Hello everyone. This is my first post to the site, but have been scanning different threads over the last few months. I have been screen printing for about a year and a half, and I have had a heat transfer machine for a couple of months. I recently purchased a SWF East single head embroidery machine. Instead of going to Tampa for training we worked a deal to get a tech to come to our site for training for 2 days. What are some of the most important things that we need to spend most of our time on learning while he or she is here. I need to get the most out the time they are here. I already have a couple of small jobs to do when the machine gets here, so I think we will try to start on them at that time, but what else is important? Thank for any help.
Hooping is number one. It all starts there. Improper hooping can kill a job. Also, basic machine maintenance is important. Getting needles installed correctly because there is a front and back to a needle. Learning proper upper and lower tension is important and making needed adjustments.
I agree everything that Craig says.
Hooping is one of the most important things to learn. Dont forget the types of backing too. Perfect hooping but wrong backing and you have a badly sewn job. Topping too for Towels.
If you are doing your own digitising ask about types of understitching you must use for different fabrics.
If your supplier / trainer is any good they will cover all these things anyway.
You need to learn the most you can about maintenance of your machine. Learning hooping, backing, etc. are important but you can learn that on your own and with the help of the embroidery people at this forum. You need to know all the places to squirt oil and grease. How to replace parts. How to time your machine. How to get the correct needle depth. How to center a design and trace it so you don't hit the hoop. How to change from flats to caps.
Take pictures as you go along. It will help you remember what should and shouldn't happen with a particular part.
Good luck with your training and enjoy your machine.
Yep, +1 on Jane, lubrication schedule. Though it's not easy to adjust timing, it would be great if you can learn how to do it. Ask him also to show all the functions in the machine control panel; repeats (for patches), offsets, resizing and maybe some stitch clean-up functions (these should all be in the manual though). If the machine comes with a cap frame, then ask also for a demo on the proper use of this. Good luck and enjoy learning!
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