Do you have a question about the MAS-12 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Paul crawford
January 25, 2025
Reciperator not picking up needle when trying to start to sew, bar light not lit Mas 12
1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
May 14, 2025
The SWF MAS-12 may not be picking up the needle and the bar light may not be lit due to one or more of the following reasons:
1. Incorrect needle position – The needle may not be set to the correct position bar. 2. Incorrect take-up lever position – The take-up lever may not be aligned with the other levers. 3. Failure to sense signals for needle position change – The system may not detect the correct needle position during rotation. 4. Thread detection failure – The upper thread roller may be dirty or the tension plate connection may be poor.
To fix the issue: - Manually move the needle to the correct position. - Adjust the take-up lever so it aligns with the others. - Disassemble and clean the thread roller and check the tension plate connection. - Check if the signal blinks correctly at the needle position on the operation box.
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USER ’ ’ S MANUAL MAS-12 Automatic Embroidery Machine MME-190212 S S u u n n S S t t a a r r C C O O . . , , L L T T D D . .
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1. This manual explains and describes the operation methods and related issues of “Automatic Embroidery Machine” to ensure the proper use. Please have a thorough understanding of the manual before operating the machine. 2. The manual is subject to change without prior notice to enhance the quality of the embroidery machine and may be different a bit from the purchased product.
Series No. of Needles Smart System 1.2) MODELS Emb. space (X,Y) Machine Color Head Tubular Wide Cap Frame Semi-Wide Cap Frame MAS-12 360×230 360×75 180×83 1.3) SPECIFICATIONS Stitch Length 0.1~12.7mm Speed Max. 1000 rpm BLDC Motor×1 (Main Shaft Motor) Motor Pulse Motor×2 (Frame Driving Motor)
SAFETY RULES 2.1) SAFETY INDICATIONS The following set of safety rules categorized as DANGER WARNING , and CAUTION indicates possibilities of physical or property damages if not fully observed. Names Content Users may be subject to physical or property damages if CAUTION not fully observe the CAUTION.
2.2) MACHINE DELIVERY Warning mark Description ONLY TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED PERSONS, FAMILIAR WITH THE RELEVANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, SHOULD HANDLE THE MACHINE. MAKE SURE TO FULLY OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS. 2.2.1) Delivery by hand Make sure to wear safety boots. Hold the machine tightly at both left and right. DANGER 2.2.2) Delivery using a forklift 1) Make sure that size and weight of the forklift is sufficient to support the machine.
2.3) MACHINE INSTALLATION 2.3.1) Machine malfunctions or physical damages may occur due to condition of the installation environment. Make sure to meet the following conditions. 1) The foundation (floor) under the machine must be strong enough to support the weight of the machine (approximately 3.5 tons). 2) Air conditioning can eliminate dust and humidity, which may cause pollution and corrosion of the machine.
X/Y drive box. CAUTION DANGER 2) Do not change the settings or any parts on the machine without consulting with SWF. Machine changes without consultation with SWF may cause risks to your safety when you operate the machine. DANGER 3) Use only official SWF parts when repairing your machine or replacing parts.
PRODUCT FEATURES 3.1) EXPANDED MEMORY - It enables saving up to 200 designs in a memory; the maximum capacity of memory is 10 million needles. 3.2) MIRROR IMAGE CONVERSION - You can turn the design from 0° to 359° by 1° and also mirror the design (reverse in the X direction). 3.3) ENLARGING AND REDUCING DESIGN -...
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3.13) FUNCTION THAT HAS AN AUTOMATIC SENSOR OF CUTTING THREAD - The machine detects when the upper thread breaks or the lower thread is out of the needle and automatically stops the machine. 3.14) FRAME CENTER 3.15) AUTOMATIC RETURN TO STOP POINT IN UNEXPECTED BLACKOUT -...
Foundation (floor) under the machine must be sufficiently strong and flat concrete to support the weight of the machine. 4.1.6) Industrial environment classification Installation and use of the machine must be performed in an industrial area. (SWF machines should be used in Class A environment)
4.2) ELECTRICITY INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT Check if the input voltage of the machine corresponds with the voltage supply before installing or operating the machine. WARNING 4.2.1) Input voltage (to be adjusted at installation) 100V, 110V, 120V, 200V, 220V, 240V, 100V~240V free voltage 4.2.2) Allowed voltage range Within 10% of the voltage set 4.2.3) Electric capacity and power consumption...
