a decal on it or have it printed 'height adjustment guage' I don't know...because that's what it is there for. Lay it down on the bobbin 'bar', adjust the frame to lightly ride on it, and until you hoop a heavy garment, the frame won't touch. But nothing keeps it from hitting the needle plate. Adjust the frame high enough to clear the needle plate and you'll run into the needle bar itself. They should change the dimensions of 'sewable area' in the program so the trace alarm tells you when you are in the danger zone.