Flase Start Problem

[U-CREATE-IT]

I am having my 1st serious issue with my AMAYA XT. I have 4 polo
shirts to put a small 2 color left chest design on. I ran 3 practice
runs without a problem and I ran the 1st 3 shirts without a problem.
Now within 400 stitches of the end of the 4th shirt, I am getting
false starts (needle is not picking up the bobbin thread). Everything
was totally fine and now I cannot get the design to finish up so I do
not have to ruin the very last shirt. Can anybody help figure this out???

Frustrated!

[levelbest]

Replace bobbin thread and check drop? Check your material thickness and make sure it's working?

[U-CREATE-IT]

Yep, did that. Watching the bobbin, the bobbin thread pigtail just sits there. It's like something isn't turning so the bobbin thread is picked up.

[Rod or Sharon]

Jody,

The bobbin case does not spin, just the rotary hook basket that it snaps into. Is the rotary hook basket turning? Have you checked your rotary hook timing?

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[levelbest]

It could just be me but I think most users don't know how to check rotary hook timing. I'm not sure if they even go over that in intro/operator class when you buy the machine unless things have changed.

[Rod or Sharon]

Hi John,

The procedure is described quite well in the Operators manual in conjunction with the Parts and Techical CD that everyone receives with their machines.

As far as what is taught now, don't know. When we went to our initial training several years ago, we did go over hook timing and how to use the CD and it's importance....

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[levelbest]

I just pulled my operators manual and tried to find it (as a fun exercise) - while I could locate "rotary hook maintenence", I could not find the procedure printed for timing the hook in the book. However, it is on the "parts and technical manuals" CD like you mentioned - specifically in the technical manual.

Checking your hook timing shouldn't be too hard -have a magnifying glass and some good light handy - adjusting the timing if it's a problem is another story.

While it is very well documented (just looked at it a second ago to confirm), it's not the kind of thing many users on this list would feel comfortable doing.

I guess that was my point I was trying to make - more about adjustments than checking (sorry).

I've seen it routinely posted here to adjust hook timing here - and depending on your mechanical ability - you may want to call tech support, see if they can walk you thru any issue you are having.

If the instructions for hook timing look beyond what you feel comfortable doing, call a tech.

I'd hate to see someone messing with their hook timing when maybe that isn't the real problem, and then they mess things up to the point where a service call really is needed.

..back to work I go!

[signman]

I'm one of those that didn't get this in training..not a word about timing or where or how to set it. Hoping it never comes up since I'd be totally lost trying to figure it out...and I know the 'manuals' are not loaded on the computer-unless they loaded in by themselves when the program was installed I never did it...I'd guess they are in a box somewhere from when we set the thing up so many years ago!
I'd have no hesitation at all to call Brian, our local tech, to come out and service it. Generally see him January every year for warranty check up, and then if possible try to get him up end of summer for a 'checkup'. We use it so little there isn't much that gets out of whack now.

[U-CREATE-IT]

I did pull the manual but there really isn't a lot that discribes this problem. It does say "Call Support", but I was hoping to resolve it myself. I can spin the bobbin through the maintenance area and it spins fine. But when I try to sew, the bobbin tail just hangs there never being touched or picked up by the needle. I got frustrated and pulled the shirt off the machine and turned off the power. I am gonna restart the machine and run another test and see if it has cleared. If not, then I am still stuck. I did not get to the week long coarse at all when I purchased my machine. I am full time military and just could not get away, plus I run a laser engraving business too and spend most of the time there. I would like to have this issue fixed, but would also consider giving someone a great deal on a nearly new machine with Design Shop Pro Plus and lots of extras that I paid nearly 20K for.

[levelbest]

So you are having a small issue and are going to dump the machine?

Call Melco tech support - it's shouldn't take long to diagnose. Most likely, this is easily fixed.

[U-CREATE-IT]

Actually I have been thinking about selling for a while so I can purchase another engraver. It's not due this issue. I just do not have the time needed to do the engraving and learn and do the embroidery, troubleshoot, etc (I love the machine, just a one man show and both are too much right now).

[levelbest]

Gotcha [img]smile.gif[/img]

[signman]

Been there...done that...wanted to heave the machine out in the dumpster! I know how you feel. But I have a regular engraver, the Amaya, Versacamm digital printer/cutter, vinyl cutter, 4 color screen (all hand) setup, laminator, etc. etc....so don't give up yet-you still have some brain cells to go!
The BEST thing you can do is get to the week(actually 4 days and option to hang around the 5th) training-well worth it.
Second best...find the local independent 'service' tech and get him to come up...if you have warranty, they normally would be there once a year. BUT they are a treasuretrove of information on how to run the machine and take care of it so they don't have to see you so often!
Not so much info on 'how to sew thick beanies' but more on the line of 'why is the thread shredding', 'how do I tell if the needle is bent, out of alignment, in backwards'....type of help. Get the machine running right and the rest will follow!

Roland

[U-CREATE-IT]

Thanks Roland!! Nice advice! Let me get my butt retired from the Navy next April and I will hopefully get several classes of training in...

[Rod or Sharon]

The "manual" does not show the procedure but the Parts and Tech manual CD supplied with the machine does.......

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer