Resilient Quilter Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Today, while working on a large quilt, I noticed drag on my wheels, so stopped to clean them. The 2 wheels on the back of the table ( carriage wheels) were loaded with black filings. Could not tell if they were plastic or metal. Am afraid to continue. Anybody have this happen with their black wheels? The machine ( freedom SR) was professionally installed just a couple months ago. I will be calling the maintenance department in the morning! andi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 It's OK. That is a build-up of oxidation from the aluminum rails and it's harmless. It's not part of the wheels. It can look like flakes or granules. The build-up can be removed with a soft cloth. Some quilters clean their rails with alcohol to eliminate the build-up on the rails which can transfer to the wheels. I wipe my rails and wheels with a piece of batting. I can tell if it's been a while between cleanings if I get a "grainy" or bumpy ride. I hope this eases your mind a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barbm Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Andi, it's likely that what you are seeing is accumulated oxidation, not filings. Yes, talk with APQS service, but probably a thorough cleaning, with a bit more "elbow grease," will take care of the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 The carriage on the new Bliss Machines gets a lot more build up of oxidation on it than the table does. I used a friend's machine last week and wondered why I couldn't do small feathers. Cleaned her wheels and I was back in control. I use a cotton bud (ear bud) to clean my wheels. Get them even cleaner using it dipped in some Isopropyl alcohol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resilient Quilter Posted August 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Now isn't that interesting! I was told by my professional installer that you no longer needed to clean the rails with alcohol. I've been quilting for 10 years, this is my second machine. I guess I will listen to my own gut from here on in. thanks so much for setting my mind at ease! I really appreciate the feedback. andi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnQuilts Posted August 19, 2013 Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 I also had been told that alcohol was no longer needed. So I was cleaning mine with just a piece of batting. Then when I could hardly move my machine I was told to use alcohol. It was amazing how much gunk I got off with the alcohol! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resilient Quilter Posted August 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2013 Good to hear, Lynn. I wondered about it when I was told this, but trusted the advice at the time. I can't wait to get back into my sewing room to get this issue resolved and get back to quilting! I was so worried I had done something to my machine! andi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Resilient Quilter Posted August 20, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 20, 2013 Well, my wheels got a good cleaning today, with alcohol. Enormous improvement! I did call APQS and they told me it was the oxidation. Phew! I was worried I had done something to the machine. All is well, back to quilting. thanks for the input and help everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenniferBernard Posted August 20, 2013 Report Share Posted August 20, 2013 I talked to Dawn C about the gunk and APQS recommends NOT to use alcohol on the wheels because it dries the plastic out. A little water on a Q-tip or batting is just fine. I DO clean my old rails with alcohol (I used to wax the rails) but Dawn said to stop that with the new wheels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted August 20, 2013 Report Share Posted August 20, 2013 Make sure you also clean the carriage well, it may not look like it is oxidised but it sure gets dirty too. I only use a small amount of alcohol on the wheels. I feel if thewheels wear out after a few years (because I am using the alcohol) then it is much the same as changing the oil regularly on my car. A service that has to be done to help it run properly. If I clean with water they are never as smooth as when I clean with alcohol. IF you clean with water first and then do the alcohol you can see how much gunk is still there too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnCavanaugh Posted August 21, 2013 Report Share Posted August 21, 2013 Hi everyone, The reason our engineers do not recommend regular alcohol cleaning on the M & M polymer wheels is to reduce the drying effect that prolonged alcohol exposure can have on the wheel surfaces. Eventually this can erode the wheels and cause reduced performance long term. If you do choose to use alcohol to remove incidental oxidation, use it sparingly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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