KathyA Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 I have a rough area that I'm going to try to explain. I've broken more than a few needles over the past 4 years. The area that is rough is where the needle goes through to the bobbin area. That oval hole has a rough spot on the back, closest to the silly curve on the back of the needle (can't remember the name of the thing). Is it safe to sand this and would I need to remove the parts underneath first to avoid damaging anything else? I was looking for some sanding cording (?) at the hardware store but could not find any. Think someone on the forum had mentioned a product like this. And yes, I'm getting some thread beakage, if it happens it's always when I stop and I can feel the bobbin thread break. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbm Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 Kathy, Yes, you should sand the area out. It may not be the entire source of your thread breakage, but it definitely could contribute. You didn't say what kind of machine you have, but with the Millies, the easiest thing is to take the needle plate off to sand the nick out. The proper tool for the job is emery cord, which is hard to find, at least in my locale. I bought an entire roll of it (should last me through several thousand sanding jobs!) and I would be glad to send you enough to last you a long, looong time. Just e-mail me your mailing address and I'll get it in the mail tomorrow. If you don't want to do that, you can try your local sewing machine repair shops - they might have it on hand. In a pinch, you can cut thin strips of sandpaper or emery cloth (from a local auto parts store) and use that to sand the nick smooth. And if I remember correctly, the curvy part on the back of the needle is the "scarf" - obvious, right? Good luck and let us know how it goes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyA Posted December 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 Thank you. It's not the needle plate hole that has the nick. It's when I take that off and look down into the hook area. And yes, I'll send you my snail mail address. I've been to Loew's, 2 Local Hardware Stores, Home Depot, WalMart....it's a rare breed for a sanding tool I guess. I really want to say thank you for your help. The fact that APQS Sales people from all over take time to help us out on this forum says alot about the people that represent this brand. I tell everyone that support is never an issue with APQS. You are all so wonderful. Have a wonderful holiday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Stuart - APQS Service Posted December 10, 2008 Report Share Posted December 10, 2008 If you are having a hard time locating emery cord - try automotive supply stores - they usually carry emery cloth (not cording). The cloth is nice because you can tear or cut strips and 'thread' them through small spaces like that. It would be easiest, as Barb mentioned, to take the needleplate off so you can access that hole...make sure after you sand the area down that you give the hook assembly a good WD-40 bath and oil it...that grit gets down into the bobbin race and can make a mess of things! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belquilt Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 Barbara, Where did you get the cord??? I will look for emery cord or cloth next time I am out. I think I have a similar problem! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PattyJo Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 Yes Barb - where did you find the emery cord????? I'll go to the local auto parts stor for the cloth, but I think that the cord would be easier to use in some applications. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbm Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 I sent away for the cord to an Industrial Sewing Machine place, seems like I got the info here at the chat, but I sure can't find it now! I will keep looking, though. Anyone who would like a 2-3 foot length, just e-mail me and I'll send it out. My roll should provide for several hundred of us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy Stuart - APQS Service Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 We also carry the cord at the factory...I think it is $15 for a roll that will last forever!! Or, if you search the web for Mitchell's Emery Cord...we usually get #56 or #57 size. Hope this information helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katydids Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 Kingsmen sells a small pack of multi-sized abrasive cord for $3.00. Here is the link. http://www.kmquiltingsupply.com/Parts/CordPack.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramona-quilter Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 KathyA - so your rough spot is on your hook. I have broken a few needles myself when I first started on my APQS machines. I broke you so bad that I had to replace the hook. Luckily, San Diego has anindustrial sewing mahcine repair shop but it still cost me $130. I would certainly try that emery cloth first, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyA Posted December 11, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 I was afraid I might have to replace the hook. I'm going to take a close up photo and send it to Amy to get her opinion on my next step. Thanks Linda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbm Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 Kathy, Been there, done that! It's not as bad a task as it might seem. The step-by-step directions that Amy will send with a new hook (should you need one) are very clear. She won't steer you wrong! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathyA Posted December 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 Well, I did not need a new hook. I sanded the oval where the needle goes into the bobbin area and all is well. I've had no broken threads since then and on my 4th quilt. What a relief. Thanks again Barbara for the cording and to Amy for the cautionary instructions sent via email. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbm Posted December 20, 2008 Report Share Posted December 20, 2008 Yay!!!! And you're very welcome.....:P:P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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