nhintsa Posted December 24, 2004 Report Share Posted December 24, 2004 I read a post on another list that APQS has new wheels out. The other party had one of the Ult machines. Are the new black wheels only for this model or all the machines? She indicates the wheels are made out of a different material. Any advantages to the new wheels? Just wondering. Thanks. Nancy-Millenninum Northern MN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhintsa Posted January 9, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2005 Hi, me again. I haven't heard from anyone yet on the APQS new wheels. On another list there was some information re Edgerider wheels. Excerpt below. How do the Edgeriders compare to the new APQS? Thanks! Nancy Date: Sun, 09 Jan 2005 16:15:40 -0000 Subject: Re:Edgerider Wheels-APQS Actually, the EdgeRider idea was tested on APQS ULTIMATE-II machines, back in 2003. After realizing how much stability they gave the machine, we started developing wheels for other brands. KenQuilt became the first (and so far the only) machine manufacturer that wanted to utilize the benefits of the design. Their longarm machines, including the new Princess, come with a version of the EdgeRider wheels. The first wheels for Gammill machines were offered for sale at the last MQS by QuiltTech (www.quilttech.com). King's Men Quilting Supply (www.kmquiltingsupply.com) also carries the product. The refinement of the APQS ULTIMATE-II wheels was shortly followed by the development of horizontal wheels for the ULTIMATE-I and Millennium machines, the latter with provisions for APQS's new "gear style" channel lock. Currently we are testing a design for HQ-16 machines. We are just one of the companies trying to improve the wheels. A couple of manufacturers answered the complaints from their customers about the handling of the machines, which was caused by the design and material of the wheels. A-1 Quilting Machines came out first with wheels made of high quality plastic. Half of the wheels in their set contain dual ball bearings to reduce "wobbliness". The A-1 wheels can be used on Gammill and APQS machines too. APQS also changed the material of their wheels, aiming for easier rolling and less residue buildup. Some of you heard that Gammill would come out with a new wheel design. To help those who interested, here is some technical information you can use when comparing the different wheel options for your machine: The EdgeRider wheels provide stability and easy rolling at the same time by combining three major design solutions: - Shape: in different ways for each machine, but the wheels are either "wedged" between the edges of rails, or "grab" the rails to eliminate sideways play, thus holding the machine firmly on the tracks. Some Gammill customers report an unexpected side effect of the "wedging":less vibration. - Material: the wheels are made of a high quality plastic, with an "oily feel" to its surface, which reduces abrasiveness, one of the causes of aluminum oxide buildup. (Finding the proper material was a gradual process, some of the first series were made of a softer plastic that caused flat spot development.) - Dual ball bearings: to reduce the unavoidable axial play (wobbling) of any single ball bearing, the EdgeRider wheels have two ball bearings. This feature increases the stability of the machines, and on machines with horizontal wheels reduces the strain on the individual bearings, and practically equivalent with the use of more expensive thrust ball bearings. It is worth noting that the Nolting covered track design has all of the above features, but Fred Nolting achieved it with only half of the ball bearings. Actually, his design inspired our efforts in engineering wheels for other machines. The EdgeRider wheel sets come with all the fasteners and spacers needed for installation. Detailed installation instructions are also included. (this material comes from Machine Quilting Professional on yahoo.com) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnQuilts Posted January 10, 2005 Report Share Posted January 10, 2005 I have the EdgeRider wheels for my Discovery, and they have helped immensely with the way my machine moves. The wheels made the difference between a machine I wasn't real happy with , to a machine that I now find almost perfect ! I would also be interested in hearing about these new APQS wheels if they exist, just in case they might be better than the EdgeRider wheels . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhintsa Posted January 11, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2005 Lynn, Thanks for your post and information. Do you still have to wax your rails? Anyone else have EdgeRider wheels or the new APQS wheels? I am thinking I could use a little more zip even after waxing my rails. Thanks! Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnQuilts Posted January 11, 2005 Report Share Posted January 11, 2005 I do not wax my rails any more since putting the EdgeRider wheels on. I did wax them once a few months after installing the new wheels, but didn't notice any appreciable difference. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to wax them once in a great while just to keep them somewhat clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb OMelia Posted January 12, 2005 Report Share Posted January 12, 2005 It is my understanding that the Edge Rider Wheels cannot be used on a stitch regulated Millennium. I have found that getting the wheels adjusted and balanced correctly goes a long way to making the machine run smoothly....that and PPP Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle Miller Posted January 13, 2005 Report Share Posted January 13, 2005 Yes, the wheels are most definately available. I contacted Intellistitch yesterday and they are 160.00+ shipping for a set of 8. My wheels are in great shape, but if I needed to change them, this would be the way I'd go. Not dealing with q-tips with alcohol and waxing the rails sounds fabulous!!! Michelle L. Miller/ 2003 APQS MILLENNIUM(******** FOR SALE**********) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloria Byers Posted January 14, 2005 Report Share Posted January 14, 2005 It is way past time for APQS to do something about the wheels. It is getting very furstrating to have to wax the rails and clean the wheels every couple of hours to keep the machine from feeling like it weighs 1000 pounds. This is especially annoying when you have to wax and clean with a quilt loaded. So far the unthinkable has not happened and I have not gotten any black crud on a quilt but I fear it is only a matter of time. Hopefully it will not be on a client quilt. Gloria Millie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierQuilts Posted January 15, 2005 Report Share Posted January 15, 2005 There is no need to spend a lot of time waxing the rails. The only rail that is causing more friction is the long rail on the rear of the table because more weight from the machine head is