EM-1010: Replacing The Reciprocator

How To Replace The Reciprocator

You’d need to replace the reciprocator on a commercial embroidery machine when it’s worn, cracked, or broken—because it plays a key role in moving the needle bar up and down.

When the reciprocator is damaged or worn out:

• The needle bar movement can become inconsistent
• You might experience thread breaks, needle breaks, or skipped stitches
• The machine could make unusual knocking or grinding noises
• It may stop sewing altogether if the part fails completely

Since the reciprocator works under constant motion and pressure, it can wear over time—especially if the machine is heavily used or not lubricated/maintained as recommended.

How to replace the reciprocator on the EM-1010 embroidery machine.

Once you remove the machine head, you'll see the reciprocating and all the cams inside and how they all relate and work together. Typically you need to replace that every 10 to 15 years due to regular wear and tear, but you may need to replace it sooner if it gets damaged. Also, if it is not engaging on the needle bar, you'll know the reciprocating is worn out.

1. Let's learn how to remove the reciprocating and install a new one. If it gets damaged, you will need to remove the machine head if you ever need to replace the reciprocator, before doing so. First, make sure you are on needle number one to needle number five to prevent damage when removing the head. First cut the threads underneath the metal clips and remove the thread.
2. Then remove the two screws on each side of the take up lever cover and slide the cover off. 
3. Disconnect the cable.
4. Then remove the two screws on each side of the tension knob. Cover of the head. Slide the cover off and place it gently on the thread rack.
5. Use a needle to remove the two plastic plugs on the upper right side of the head of the machine. Take off the top knob of the panel arm to access the screw behind it, and remove the screw. Then remove the screw on each opening with a Phillips screwdriver and remove the plastic side cover.
6. Next, make sure to turn off the machine to move the pantograph rail forward for the next step.
7. Remove the knob on the bottom of the panel arm. Use a needle to remove all four plastic plugs on the right side of the machine.
8. Remove all screws in the openings and remove the cover.
9. Then remove the six plastic plugs on the left side of the head of the machine, and remove the screws in the openings. Remove the left cover.
10. Last. Remove the four hex screws to be able to remove the head of the machine.
11. To remove the head, grab the head with both hands. Lift it up slightly and pull it towards you. Behind the heads guide rail, there is a hex screw on the right and left side that connect to each side of the reciprocating shaft. Loosen both sides with a two millimeter Allen key.
12. Use the pliers to move the right reciprocator shaft upward. Once it emerges from the top, pull it out with your hand. Repeat with the left reciprocator shaft.
13. Now to remove the reciprocator. Slide it to the right. Turn it to an angle and pull it toward you. Now remove the presser foot driver attached to the bottom of the reciprocator by sliding it to the right to place the reciprocating back in. Attach the presser foot driver to the reciprocator.
14. Line up the pin on the reciprocating to the shaft arm opening and the pin on the left side of the reciprocating to the presser foot. Guide rail. While you're placing the reciprocating push in the arm on the left side behind the reciprocator to pop it into place.
15. Now we're going to place the left reciprocator shaft through the reciprocator and the presser foot driver.
16. Make sure the flat side of the shaft is facing the top left to position it into place correctly. Then remove the two screws from the metal bearing stopper and remove the stopper.
17. Then make sure the loose bearing on the bottom aligns with the shaft. Use pliers to get the bearing through the shaft if necessary. Keep in mind the bearing needs to be under the bearing stopper.
18. Place the metal stopper back on and tighten the screws.
19. Next, with your finger, push down on the top of the reciprocator shaft in the middle to flatten it and ensure the opening to oil the reciprocating is clear for maintenance purposes. Tighten the screw on the left side of the shaft with a two millimeter Allen key. Next, place the right reciprocator shaft through the opening with the flat side facing the top right.
20. Flatten the shaft as done on the left side. Tighten the right screw with a two millimeter Allen key. Place the head back on with the color Change bearings Lining up with the color change cam. Line up the take up lever bearing in the center with the needle. Your machine is currently positioned to. In this case, it was needle number five.
21. Line up the head so that it lines up with the lower head rail placement bar.
22. Align the openings on the black guide rail with the openings on the front of the machine head. Use a three millimeter Allen wrench with a T handle to insert the screws in a cross motion.
23. Line up the cover of the head with the take up levers, making sure the opening on the inside of the head are lining up with the openings on the cover. Insert the screws on each side.
24. Retrace your steps to put the covers back on the machine.
25. Now reinstall the top right cover on the machine.
26. The screw on the back of this cover should be slightly longer than the others.
27. Next, bring the tension knob cover back down and connect the light cable. Then place the cover in its place and insert the screws. Place the large cover on the left side of the machine back into place, and tap on it with the side of your palm to lock it into place. Then insert the screws on each of the openings with the Phillips screwdriver.
28. Then place the plugs back in the openings.

Below is the video on how to assemble the new reciprocator: