connecting link help

[TinaK]

Ok, need someones help as my Big Red quit cutting for me so I took off the needle plate and saw the knife was out and I tried to move it in under the maintenance - cutter area and it wouldn't move so then I took my bed cover off and seen that it needed to be cleaned a little and ended up taking the connecting link off. Tried to put it back on but for some reason it will not go back on for me so need to say the magic words I bet and if someone could send me those magic words I surely would be greatful.

On my way out the door now but need to get this fixed tonight as I am so behind on orders it is not funny...

Thanks!

[TinaK]

Ok, so I figured out how the connector link is suppose to go on and my knife moves in and out like it is suppose to but it won't cut for nothing. I called Melco even and he tried to help me with it but to no avail. He said try the ink test which I will do in the morning but will someone tell me what the ink test will tell me or not tell me as I just don't get why ink>>>>

Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated as I have never had any trim problems before now and I have orders to get out like yesterday...

Thanks;

[Rod or Sharon]

Tina,

Well......ya'all has just stepped into a very critical/touchy feely/sensitive/PITA area of adjustment on old Big Red.

The ink swipe test on the old Big Reds is performed to see if the upper stationary knife and lower movable knife are adjusted flat to each other so that when the lower knife swipes underneath the upper knife it can cut like a scissors. Not a perfect description, but close enough for government work......

Using a magic marker, cover the top part of the movable knife that swipes under the upper knife. Let it dry. Detach the connecting linkage and use an allen wrench in the allen head screw that holds the lower knife in place to swing the lower knife back and forth . Do not use your fingers to move the blade back and forth as pressure is exerted in the wrong areas to get a good reading.

By swiping the blade carefully back and forth one time , if the blades are set correctly, it will "shave" the ink completely off the cutting area.

If it doesn't, well .... there isn't time enough nor room enough in this forumn to really get into how to instruct you in the correct process in how to do it. I will tell you that the adjustments are so touchy in this area that you just need to close your eyes and if you feel anything move, it will be ten times to far.....should be some instruction in the CD that came with your machine. The odds of getting the adjustment right without proper training is pretty high in the negative.

Rod Springer
Amaya Tech & Trainer

[TinaK]

Thanks Rod will try the ink test in the morning and hopefully I will not have to call my tech out..

Thanks again;

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

Tina,
What did you happen to do to get the connector link back in place???

I'm wondering if your moveable knife home position if no longer correct.

I know I'm a few days late on this but what is your status. Are you trimming again?

Ed