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MG-3U Tensions
Hi all,
I'm new to this forum having just stumbled across it recently and am hoping I might be able to pick your brains to try and solve an ongoing problem I've been having. I purchased my MG-3U many years ago with the thought of making patches for the USAF (I'm in the USAF). I actually bought it before I bought my embroidery machine. Anyway, I've become rather intimate with the Merrow and have taken apart every screw, cam and eccentric to clean and polish the machine. I've download the manual and it is threaded properly and I believe I have the needle and upper/lower looper in proper alignment. The issue I have are with the tensions.
In order to get the cover stitch to loop all the way around to the back of the patch I have to have the tension as loose as I can get it on the upper looper and I need to adjust the tensions on the needle reasonably tight and super tight on the lower looper. The problem then is the cover stitching isn't smooth and tight and looks loose. If I tighten the upper looper tension then the cover stitch quality improves but then the lower looper stitches are pulled to the edge of the patch where you can see them...if that makes sense. Any thoughts on what I should do?
Another issue I have is motor speed. I assume if I have years of practice I can merrow around the outside corners of nametags nicely but until then it is a whole lot easier when I take it slowly. I have limited the downward travel of my foot pedal and there's a screw adjustment on the bottom of the motor that also sort of helps limit motor speed. But my question is has anybody tried using a different pulley on the end of the motor to slow things down?
Thanks,
Dave
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Owen Merrow on -
Dave,
Your first tension set-up is correct- loose upper looper thread, tight needle thread, super tight lower looper thread. First question; what springs are you using on the tension rods for each of the three threads? A common MG-3U issue occurs when incorrect springs are being used. Merrow offers 4 basic spring weights for the thread tensions: very light (27-46), light (14-760), heavy (14-64), and very heavy (14-64A). You want to make sure that the proper spring is on each thread tension. Needle, 14-64. Upper Looper, 14-760. Lower Looper, 14-64A.
It is not uncommon to want to reduce sewing speed, and there are two easy ways to reach that goal. 1. Reduce the pulley size. 2. Purchase a servo motor ($95 from Merrow) with a variable speed knob. The servo motor will allow you to start slow and gradually increase the speed as you get more practice.
Do not hesitate to call Merrow Customer Service (800-431-6677) with any questions.
Good luck!
Owen Merrow
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Permalink Reply by David Davies on -
Owen,
Thanks for the help when I called. I opted to go ahead and just order the servo motor but have a question about the belt that came with it. It is way to small to fit on my MG-3U in its current position and my old one is way to big. Obviously I can go buy a new belt but my machine is set up 4.5" back from the front of the table. Moving the Merrow back would probably allow me to get the belt to fit. Is there any reason why I couldn't do this or is it better to keep the Merrow up near the front of the table?
Thanks,
Dave
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