How to re-install big thumb screws for cap assembly?

[Loyda]

Hi all,
I'm hoping someone can help me figure out how to re-install the thumb screws with the 1" heads that hold the cap assembly (probably not proper name) to the AMAYA XT arm. The screws broke. I ordered new ones, but I cannot re-install them because they are just a little bit too long. I figure there must be a trick, but I cannot figure it out. I appreciate any help with this. I have some caps that I need to finish up. Thanks!

[signman]

Are you sure the broken threads have been removed?

[Rod or Sharon]

Loyda,

Assuming that you have the two piece XT Cap Driver, the one where the two bars can stay attached under the sewing arm or be removed if they are to get in the way of doing special projects....

Detach the bar assembly from the sewing arm. On the top side of the platform you will see 4 screws that hold it to the vertical supports. The eaisest way I have found to explain this process, is to instruct the person to remove 3 of these screws, loosen the 4th one, swing the top platform slightly to the side enough to get the screw in and then re-assemble the bar assembly....

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[Robyn]

I thought I was the only one with this problem! We have gone thru so many of those screws... one seems to break off about every 20 hats that I sew.

The only way that we've figured out how to install new ones, is to file them down so they are shorter.

Why do these keep breaking? Are there better ones available now? Is Melco still replacing them at N/C?

When we ran out during our last hat job, we figured out that 2 plastic wire ties will hold everything tightly in place just as well as those defective screws.

Robyn
Anthem, AZ

[Bill C @ Fineline]

Go to your hardware store and buy stainless metric hex bolts the same size as the ones that come with the machine. you might have to buy a little longer ones and cut them off. We did this and have no more problems with breaking. Use a little metric wrench to tighten them. Bill

[Loyda]

Hi everybody,

Thanks for all the responses! The screws are in! We followed Rod's advice but instead of taking out the 3 screws, we just loosened all 4 screws little by little until we could lift the top part just enough to fit the thumb screws in and then retightened the 4 screws on top.

I've had my machine for almost 3 years I do hats regularly, but not too many at a time. I usually leave the assembly on the AMAYA XT arm even when I'm not doing hats. The first thumb screw broke a few weeks ago, but I was still able to do hats until the 2nd thumb screw broke.

Bill, thanks for the tip on using stainless metric hex bolts. I'm writing that down for the next time!

By the way, FYI, I bought the replacement screws from MelcoMart for about $2.50 each.

Thanks everybody for the help!

-Loyda

[Linus]

Loyda,

Can you tell me the part number you used? I looked on MelcoMart and the manual and cannot find them.

Thanks,
Linus

[gcannon]

Melco has actually had a better part manufactured to replace the awful excuse for a thumbscrew we are used to- part number is 34220.

[Steve I]

I replaced all of mine with allen head screws. There is a shortened allen wrench that comes with the Amaya tool kit that fits the screws.

So if anyone needs thumbscrews I have 16 I don't need. $1.00 ea plus shipping.

Steve I.
Trinity Emb.

[KG Embroidery]

Steve,
Will the screws fit the BIG RED?

[Redina]

In my shop they last for several years before breaking. Steve, I will take you up on your offer and take some off your hands, how do I get my info to you?

[Steve I]

E mail me @ [email protected]