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– If the stand is installed If the dedicated stand (optional) is attached, reach it duly on the stand table. 2) Vibration-proof rubber Place the vibration-proof rubbers (four) under each leveling adjusting bolts. Adjust the bolts until the caster rises from the floor. Fixing nut Use the level gauge to check the leveling.
Fire or death may be caused by high voltage electric shock. Fire or death may be caused by high voltage electric shock. Don’t open the cover except for service man assigned by SWF. Don’t open the cover except for service man assigned by SWF.
WARNING Fire or death may be caused by high voltage electric shock. Don’t open the cover except for service man assigned by SWF. When open the cover turn off power and wait for 6 minutes. WARNING Injury may be caused by moving needle.
NAMES OF MACHINE PARTS ③ ⑭ ⑪ ④ ⒃ ⒔ ⑦ ⑩ ⑧ ⑫ ⒖ ① ⑨ ⑮ ⑤ ② ⑥ ⑬ ⒕ ① Machine Body ⑧ Color change box ⑮ Operation box ② Table ⑨ Upper thread holder ⒃ Encoder ③...
PERIPHERALS ASSEMBLY 7.1) STAND ASSEMBLY (Optional) 99.5mm Stand Table 171.5mm Stand 105.5mm ▷Place the table on the stable in the stable manner and fasten tightening screws. 7.2) CHANGE CAP TO TUBULAR 7.2.1) Disassembling the cap frame driving set Unscrew the fixing bolts to disassemble the cap frame driving set from the frame connection plate. Fixing bolts (Three) Cap frame unit Frame connection plate...
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7.2.2) Assembling tubular frame plate Use the fixing bolts to fix the tubular frame tightly to the frame connecting plate. Fixing bolts Tubular plate Frame connecting plate 7.2.3) Changing tubular to cap 1) Disassembling the tubular plate Unscrew the fixing bolts to separate the tubular Fixing bolts plate from the frame connecting plate.
BASIC FUNCTIONS FOR MACHINE OPERATION 8.1) BASIC OPERATION 8.1.1) Power 1) Plug in the power of the embroidery machine. 2) Turn on the power switch. 3) OP Box's LCD screen is turned on, and the operating program starts running. Make sure to plug OFF the power when inspecting the machine. CAUTION...
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8.1.2) For starting embroidery and stopping the machine You can use START and STOP switches during machine operation in the following cases. 1) For starting or stopping the embroidery work Switch Machine Operation Press START Machine starts and embroidery work begins. Machine “inching (see Note1)”...
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8.1.3) EMERGENCY STOP Press EMERGENCY STOP if you have to stop the machine urgently due to unstable machine operation. 1) Press EMERGENCY STOP and the machine will stop immediately. 2) Turn OFF the EMERGENCY STOP after addressing the risk factors or problems.
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8.1.4) LAMP SWITCH ON THREAD TENSION ADJUSTMENT BOARD 1) Switch – For normal operation, turn the toggle switch on to turn on the indicator lamp. – If the machine stopped after detecting a thread break, move the frame back to the location of the thread break and restart the machine to pick up stitching (design edit).
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8.1.5) Upper threading and tension adjustment 1) Upper threading Upper thread stand Upper thread (from the upper thread stand) Sub thread adjuster Thread tension adjustment board Thread detecting roller Take-up lever spring stopper Take-up spring Rotary tension disk Main thread tension adjuster Upper thread guide Thread guide (upper)
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Threading the sub thread adjuster Threading the thread detector roller Thread detector roller 1-round rotation Thread guide disk (penetrates the center of the axis) Thread between the thread guide disk and through the Wrap the thread around the V-shaped groove around the hole on the axis of the thread adjuster.
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2) Upper Thread Tension Adjustment Thread tension adjustment is critical for producing high quality of the embroidery. A balance of 2/3 upper thread and 1/3 lower thread generally indicates good tension. 1) If tension is too weak The upper thread will loop, causing thread tangles or breaks. 2) If tension is too strong CAUTION Puckering may occur as well as thread and needle breaks.
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3) Take-up spring adjustment – Functions Difference in the length of the upper thread pulled by the take-up lever and by the hook creates tension or looping. The take-up spring absorbs the leftover of the upper thread. Increase the tension or the stroke of the spring to form tight stitches on the embroidery.
