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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 6:37 PM
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Hi Everyone, Sure hope someone has some ideas on this problem. I'm fairly new using this machine. The last time I quilted as I was merrily going along all of a sudden the machine slowed way down and eventually stopped. All by itself! I ended up with very large stitches. Started up again and pretty soon it did the same thing. I haven't a clue as to what the problem was. Well today, it did the same thing on a different quilt. Any ideas on what my problem is? I thought that maybe the quilt isn't tight enough but I can't make it any tighter. I do know that I can't get the center of the quilts as snug as the edges. I didn't have this problem with the first few quilts, but I sure do now. HELP! Sewquick |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 7:50 PM
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Do you have your machine on an extension cord or surge protector? If either of these items are not strong enough to carry your machine this could easily be the problem. Try plugging it directly into the wall to see if the problem persists. If you are using a surge protector it could be your surge protector is not strong enough to carry the power of your machine. If you are using a surge protector be sure your machine is plugged into the nearest plug to the source of power. Do not have any other "powerhog" items plugged into the protector like tv and tv equipment, iron, fan or something of that sort. Good luck and keep us posted. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Aug. 31, 2007, 10:10 PM
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| I had what appeared on the screen as a "motor stall." It happened when I was using the stitch regulator and stopped moving the head of the machine. It stops and won't go. As long as I push the on off button rather than just stop sewing, it is fine. To "reset" it I unplugged the machine and turned it back on after about 15 seconds and away we went. Hope your problem is a simple as mine. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 1, 2007, 5:29 PM
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Hi, crashnquilt I have the machine plugged into the wall socket with nothing else running. I tried it again this morning and had trouble again. I've tried moving it faster and slower but it makes no difference. So today I changed from regulated to manual, I think that's what it's called, anyway, I had much better luck with it. Until I find out what's going on I guess that is what I'll do. I do know, when using the the stitch regulator I have a hard time keeping the motor going at an even keel. Sometimes it races so fast I think it's going to blow up, then it slows way down and pretty soon it just stops sewing. I try to move the machine at an even pace but it's really hard when the motor goes crazy. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 1, 2007, 6:28 PM
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| I have that same problem, so I've switched to manual and my stitching is so much better and it is alot easier to quilt, and the machine doesn't "race", I guess cause I'm going at my own speed. ( I also have no thread breakage and the tension looks better.) |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 1, 2007, 11:00 PM
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Unless you know you are continuing to move the head, I really think that your problem is that the head is stopped. If it "races" the head is being moved too fast and if it stops, it's because the head is not going anywhere. My dealer told me I'd get an "ear" for the proper speed. That has proved to be the case. When I get to going too fast around a curve I can hear the machine speed up. I've discovered, it's possible to get uneven stitches on regulated mode if I move the head too fast. There is supposed to be a warning beep of some kind if you keep going too fast for too long. Haven't heard that yet that I know of. Bottom line is, do what works for you and enjoy yourself. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 2, 2007, 5:56 AM
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| Thanks for the info. Once I get better at this, I could probably go back to regulated and not have a problem, Lets hope so anyhow :) I'm always in a hurry, so I need to learn to slow down a bit and just enjoy this great machine. How long have you had your machine? Just curious how long it could take to get better at this. I had read / heard somewhere that 200 - 400 hours is the norm...??? I'm in no hurry, I've only done about 4 various sized quilts so far. This is so much fun tho I wish I could piece faster !!! :) |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 2, 2007, 9:15 AM
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| I've had my machine for over a year and have quilted MANY MANY quilts (not all mine). First of all, I ordered the machine with the stitch regulator but the company forgot to send it . A man from the dealership brought it hooked it up - never tested it. When I tried to use it, it would race and make big stitches. I tried and tried and eventually quit using it because I did better in the manual mode. After trying the dealers machine at the shop, I went home and tried mine again so I called HandiQuilter and talked to a tech named Glen. There's a wheel in the back of the machine that rides on the rail. Mine wasn't making contact all of the time. It worked for a while after pushing it down ( there's a spring in the part that goes under the machine) but didn't keep contact. When I had my machine serviced, I complain about having wasted my money on the stitch regulator and the repairman said that he would make sure that I LOVED it when I got my machine back. He did have to make a house call because it still didn't work properly. He took the machine back and now I do LIKE it a lot. Still feel that if you have to regulate your own pace while sewing, why do they call it a stitch regulator. I'm used to the different sounds it makes - it slows me down. I have yet to hear any beeps - I think the machine makes too much noise to hear any beeps. Sorry to be so chatty, but this might help someone. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 2, 2007, 6:54 PM
