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HANDI QUILTER 26-INCH LONGARM Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters. ® USER MANUAL QM33001 • VERSION 1.0...
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Handi Quilter, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in the informati onal content contained in this manual. Handi Quilter, HQ Infi nity, HQ Avanté, HQ Fusion, HQ Sixteen, HQ Sweet Sixteen, HQ Pro-Sti tcher, and TruSti tch are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Handi Quilter, Inc.
Notes, Important Notes, and Cautions NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your Handi Quilter product. Â IMPORTANT: An IMPORTANT note provides information that is essential to properly using your Handi Quilter product.
Congratulations On Your Purchase! You haven’t just purchased a quilting machine, you’ve joined the Handi Quilter family and we welcome you. You have acquired the most advanced quilting machine available in today’s market. Handi Quilter is committed to innovation, reliability, customer service, and education. Our machines are Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters®...
Important Safety Information (English) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. See the full Declaration of Conformity in the Appendix.
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T h i s m a c h i n e i s i n t e n d e d f o r h o u s e h o l d u s e . Disclaimer Handi Quilter and its Representatives are in no way legally responsible or liable for damage to the HQ Infinity when used improperly or not in accordance with the guidelines stated in this manual or when used on machine quilting frames not recommended by Handi Quilter.
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3. Do not drop or bump the machine. 4 . Always consult the manual to replace or fix the hopping foot, needle or any other part of the machine. If necessary contact an authorized Handi Quilter representative or Handi Quilter technical support.
About Your Machine General Specifications The HQ Infinity uses high-tech electronics and an innovative touch-screen user interface to offer greater functionality and ease of operation to home quilters than ever before conceived in the quilting industry. The HQ Infinity quilting machine is a high quality machine that both incorporates robust design features and is easy to service.
Get to Know Your Infinity Left side view 1 . Rear display 2 . Rear handlebars 3. Handi Accessory Rail 4 . USB for video camera 5 . Video camera bracket 6. Front handlebars 7 . Front display 8 . Front on/off switch Close-up view of needle area 9 .
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Right side view 1 5 . Take-up lever 16. Three-hole thread guide 1 7 . Thread tray and thread mast 1 8 . Spool pin 1 9 . Hand wheel 2 0 . Handi Accessory Rail 2 1 . Stirrup thread guide 2 2 .
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Back Panel 23. Rear handlebars connection 2 4 . Rear display USB connection 2 5 . Main On/Off power switch 26. Power cord connection 2 7 . Reserved for second video camera 2 8 . Reserved for HQ Pro-Stitcher 2 9 . Stitch regulator 30.
Installation and Setup Carriage You should have already set up the Gallery Frame. Refer to the Gallery Frame manual for detailed instructions about setting up the frame. ONLINE: For more information about setting up the frame, watch the video Setting Up the Frame at: http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/209/.
To disconnect the power cord • Press the red button on the end of the cord that connects to the machine; then pull out the cord. For more information, see Power Switch i n t h e Using Your Machine section of this manual. NOTE: Make sure that the machine is off before plugging into power source.
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2 . Connect the RJ45, or network style, phone cords into the handlebars. Ensure that the cable exiting the right side of the machine head plugs into the left handlebar lighting connector and the cable exiting the left side of the machine head plugs into the right side of the handle bar.
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6. Adjust the handlebars forward or backward to a comfortable position for quilting and tighten the bottom screw with the 5mm hex wrench. If using the handlebar lever, fully hand-tighten. Â IMPORTANT: See To attach labels to the handlebars in the section Configurable Handlebar Buttons below.
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Once configured, the front and back handlebars work the same. The machine comes from the Handi Quilter factory configured to have the right handlebar control starting and stopping quilting and increasing stitching speed in Manual mode or stitches per inch in Regulated mode.
Increases or decreases stitching speed (Manual mode) Increases or decreases stitches per inch (Regulated Cycles the Starts or stops mode) needle up or stitching Configurable Configurable down button button NOTE: Pressing the plus or minus buttons on the handlebars also increases or decreases tension after you press the Easy-Touch Tension™...
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1 . Locate four 2.5mm screws and the 2.5mm hex wrench. You’ll also need the display with the hinges attached to the bottom row of connectors on the back of the display, plus the longer set of display cables. 2 . Insert the 2.5mm hex screws into the openings on the display’s metal hinge.
