Hook Timing (TC Series)
Hook timing synchronizes the rotary hook with the needle and is critical for embroidery quality. For TC series machines, hook timing is set at 195 degrees.
Procedure
- •Set the machine to needle number one.
- •Remove the needle plate screws and needle plate.
- •Remove the sewing arm cover.
- •Remove the bobbin.
- •Rotate the black main axis knob until the display reads 195 degrees.
Inspect Hook Position
- •Early: Improper timing
- •Late: Improper timing
- •Correct: Hook tip directly behind the needle scarf
Adjust Timing
- •Locate the three timing set screws.
- •Loosen each set screw one at a time.
- •Ensure the hook is seated in the front notch.
- •Return the shaft to 195 degrees.
- •Align the hook tip precisely with the needle scarf.
Hook-to-Needle Clearance
- •Too close: Can cause needle breaks
- •Too far: Can cause thread breaks and shredding
- •Verify clearance with a flathead screwdriver (there should be a slight bounce).
- •Lightly tighten screws, recheck alignment, then fully tighten and reinstall covers.
Hook Adjustment (Velcro Bar Alignment)
Hook adjustment ensures proper thread control and prevents thread drag or damage during embroidery.
Procedure
- •Set the machine to needle number 15.
- •On the exposed side of the machine head, locate the hex screw on the hook assembly.
- •Loosen the hex screw to allow the hook to move freely.
- •Position the hook so it aligns correctly with the Velcro bar:
- ◦The hook must sit centered in the Velcro bar.
- ◦Only the tip of the hook should enter the Velcro bar.
- ◦The hook must not sit too deep, as this will cause thread drag.
- ◦Once proper alignment is achieved, tighten the hex screw securely.
Trimmer Blade Adjustment
If the machine is not trimming properly, a blade position adjustment may be required.
Procedure
- •Remove the needle plate using the flathead side of the V tool.
- •Remove the six screws on the left side of the machine base and remove the small access cover.
- •Loosen the internal screw located behind the small cover.
- •Remove the small bracket by loosening the two hex screws.
- •Remove the exposed Phillips head screw.
- •Loosen the screw on the front gray cover and remove the top cover.
- •Locate the black motor bracket and loosen the two Phillips screws.
- •Slide the motor bracket forward or backward by hand to adjust the blade position.
Blade Positioning Guidelines
- •Only the tip of the blade should be visible.
- •If the blade tip is not visible, the blade is positioned too far inward.
- •If too much of the blade is visible, it is positioned too far outward.
Final Steps
- •Once the blade is correctly positioned, tighten the motor bracket screws.
- •Reinstall the needle plate.
- •Reinstall all covers and secure them with the original hardware.
Picker Adjustment
The picker controls thread trimming and must activate at the correct time to properly form the knot between top and bobbin thread.
Adjustment is required if
- •Thread tails are too long.
- •Thread pops out after trimming.
- •Bobbin thread is not captured.
- •Picker solenoid fails to activate.
Procedure
- •Remove the metal bobbin housing cover.
- •Open the bobbin case.
- •Identify adjustment screws.
- ◦Two screws control picker height.
- ◦Two screws control picker depth.
- •Loosen height screws and position picker at the center.
- •Tighten screws to lock height.
- •Adjust depth so the picker passes the pigtail and nearly touches the bobbin thread.
Test
- •Menu → Machine Icon → Test → Pick Test
- •Incorrect: Bobbin thread pulls freely.
- •Correct: Resistance and a quick tap is felt.
Presser Foot Height Adjustment
Presser foot height must match fabric thickness.
Standard Heights
- •Standard height: 1.5 mm
- •Structured caps: 1.2 mm
- •3D puff: 1.5 mm
Procedure
- •Remove the metal cover.
- •Select the needle to adjust.
- •Press the 180-degree button to lower the needle.
- •Insert a 1.5 mm Allen key under the presser foot.
- •If clearance is incorrect, loosen the Phillips screw.
- •Adjust foot height until it rests on the Allen key.
- •Tighten the screw.
- •Press 100 degrees to raise the needle.
- •Reinstall cover.
Head Centering (Needle Plate Alignment)
If the needle strikes the needle plate, the head is off center.
Procedure
- •Rotate the color change knob to align a needle with the needle plate opening.
- •Remove the color change motor cover.
- •Loosen the cam screw using a 3 mm Allen key.
- •Recenter the head until the needle aligns correctly.
Needle Bar Height (Depth Adjustment)
Incorrect needle bar height can mimic timing issues but may affect only one needle.
Symptoms
- •Thread breaks
- •Shredding
- •Bird nesting
- •Skipped stitches
- •Failure to pick up bobbin thread
Procedure
- •Remove all threads.
- •Remove front covers and thread module.
- •Remove take-up lever cover.
- •Rotate main axis to 172 degrees.
- •Open bobbin housing.
- •Loosen the lower dead point screw.
- •Insert a 6 mm Allen key into the rotary hook as a gauge.
- •Lower needle bar until it touches the Allen key.
- •Tighten the lower dead point screw.
- •Loosen upper dead point screw.
- •Rotate to 0 degrees.
- •Raise upper dead point screw while tightening.
- •Press 100 degrees and reassemble components.
Machine Head Removal and Installation
Removal
- •Move to needle number one.
- •Lower thread stand.
- •Remove rear plastic cover.
- •Remove front cover screws.
- •Disconnect light cable.
- •Remove thread break sensor.
- •Remove thread module and take-up lever covers.
- •Remove head mounting screws.
- •Lift head upward and forward.
Installation
- •Align head with lower guide rail.
- •Ensure hook passes through Velcro bar.
- •Align bearings with color change cam.
- •Secure head with hex screws. Reinstall all covers and modules.
Reciprocator Replacement
The reciprocator drives needle motion and wears over time.
Procedure
- •Remove machine head.
- •Remove wrist fabricator cover.
- •Remove T-bar screws.
- •Extract left shaft.
- •Remove reciprocator.
- •Grease new reciprocator with white lithium grease.
- •Install with flat side facing bottom left.
- •Reassemble shaft, T-bar, covers, and reinstall machine head.
Take-Up Lever Alignment
Adjustment is required if one take-up lever sits higher than others.
Procedure
- •Remove front covers.
- •Remove take-up lever cover.
- •Rotate to needle number one.
- •Move needle bar down manually.
- •Set machine to 100 degrees.
- •Locate black hex screw behind needle one.
- •Loosen the correct screw (right side).
- •Align lever and tighten screw. Reinstall covers.
Pantograph Belt Adjustment (X Axis)
Loose belts can cause registration issues.
Procedure
- •Remove pantograph rail cover.
- •Loosen rear set screw.
- •Check belt deflection (should press halfway).
- •Adjust tension using a 3 mm T-handle.
- •Secure hex nut.
- •Reinstall cover.
Y-Axis Belt Adjustment
Vertical registration issues can indicate Y-belt tension problems.
- •Remove left-side base cover.
- •Remove bracket and access timing belt.
- •Loosen adjustment nuts.
- •Adjust tension using a 4 mm Allen wrench.
- •Secure nuts and screws.
- •Repeat on opposite side.
- •Reinstall covers.