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8.1.6) LOWER THREADING AND TENSION ADJUSTMENT 1) Lower threading – Use cotton yarn (#80-#120) for your lower thread. – Lower threading into the bobbin case Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case with 3~4cm Lower threading the thread coming out from the case slot. Pull the thread through the thread guide.
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8.1.7) BOBBIN WINDER 1) Bobbin winding – Insert the bobbin into the thread winder shaft as in the figure below and manually wind the thread 5 to 6 times on the bobbin in the direction of winding the thread. Then press the start button. –...
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3) Adjusting the bobbin winding condition – The thread should be wound around the bobbin in parallel. Otherwise, loosen the tightening screw for the thread winder's tension adjusting holder and move the thread guide body left or right for adjustment. –...
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8.1.8) Notes when using USB memory sticks. Make sure to meet the following conditions when using the above devices. You can use USB memory sticks of FAT 16 (file system). The machine does not accommodate FAT 32. CAUTION ▶ When using USB memory sticks –...
8.1.12) Return to stop position in unexpected blackouts Your SWF embroidery machine automatically returns to the previous position when the power comes back on after an unexpected blackout, thereby not affecting the quality of the embroidery. (See LCD Monitor User Manual)
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8.2.3) Changing the needle – Make sure the needle is completely clear of the needle plate before changing it. If the needle is not clear of the plate, use the main shaft handle, manually turn the main shaft to put the needle in the right location for change.
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– When using special threads, such as artificial silk, you might want to turn the groove of the needle to the right in order to minimize the thread breaks. If the needle is not inserted all the way to the top of the needle bar hole, timing of the machine will go off, causing broken needles and thread breaks.
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– Adjusting allowance in the hook The hook can move right and left if there is an Hook allowance (gap) allowance in the lower shaft gear. Eliminate the allowance (gap) by turning the hook clockwise. Then adjust the timing. 8.2.5) Adjusting gap between needle and hook point –...
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8.2.7) Different loop shapes Shape of the loop varies by the type of thread or fabric. Unstable shape of the loop may result in skipped stitches. The following pictures show different shapes of loop formed by different types of thread. Hook point Hook point Cotton thread loop...
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8.2.8) Relationship between the take-up lever and the hook Hook point timing is directly related to thread tension and thread breaks. The following pictures show the location of hook when the take-up lever starts to move up from the lower dead stop (main shaft rotation angle: 291°...
8.3) THREAD DETECTOR ASSEMBLY AND FUNCTIONS 8.3.1) Functions of the thread detector The thread detector prevents bad embroidery by detecting breaks of the upper or the lower threads. The thread detection roller performs the detection. Wrong detection can occur if the thread detection roller does not rotate smoothly. CAUTION 8.3.2) Disassembling the thread detector You will need to disassemble the thread-break detector unit when you to have to clean it for more smooth...
8.4) COVER ASSEMBLY 8.4.1) Assembling the cover 1) Follow the order of assembly. 2) Do not put excessive pressure or force on the plastic cover. 3) Use appropriate tools to prevent breaking or damage of the cover. CAUTION Picture Instructions –...
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Picture Instructions – Assemble the body cover (L-A)(R-A). – Tools to use : (+) screwdriver ④ – Joining bolts : M4×L10 trust bolt Body cover (L-A) Body cover (R-A) Body cover(L-B) – Assemble the body cover (L-B)(R-B). – Tools to use : (+) screwdriver ⑤...
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Picture Instructions – Assemble the bed cover (A). ⑦ – Tools to use: (+) screwdriver – Joining bolts: M4×L10 trust bolt Bed cover (A) Arm cover (L) Arm cover (R-B) – Assemble the arm cover (L)(R-A)(R-B). ⑧ – Tools to use: (+) screwdriver –...
1) Turn OFF the main power before inspecting or cleaning of the machine. 2) Adjust the cleaning cycle according to the conditions of use and to the environment. CAUTION SWF is not responsible for machine damages or malfunction caused by insufficient regular inspection. CAUTION...
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Major parts for cleaning Cleaning cycle Fig. Take-up guide rail Guide rail to the take-up lever of the Once a week ② head Around the movable blade and the fixed Once in 3 days ③ blade Fixed blade Movable blade To clean, remove the needle plate and pull the movable blade to the front (see picture).