2 . Insert the 2.5mm hex screws into the openings on the display’s metal hinge. Align the screws in the hinge with the holes on the display bracket. Use the 2.5mm hex wrench to fully tighten the screws. 3. Plug the power and USB cables into the bottom of the display and into the rear panel o n t h e m a c h i n e .
3. Slide the slot of the spool tray onto the knob’s bolt. Finger tighten the knob until the spool tray is firm against the throat of the machine. To adjust the position of the thread tray After the thread tray and thread mast are installed, you will be able to slide the tray and thread mast along t h e l e n g t h o f t h e m a c h i n e .
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1 . Partially loosen the side knob on the grip of the video camera and slide the grip around the ball end of the mounting screw on the bracket. 2 . Turn the knob clockwise to tighten the grip end o f t h e c a m e r a .
Use this dial to vary the intensity of the camera’s lights. Use this knob to control the camera’s focus. Optional Accessory: Easy-Click Ruler Base™ If you plan to use rulers and templates with the Infinity, you will need to purchase the ruler base to give you a large, stable surface on which to rest the ruler or template.
The quilting line is approximately a quarter inch away from the ruler edge for most machines. The markings on all Handi Quilter rulers take this into consideration. NOTE: Set the machine to stop in the needle-down position to keep the machine from moving while making adjustments with the ruler.
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3. Tighten the nut using the 5mm hex wrench. Slide the laser clamp onto the mounti ng post and ti ghten the two knobs on opposite sides of the clamp. 4 . Plug the cable end into the laser stylus port on the back of the machine.
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Laser Focus and Image Size Focus the high-quality laser by turning the threaded housing surrounding the lens clockwise or counterclockwise. The laser image can be adjusted to project a bigger or smaller dot, or focal size. The direction of rotation needed is determined by the distance of the laser from the pantograph surface. Experiment by rotating the threaded end to achieve your desired focal size.
Using Your Machine Power Switch There are two power switches for your machine. The main power switch is at the rear of the machine and another power switch is at the front of the machine for added convenience. The machine is turned on when both switches are turned on. The machine is turned off when both switches are off.
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The Infi nity uses the MR needle system. Note that the needle has a round shank rather than a shank with a fl at side like home sewing m a c h i n e s u s e . If you use the recommended needle, you will experience: •...
5 . With the scarf of the needle (indentati on at Side view the back of the needle) facing the rear of the machine and the long groove down the front o f t h e n e e d l e f a c i n g t h e f r o n t o f t h e m a c h i n e , push the needle all the way up into the needle Groove bar unti l it stops.
To change the hopping foot 1 . Remove the foot that is on the mount by using the 2.5mm hex wrench to loosen the mounting screw far enough that you can slide the foot off o f t h e m o u n t . 2 .
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To wind the bobbin The Infinity comes with a separate bobbin winder. For full instructions about using the bobbin winder, see the instruction manual that was packaged with the bobbin winder. ONLINE: For more information about using the bobbin winder, watch the video Using the Bobbin Winder at: http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/245/.
To adjust the bobbin tension • Make the adjustment using the screw in the center of the tension spring. Turn clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen the bobbin case tension. Make tiny adjustments to the bobbin tension and test again. To insert the bobbin case into the machine ONLINE: For more information about inserting the bobbin case into the machine, watch the video Inserting the Bobbin Case at: http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/227/.
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Puckering, gathers, and thread breakage occur when the top tension is too tight. Loops and thread nests occur when the top thread tension is too loose. Tension may need to be adjusted depending on the fabric, thread, or batting you are using on the project. NOTE: Top tension should be adjusted after the bobbin case foundation tension adjustment is m a d e .
Threading the Machine Handi Quilter recommends that you select and use only high-quality threads for your quilts. To thread the machine ONLINE: For more information about threading the machine, watch the video Threading the Machine at: http://www.handiquilter.com/dash/videos/video/228/.
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1 . Place thread cone onto spool post ① on the thread tray, insert the thread through the thread-mast eyelet ② from back to front, continuing to the thread guide ③. 2 . Continue to the three-hole thread guide ④. Wrap all three holes from back to front, being careful not to cross threads.
Quilting With the Infinity Preparing to Quilt 1 . Make sure your machine has been cleaned, oiled, has a new needle, and that the tracks on the frame are free from threads or other debris. If the machine isn’t already plugged in, plug it in now. 2 .
