It’s important to protect the things that are important to you. You know to get regular oil changes in your car, and you keep your phone safely protected by a case. But what about the embroidery equipment that is vital to your business? The machinery you invested so much in needs to be protected too, but learning how to care for a big piece of equipment can be daunting. Luckily, when it comes to embroidery machines, it doesn’t have to be. A properly maintained machine will increase production and efficiency while helping your machine last longer.
Here are a few easy tips to keep your machine in great shape:
Read the Manual
Resist the urge to toss the manual aside and dive right in. Operating manuals aren’t the most riveting thing you will read, but they are incredibly helpful. Most machines fail because owners aren’t sure how to use them. Prevent user error and peruse the instruction manual. Learn all you can from it and keep it on-hand for future references.
Keep It Covered
Keep your machine covered, especially when not in use. This ensures no dust settles into your machine. Some parts of your machine are very delicate and contact with dust causes reduced efficiency. If your machine appears to be gathering dust, make sure to carefully remove it.
Prevent Power Surges
About 60% of embroidery machines break down because of a power surge. Make sure the equipment is plugged into a surge protector and unplugged when not in use. Many insurance plans don’t cover damages caused by power surges, so do everything you can to protect your machine.
Keep Your Needles Sharp
Dull needles do not produce quality stiches and damage fabrics, you definitely don’t want that! It is advisable to replace the needles every four hours when the machine is for personal use, and replace the needles every two hours for commercial purposes.
Also be sure to use the correct needles. The type of needle used should be determined by the fabric. This will keep stitch quality high and fabric safe. Generally, universal needles are used for synthetic fabric, and sharp needles are used for woven fabrics.
Oil Up
Regularly oil the moving parts of your machine to keep things running smoothly. It keeps threads from breaking and protects the all-important sewing hook. Always remember to clean your equipment before oiling. Oiling dusty equipment won’t help anything; it could even make things worse!
Consistent Colors
Changing thread colors constantly can put a strain on your machine. Try to use standard thread colors in your arrangements to prevent the need for constant rethreading.
Don’t Panic
It’s easy to be worried about your equipment; after all, you spent a lot to get it. But just because the machine stops on its own does not mean everything is breaking. The stitches could simply be too close together, or it could need some other simple fix. This would be a great time to refer to the manual!
These basic tips will help your machinery stay in top condition and take the stress out of maintaining them. Taking the time to properly care for your machine is sure save you money and reduce your stress.