9.3) OIL SUPPLY 1) Make sure to turn the power OFF during oil supply. 2) SWF is not responsible for machine damages or wear-outs caused by insufficient oiling. CAUTION 9.3.1) Oil supply Use the SWF-provided sewing machine oil (Spindle Oil) or ISO-level VG18.
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9.3.2) Oiling each part of the arm Filling the oil tank will automatically oil each part of the arm. Be careful not to overfill the tank. • All bushings in the upper shaft • Shaft of the presser foot driver lever •...
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9.3.3) Greasing Make sure to turn OFF the main power during the grease supply. CAUTION 1) Greasing the inside of the arm Use high-quality mineral-based lithium grease. Where to grease Greasing cycle Fig. Inside the arm ① – Take-up lever drive cam ②...
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2) Greasing the head Use lithium-type grease (JIS No.2) – Albania No.2. Where to grease Greasing cycle Fig. Head drive LM guide Once in a month ① X, Y drive guide rail Once in a month ② Regular greasing prevents machine noise and abnormal wear-out. CAUTION ■...
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3) Greasing the X, Y drive guide rail – Disassemble the X-drive frame cover and body covers L-A, R-A. – Push the guide block farthest to one side. – Lift the timing belt with one hand and grease the entire part of the drive guide rail –...
ADJUSTING MAJOR PARTS OF THE MACHINE Turn OFF the main power when adjusting the machine. CAUTION 10.1) TRIMMER ADJUSTMENT 10.1.1) Moving Place Position Adjustment – The proper position of the moving blade is that the cutting point of the fixed blade should be at the end of the fixed blade.
10.2) ADJUSTING UPPER THREAD HOLDER 10.2.1) Adjusting Unfasten the base bolts of the upper thread holder base. Press with your hand the connecting lever of the motor shaft and fix the base at a position where hook of the upper thread holder completely passes through the center of the needle.
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When fastening the drive lever(s), pull the shaft and make sure there is no gap between the lever and the arm. CAUTION – Turn the hand pulley and set it at 100° . Fix the Presser foot Presser foot holder stopper rubber hand pulley and turn the cam.
10.4) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRESSER FOOT AND NEEDLE 10.4.1) Relationship between presser foot, needle, and embroidery fabric For stable stitching, the presser foot must be Presser foot pressing the embroidery material before the needle Needle Needle pierces into the material. The same is true for when the needle comes out of the material.
100° can cause damage on the controller and the take-up unit. 2) If you cannot align the needle to the center of the needle hole by adjusting the half-turn film, CAUTION call your SWF dealership or a skilled engineer for help.
10.6) ADJUSTING ENCODER Adjust the encoder as below if the needle bar stops at an incorrect position. – First, unfasten the two encoder coupling screws (2EA). – Turn the hand pulley, fix the main shaft angle at around 98° , and adjust the encoder. Tighten the screws when FIX POS light is turned on.
10.7) ADJUSTING JUMP SOLENOID Solenoid adjustment is required for new or malfunctioning jump solenoids. 10.7.1) Adjusting the standby position (assembling solenoid and bracket) – Unscrew solenoid nut using the jump solenoid adjusting spanner and adjust so that the bracket 3.5mm and the solenoid operation surface are 3.5mm away.
10.8) ADJUSTING TENSION OF EACH DRIVE BELT 1) Drive belt tension, as it affects the embroidery quality and machine operation, should be adjusted only by trained SWF engineers or skilled experts. 2) Make sure to turn OFF the machine during the adjustment.
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10.8.3) X-axis timing belt – Push the frame plate fully to the right. Check the timing belt tension on X-axis using the sound wave tension gauge. – Tension on the X-axis timing belt should measure 14-15kgf on the sound wave gauge when you pluck the middle of the belt with your finger or with a similar tool.
TROUBLESHOOTING 11.1) CAUSES AND TROUBLESHOOTING Inspect/repair the machine by the guideline in machine failures. CAUTION DANGER Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Loose belt tension or belt ■ Adjust belt tension/ change Operation failure Check belt ① main driver belt damage ②...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Incorrect position of needle ■ Refer to the related part ■ Always set the main Bad Color Change stop shaft angle back at 100 , after moving it manually for cleaning, inspection or repair.
