Sewing Machine
Make: Janome
Model: 3160QDC
Serial Number: 8H2036666 / 8H2036653
Ace: Gail Dowler (gdowler@georgefox.edu).
Location: The Hub
Description
There are currently four Janome 3160 QDC sewing machines available for use in the Maker Hub. These machines feature 60 different stitch patterns. It has automatic fabric feeding, one hand needle threader and easy to follow instructions, making it an ideal machine for first time sewers. Some of its more advanced features include buttons for lock stitch, needle up or down and automatic thread cutting. It has a add on platform that can be attached to make sewing larger materials a breeze.
Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.
Documentation
Terminology
- Spool - Holder used for thread.
Training
All information on these specific machines can be found in the User Manual and on the Product Home Page
How to set up the machine. This video shows a similar set up process to our machines, but be sure to compare to the manual.
A quick video on basic stitching techniques:
YouTube is a great resource for learning new things. If you are new to sewing, try watching a few videos to get a general understanding before jumping into sewing.
Operation
The SawStop table saw has a unique safety feature. A spring loaded cartridge is located in the machine. Any conductive material that makes contact with the blade causes the aluminum cartridge block to fire into the blade. The blade then stops spinning and drops down out of the way. All this happens within 5 milliseconds, helping to ensure the blade inflicts minimal damage. This galvanic response safety mechanism is great for preventing injuries but will permanently damage the blade if triggered. If the material you are cutting is conductive it will trigger the saw stop feature. Do not cut any wet lumber, pressure treated, or metal coated materials such as gold leaf with this machine. Charcoal is also conductive so any laser cut areas of lumber should not make contact with the blade while cutting. There are a few other things to keep in mind regarding your material as well. Make sure the material you are cutting is free of all foreign objects. Do not cut materials that may have nails or screws as they will damage the blade and may cause injury to you. If the blade comes in contact with a conductive material (metal or human fingers), the safety mechanism will stop the saw blade by jamming a block of aluminum into the blade and probably permanently take the blade out of commission. Also, if the material contains a loose knot it can break free and create a safety hazard.
If your material looks good, the next step is to set up the saw itself. When setting up the saw the blade, it should protrude no more than 1/4" above the material top. This limits the amount of blade that is exposed and makes for a good cut. You will also want to hook up the adjacent dust collector to the rear of the machine, make sure it is plugged in, and turned on. The dust collector must be used with the table saw to help keep the dust out of the air. As you make a cut, it is imperative that you keep the wood firmly against the fence to make the cut square. Therefore, you should double check to see if you are reading the right measurement on the fence, especially because the fence can be moved to either side of the blade which is why there are two distance indicators, only one of which is correct for each set up. Make sure to ask the supervisor about the available jigs because they can be helpful for specialty cuts. Once the supervisor has demonstrated the use of a jig feel free to use it in the future but do not play around with jigs you are unfamiliar with.
After the saw is set up make sure the small dust collector is ready to go. The dust collector hose needs to be connected to the table saw exhaust port. It's a good idea to gently press against the lower dust collector bag with your hand or use the clear sight window to see how full the dust bag is prior to turning it on. If the sawdust level is above the clear sight window you need to let the supervisor know. Turn the power switch on for the dust collector. Turn on the saw main switch and wait for solid green light. Make sure the blade is clear and pull the start/stop paddle next to the main power switch and slowly push the material through, making sure to keep your hands away from the blade. Do not stop pushing the material until after the cut is finished unless there is an emergency, in which case, carefully use one hand or your hip to bump the off switch. Also not let go of your work piece during the cut or it will be forced back towards you.
Demonstration
Demonstrate you can safely setup the sewing machine and sew a mini pillow. You will also need to demonstrate how to thread the machine.
General Procedure
Cross Cut
1. Move the fence off to the side by lifting the brake handle and sliding the fence off to the side.
Safety
There are several hazards you need to be aware of when using a sewing machine.
- Keep your fingers away from moving parts.
- Never place your finger under the needle.
Certification
Troubleshooting
If the blade appears to need sharpening ask the tech to change out the blade.
A sign of a dull blade is as follows:
1. Burning of material
2. More resistance when cutting
3. Rough cut edges
4. Increased cutting noise
5. Increased motor noise
Maintenance
General maintenance
Keep the saw clean and use the dust collector. There are several lubrication points on the saw that need to be checked by the tech.
Specific Maintenance Tasks
| Maintenance Procedure | Frequency | Done By |
|---|---|---|
| Lubricate mechanisms | Semester | Sample |
| Clean machine interior | Monthly | Tech |
| Change the blade | As Needed | Tech |