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| Thanks for the info. I thought that the stitch regulator was supposed to keep even stitches no matter what I did. But I switched to manual when it kept racing. What does the 100%,o 75 % etc. mean? If I turned it to a lower % would that stop the racing if I'm going slower? I am actually getting good at the manual speed, but I paid for the SR and I want to be able to use it, at least at some point. :) I'm going to check that small wheel on the back next time I have it on. Thank you for that tidbit !! |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 2, 2007, 7:14 PM
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| In manual mode the % is the speed of the motor. 100% is REALY fast. My dealer told me that about 45% is a good speed for manual mode. It seems a little slow, but I don't know that it would be very easy to move the head fast enough to run at 100% without making a mess. The stitch regulator does keep very even stitches. I just meant it's possible to go faster than it can keep up. I think the more consistent speed the head moves the better the results regardless of the mode it's set in. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 2, 2007, 9:37 PM
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When I run my machine in manual mode, I start with it set at 40% then gradually turn the speed up while I'm stitching until I reach a speed that is comfortable. You should be able to do the same with your machine. On the Right Handle you should have a SPEED UP button, on the Left Handle should be the speed down button. Hope this helps. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 3, 2007, 7:51 AM
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Hi Petsitr2, The wheel for the stitch regulator is always on the frame so you don't have to wait until you have the SR engaged to check if it is moving. Before you have a quilt pinned on, move the head around. The man at Handiquilter told me to make a black mark on the side of the wheel so I could see if it was moving. I think that going over heavy seams might make the spring get goofed up but I'm not sure. Mine is working now so I'm happy. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 3, 2007, 12:02 PM
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| the one that sits on the carriage is always on the carriage. ( front to back ) The one that runs along the track tho is mostly on, but slides off and then back on sometimes. Is that what eveyones does? It is still smooth tho. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 3, 2007, 1:09 PM
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Hello Sewquick, Any updates on your machine? How long have you had your machine? If you are still have a problem with your machine shutting down on you then contact HQ cuz it could be a power issue within the circuit board. Reason: I got my machine in Feb.07 - less than 15 hours use - and Betsy would not power up. No problems prior to the loss of power. She ran great. Problem was: modular board and circuit board - BOTH - had to be replaced. She is running beautifully ever since and we are having a great time quilting together. Cathie |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 3, 2007, 6:26 PM
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Hi Cathie, I've had my machine since May. Had a free lesson at the dealer plus I paid for two more classes. Their machine raced also but in the regulated mode, you could go quite slow without it stopping or going into a stall. I'm moving the head at a good speed, then all of a sudden it stops. Seldom do I hear the beeb. This started when I was doing a king size quilt. My DIL wanted a quilt, she loves wolves, well I found some great fabric, didn't have a heart to cut it, so just measured and quilted it. So I had no seams to go over. I had a good time practicing with it until I started having trouble. Have done two more quilts and still have a problem. I am planning on calling Salt Lake tomorrow. Will also check the wheel. Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. Sue - alias Sewquick |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 4, 2007, 6:34 AM
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Hi Hi Petsitr2, My wheel in the front of the machine (stitch regulator) is always on the track. Is your track perfectly straight? I don't think it should ever come off of the track. Hope we hear from other users. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 4, 2007, 11:03 AM
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| I may have to do some adjusting on my track. I'll do that before I get the next quilt on. thanks for letting me know. I was wondering if that mattered since it is such a small ledge and it goes off and on so easily without even so much as a bump. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 20, 2007, 5:34 PM
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| I get a stall once in awhile if I am at an intersection (usually 4) where there is a lot of bulk. It generally only does it when I am first putting my needle down manually to begin, I have learned to watch for these seams and not start there, or finish there. Also, hate to harp on this but keep a sharp needle. It is sure worth it in the long run. |
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Machine Stops Sewing
Posted: Sept. 21, 2007, 9:10 AM
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Petsitr2, Is your track just stuck down with the double sided tape? My husband screwed the track down (on the side closest to me at the front of the machine) and the track cannot move and the wheel rides on the smooth side. I don't think the double sided tape works very well. |
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