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dbams

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  1. Like
    dbams reacted to StephanieN in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Thank you so much Jim! I have a video appt tomorrow with APQS so I'm hoping we can get to the bottom of things. My thought is that it needs to be timed! When it was set up the dealer I had only turned it on and left. Once I got everything loaded I stated noticing tension issues so I tried different threads to see if anything would stay in tension once I got it there, but none made a difference. The other day while trying to complete my assignment for class, the machine made a horrible winding like noise and froze. I panicked of course, ran to power it off and kept it off until after the WD40 bath and then machine oil. Got it up and running, but it just doesnt feel or sound right. Once I get APQS on the video call I will update with any findings. Thanks again for your help! And yes, I oil at every bobbin change, sometimes more if needed. 
  2. Like
    dbams reacted to jimerickson in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Stephanie:  It sounds to me like you have tension issues.  Here's what I suggest: 1) Stop using Glide thread.  I've always had issues with it, and as a beginner I don't think it's where you should start.  After you become comfortable quilting, and adjusting tension, then try Glide.  While you learn, use a strong poly long arm thread like YLI's Longarm Professional.  2)  Tighten your top tension up until the top thread pulls the bobbin thread to the top of your quilt sandwich.  Then begin loosening it until you get a balanced stitch.  3) Study the timing instructions you have for your machine.  Make sure you understand what you're looking at, and how to make adjustments to timing.  It's essential you know how to time if you plan to long arm.  4)  Check the position of the black "finger" the keeps the bobbin basket from turning.  It should have as little engagement in the assembly as it can, and still securely keep the basket from turning.  Too deep an adjustment catches thread,and causes all sorts of issues.
    I find that a good bit of both top and bobbin tension produces predictable results.  I've seen a lot of suggestions about tension adjustments that in my opinion, are too loose for good stitch formation.  Mastering tension is of paramount importance.  Start with good strong thread, tight stitches, and go from there.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.  Jim  BTW, oil your hook regularly.  Dry hooks make a lot of noise.
  3. Like
    dbams reacted to StephanieN in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Thank you. It is so much quieter when it’s running without a quilt, if that makes sense. 
     
    Yes, I had a call into them on Friday. I’m hoping they can fit me in on Monday. 
     
    Thanks again. 
  4. Like
    dbams reacted to Cagey in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Try running it with the needle out to see if it still makes noise.  You might have bent it slightly when it got caught.  
    I would suggest calling APQS on Monday, so they can listen to the machine run while they are on the phone with you.  You will be amazed how well they can diagnose problems listening to the machine over the phone.  Hopefully they can get you all set, so quilting becomes fun verses being a chore.  Best of luck to you.
    Cagey
  5. Like
    dbams reacted to StephanieN in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Thank you. I sprayed it thoroughly with WD40, I was able to wiggle the thumb wheel, then sprayed again, it’s finally free. Now I’m scared to turn it on. Ugh! I’ll add the oil and let it run in manual. I’m praying this is going to work. 
  6. Like
    dbams reacted to SYork in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Try spraying the whole area with WD40. Let it sit for a while and then try pulling the thread out. If you get it out, repeat the WE40 and let machine run a while.  You may have some other thread in there that you can't see.
  7. Like
    dbams reacted to RunningThreads in Help needed! Frozen hook assembly!   
    Try rocking the hook back and forth with the thumb wheel while gently pulling on the thread tails.  Once you get the thread out rotate the thumb wheel a couple of turns by hand before you turn the power back on.  If by chance the machine won’t power on you have most likely have a blown fuse.  
     