resting on it. When you feel drag, spray a little silicon spray on a paper towel and wipe it on the rear rail and the machine glides like grease lightning. A quick cleaning job of the wheels can be done by folding up some paper towel and holding it over the rails then just run over it with the wheels and most of the black stuff ends up on the paper towel. Jurgen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckirk Posted January 16, 2005 Report Share Posted January 16, 2005 I would like to hear from the APQS staffers about the use of silicon spray on the rails. Will it harm the rails or wheels? Does APQS endorse its use? Thank you for your reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connie hurst Posted January 17, 2005 Report Share Posted January 17, 2005 Hi All, Jurgen brought up a great point, that is, you shouldn't have to wax the rails all the time. It will leave a build up on your wheels.. Normally if you are waxing and then right away it is hard to move, something else is wrong.. As far as the wheels, I know you all are waiting to hear the official word rom APQS, which you will this week! I can tell you this, we have a new system that we have been working on and several people have been trying this out and so far it is 2 thumbs up!!!! It will Not be the new Edgerider wheels, as they are so new and the verdict for long term is really still out on those! We did get a set and have tried them on our table and machine here at the factory! We are sure you will all love the new system!!!!!! If you have questions or would like to know about our new wheels, contact us and we will answer any questions! Have a Great Day!! Connie Hurst APQS Service Mgr/Tech. 800-426-7233 ext. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted January 17, 2005 Report Share Posted January 17, 2005 Oh I cannot wait to hear. I love the way my machine moves now, but if it can be even smoother, that would be just dreamy! I hope the announcement will let us know about pricing, how easy (?) the wheels are to change out, etc. Thanks Connie! Looking forward to the announcement! Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnQuilts Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 I am also waiting with baited breath!! Can't wait to hear! Please let us know as soon as you can! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhintsa Posted January 18, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 Connie, Will you have the longer bolts for the wheels for those of us who are using the Circle Lord? Because of the need to raise the carriage up a little higher, Circle Lord provided longer bolts for the wheels than the original ones that came with from APQS. I, too, am awaiting to hear more about the new wheels. I prefer to use APQS developed products first and foremost! Thanks. Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
connie hurst Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 Hi Nancy, We aren't actually changing anything that will affect that.. You will be able use all the same bolts you have! We are glad to hear you have enough Faith in us to wait and have our new and improved system!!! Which, by the way, I promise you will Love it! Connie Hurst APQS Service Mgr/Tech. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 I had heard about the Edgerider wheels myself, but I prefer to have something that is actually made by APQS. I had heard a few rumors about new wheels. Although I really love my machine as is, being a relative newbie, I can use all the help I can get! I'm getting really good at pantos and freehand on my own stuff, but I sort of freeze at doing feathers and fancy stuff for my customers. With a little better glide, I'm sure I'll have more confidence. Don't keep us waiting too long -- I'm so excited! Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Patten Posted January 18, 2005 Report Share Posted January 18, 2005 Hay Connie, How are you? Long time no see... I don't get on the chat line very often but I am taking a day off.. Ha Ha Ha. I will be very interested to hear about the new system (or wheels). I have never had to wax my rail or replace my wheels. Maybe it's just to cold up here in Canada for any kind of build up to accure. Come to think of it I can't remember the last time I even cleaned my rails, but my machine guides beautifully so I am not one to try and fix what is not broken. Can't wait to see and or try the new system maybe when I am at the factory next month??? OK time for me to get back to work. See you soon Connie.... Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliMom Posted January 20, 2005 Report Share Posted January 20, 2005 Hey Connie- I am curious about the new wheels... I bought my Millie six months ago and am curious to know whether new owners will have to buy the improved wheels or if they may be provided as a retrofit for free or reduced cost if APQS does adopt new wheels? Please advise when you post the answer on the latter. Thx! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 Okay! Week's up! Patience has never been one of my virtues. What's the skinny on the new wheels? I'm dying to know! Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyL Posted January 22, 2005 Report Share Posted January 22, 2005 My thoughts exactly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nhintsa Posted January 24, 2005 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2005 Connie, I don't go to the Toyota dealership to get parts for my Ford, unless Ford doesn't carry it and it's a universal item for relatively the same price!! I might go to the selvage yard for some used Ford parts (I bought my Milleninum used) APQS has really come thru for their customers in both service and parts so why go looking for trouble elsewhere? Nancy Duluth, MN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaliMom Posted February 3, 2005 Report Share Posted February 3, 2005 Connie- Do you have any new information on the new wheels yet? Here's hoping. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LynnQuilts Posted February 4, 2005 Report Share Posted February 4, 2005 We're all still waiting and wanting to hear about these new wheels! Anything?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo Posted February 8, 2005 Report Share Posted February 8, 2005 My husband told me he saw a blurb on this site a few weeks ago mentioning new wheels coming out. When, what are they made of, how are they different, what is the cost? Are they better than the edge rider wheels that are all the rage? Any info would be great:) Mo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted February 10, 2005 Report Share Posted February 10, 2005 Mo - the new wheels are black, don't know exactly what they are made out of. I ordered mine last week. Apparently there is also a "float system" of some sort. You need to call service and ask directly about this. I don't think there will be a public announcement. Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.