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Failure of thread detecting ■ Disassemble the roller and Poor detection of upper thread roller clean the roller and bush bearing. ② Poor connection and bad ■ Check the plate connection quality of tension adjusting and change the circuit board plate Bad jump...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Stitch is too small/dense for ■ Re-punch design ■ Check design Thread breaks thread ② Frequent thread break in ■ Re-punch after checking the same spot design ■ Correct the stitches on operation box ③...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ⑦ Bad quality thread (weak, ■ Change thread Thread breaks Selecting thread ■ soft, even thickness uneven thickness, poorly twisted, old) tight, left-twisted ⑧ Right-twisted thread ■ Change to left-twisted thread ■ Z-direction : left ■...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ⑫ Dent on thread path on ■ Remove dent or change the ■ Check rotary hook Thread breaks hook and bobbin case case ⑬ Narrow space between ■ Adjust space ■ Set it at 0.5-0.7mm hook holder and groove for for smooth feeding of hook holder...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Bent needle ■ Change needle Skipped Stitches ② Inadequate needle size for ■ Change needle to thread appropriate size ③ Incorrect installation of ■ Adjust installation needle ④ Poor timing of needle and ■...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Weak upper thread tension ■ Adjust tension Poor stitch tension ② Uneven upper thread ■ Clean main and sub tension tension due to foreign adjusters in the thread substances tension adjusting plate ③...
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■ Change needle worn out/damaged needle needle is too large for thread ④ Needle hole is too large for ■ Use adequate size of ■ SWF needle needle needle holes are 2.0mm large. SWF specification for needle & thread are:...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Movable blade is too fast or ■ Adjust insert angle of Short upper thread after too slow to separate the movable blade (295 ) trimming due to upper thread separation failure ② Incorrect position of picker ■...
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Error Type Cause Inspection & Repair Reference ① Upper thread is trimmed too ■ Check upper thread tension Short upper thread after short and comes trimming unthreaded in the next embroidery ② Upper thread is trimmed too ■ If upper thread is held due long and thread tail remains to narrow velcro space in on the embroidery...
11.2) ERROR DISPLAY AND TROUBLESHOOTING 11.2.1) Main shaft motor and others Error Description Troubleshooting Main shaft stop Main shaft doesn’ t stop at 100° Adjust the main shaft at 100° using lever. Main shaft motor drive Error in main shaft motor driver Turn the main switch off and on again.
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11.2.3) Color change Error Description Troubleshooting Needle bar position Move the needle bar manually. Needle bar doesn’ t come to Check the load. Position it at the correct position when changed correct location. 11.2.4) Encoder Error Description Troubleshooting Main shaft encoder A Error in signal in main shaft Check encoder connection.
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11.2.6) Memory Error Description Troubleshooting No embroidery data in the No embroidery data in the Store data in memory via disk memory memory Insufficient memory Unable to copy data to memory Delete unnecessary data due to insufficient memory Memory full memory rooms are full Delete unnecessary data Design memory system...
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11.2.9) Communication Error Description Troubleshooting Comm. Error 0 CAN communication error Turn the power off and on again Comm. Error 1 CAN communication error Turn the power off and on again Comm. Error 2 CAN communication error Turn the power off and on again Comm.
SETTING Turn on the main power Is there a new program in the USB memory? Execute installation program Is there a previous design? Is the previous design in the memory? Enter design from Automatic call of design outside Automatic call of set-up values Call the design Set up conditions for machine operation Select needle bar...
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Do you have a question about the MAS-12 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Reciperator not picking up needle when trying to start to sew, bar light not lit Mas 12
The SWF MAS-12 may not be picking up the needle and the bar light may not be lit due to one or more of the following reasons:
1. Incorrect needle position – The needle may not be set to the correct position bar.
2. Incorrect take-up lever position – The take-up lever may not be aligned with the other levers.
3. Failure to sense signals for needle position change – The system may not detect the correct needle position during rotation.
4. Thread detection failure – The upper thread roller may be dirty or the tension plate connection may be poor.
To fix the issue:
- Manually move the needle to the correct position.
- Adjust the take-up lever so it aligns with the others.
- Disassemble and clean the thread roller and check the tension plate connection.
- Check if the signal blinks correctly at the needle position on the operation box.
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