    Hope this helps.
    Nigel
  8. Like
    dbams reacted to Hali in Essential Thread by Connecting Threads   
    Thanks. I am trying it.
  9. Like
    dbams reacted to SueD in Essential Thread by Connecting Threads   
    Betsy - have you ever oiled your thread?  Someone else asked about this in another thread.  I found some YouTube videos showing basically dipping the thread in mineral oil to condition it.  It doesn't seem necessary on polyester threads but might be useful for cottons.  They are adamant that it doesn't leave residue or stain the quilts.
    Sue
  10. Like
    dbams reacted to Heathers Quilt Garden in Essential Thread by Connecting Threads   
    Thanks for the info. I will try that.
  11. Like
    dbams reacted to mommat18 in quilt maker   
    Thank you my dimples are down and my backing was prewashed
  12. Like
    dbams reacted to jimerickson in Shipping a Millie   
    Twelve years ago, I had a machine shipped from FL to TX.  I used an online shipping service called U-SHIP.  Independent small carriers bid on the job, and you pick the one with the level of service that suits you best.  The process was simple, and I couldn't have been happier with the results.  I don't know whether they are still active, but do a search and check it out.  Good luck.  Jim
  13. Like
    dbams reacted to barbm in Quilt Path wanted   
    Debby, you need to talk to APQS Service before purchasing a used Quilt Path. Depending on the age of your Millie, it might need a circuit board that is just not available, making that Quilt Path unusable with your machine.
  14. Like
    dbams got a reaction from Deb in the Mtns in Moving questions - advice and tips appreciated!   
    Deb, thanks for the update, and congratulations on your moving success!
  15. Like
    dbams reacted to Deb in the Mtns in Moving questions - advice and tips appreciated!   
    We did the move completely ourselves.
    Lenni was packed in the original box and well secured.  Everything was labeled with blue painters tape for all the connecting cords, etc. as we disassembled to make things easier on the other end.  The rails and frame were all wrapped with lots of bubble wrap and shrink wrap plastic.  I used foam pool noodles sliced like hot-dog buns to go over the bliss tracks to protect them.
    Everything sat in a climate controlled storage unit for about 6months+ before my dear hubby decided that I really NEEDED my sewing space and we managed to cram it all into our tiny rental house.  Things went together smoothly and Lenni was up and running like there had never been a move! 
    Amazing machine from APQS and I'm still loving it as much now as in 2016 when I bought it.
  16. Like
    dbams reacted to Cagey in quilting with sheer linen   
    I would suggest visiting Cindy Needham's site; https://www.cindyneedham.com/collections/wholecloth-patterns
    She is a wonderful quilting teacher. She quilts on heirloom lace handkerchiefs.  Search her name and include "heirloom handkerchief" and you will find a number of her examples.  I have emailed her asking a question, and she has replied.  It might be as easy as using two layers of the sheer linen to get the outcome you want.
    Best of luck.  Let us see what you come up with please.
    Cagey
  17. Like
    dbams reacted to MaggiS in quilting with sheer linen   
    Thanks Jim.  Transparency is a concern.  Also thinking of "tightness" for loading.  Thank you for taking the time to respond.  Take care and have a good day.
  18. Like
    dbams reacted to jimerickson in Idle APQS longarm   
    Don't think there's much you need to do.  Just clean and oil.  Put on a scrap sandwich and do some quilting.  Check how your stitches are, make any tension adjustments you think necessary, then you should be ready to start quilting.  Jim
  19. Like
    dbams reacted to jimerickson in quilting with sheer linen   
    Think about what will show under the "gauzy" fabric.  Batting choice might be very important.  Do some experimenting before you commit.  Jim
  20. Like
    dbams reacted to RunningThreads in Ultimate 1 with no trusses!   
    Something in the back of my mind says not all tables came with the truss.  I think the 12 foot tables were ok without but the 14 foot one would sag in the middle.  In the following video I don’t see a truss at the 2:12 mark.  The video also shows the cam adjustment for the wheels.  Four wheels adjust and four are fixed.  https://www.apqs.com/table-adjustments-video/  Hope this helps.  
     
    Nigel
  21. Like
    dbams got a reaction from SueD in For sale   
    You will get more responses by including more information and photos in your post.  Model year, table size and type, used for business or only personal use, any additional features/accessories included, etc.  Some buyers will want to know your reason for selling, too.
    Good luck with your sale.
  22. Like
    dbams reacted to SueD in "Clamp Supports" - does anyone make these any more?   
    I use the expanding curtain rods.  They're very inexpensive and work just fine.  
  23. Like
    dbams reacted to RunningThreads in Brand New Tin Lizzie 18 Apprentice Plus $3000   
    Click on the avatar, select message and send them a message.  The poster hasn’t been on site since that posting.
  24. Like
    dbams reacted to Debra Carter in no Power to 2021 Millie   
    Thanks, it was a blown fuse.  I replaced it and I'm back in business.  I found the instructions on replacing the fuse and it was a quick fix.  I don't know what happened to cause a blown fuse, however.  But I will be ready next time.  Thanks for your help. 
     
  25. Like
    dbams reacted to barbm in no Power to 2021 Millie   
    Debra,
    It sounds like you may have blown a fuse. First, I'd check that you haven't popped a breaker - plug something that you know works into the plug you have your machine plugged into. If that works, plug your machine in again and check that it still doesn't turn on. There's a document on finding and replacing fuses in the Files Section on the We Love APQS Facebook page. If you're not already a member there, email me at info@apqsnw.com and I'll send it to you.
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