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To start or stop quilting • Start or stop the machine at any time by pressing the Start/Pause button on the handlebars. To tie off threads when starting and ending quilting ONLINE: To see how to perform a thread tie off when starting and ending quilting, watch the video Starting and Stopping Quilting at: http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/229/.
Optional Computer-Guided Quilting: HQ Pro-Stitcher® The HQ Pro-Stitcher® quilting system integrates Handi Quilter’s quilting machines, including the Infinity, with the best computer technology for computer-guided quilting using digital designs. The software is managed from a state-of-the-art tablet computer that is conveniently mounted on top of the machine.
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While the Infinity and HQ Pro-Stitcher are running, a menu appears in the upper left corner of the screen. Touch a button on this menu to switch between using HQ Pro-Stitcher, using the Infinity console, and using Art & Stitch. You can also open the onscreen keyboard, switch to the video camera, or close the menu from view.
Using the Touch-Screen Displays The Infi nity has touch-screen displays on the front and rear handlebars. They each work the same. For example, use the displays to alternate between sti tch-regulated and non-sti tch regulated operati on, to control setti ngs for how you prefer your machine to operate, and to use tools such as counti ng sti tches on a quilt or logging how much ti me it took to fi nish your quilt.
Overview of the Main Screen The Infi nity Main screen provides quick access to all functi ons. These butt ons This toolbar appears indicate whether or on every screen to not your machine is provide quick access sti tching or paused. to oft en-used opti ons.
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This area of the Main screen controls the stitching modes. It is currently set to The on-screen hand manual mode and wheel enables you to shows the current rotate the machine’s stitches per minute hand wheel from the setting and three Main screen rather stitches-per-minute than reaching around...
Reset-bobbin butt on: Press this butt on aft er a bobbin change if you are using the low-bobbin alarm. This resets the low-bobbin reading to indicate you are using a full bobbin. the number on this butt on shows an esti mate of how much thread remains on the bobbin.
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• T o u c h t h e Manual button and then specify the stitches per minute (SPM) by pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) buttons on the screen or selecting one of the stitches-per-minute presets. Pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) buttons on the screen to change the stitches per minute has the same effect as pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) buttons on the handlebars.
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The minimum speed of the needle is dependent upon the stitches-per-minute setting you choose. Handi Quilter recommends beginning with a setting of 200. Begin moving the machine to avoid stitching in place for too long.
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To use Precision stitch regulation ONLINE: For information about using Precision stitch regulation, watch the video Using Precision Stitch Regulation at: http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/236/. T o u c h t h e Regulated button and then press the Precision button. • The Regulated The Precision Mode button is...
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Machine Quilting Tip: Quilting speed while in stitch-regulation mode It is unlikely that you will move the Infinity across the quilt too fast. However, if you do, it will result in an overspeed condition if the machine can’t maintain stitch regulation. An overspeed alarm, if turned on, will alert you that you should slow down your quilting to maintain stitch regulation.
Toolbar Options The toolbar is in the upper-right corner of the screen at all times. Displays images Opens Displays from the video machine machine camera. tools. information Controls Opens lights. machine settings. Using the Quilt-View™ Video Camera When you touch the video icon, you will have the option to turn off all of the machine lights by touching the light bulb icon at the right of the screen.
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UV lighti ng can be very useful when viewing white thread or white chalk on white fabric. The best contrast is achieved when viewed in a dark or dimly lit room. Although Handi Quilter has chosen to use UV lights...
• T o u c h t h e UV light button to turn on or off the UV lights. When you turn the UV lights on, all other lights are turned off. When you turn off the UV lights, the standard lights turn on again. U CAUTION: Looking directly into the UV lights or prolonged exposure to the UV lights can damage your eyes.
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ONLINE: For more information about the quilting timer, quilting alarm, and stitch counter, watch t h e v i d e o Setting and Using the Quilting Alarms and Stitch Counter at: http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/241/. T o u c h t h e Tools icon in the toolbar. Then touch the Timers button. Press the Home button to •...
Software Updates From time to time Handi Quilter releases software updates for their machines. This update feature enables you to take advantage of the latest new capabilities added to machines. When an update is released, download the updated file(s) to a USB drive using a computer that is connected to the Internet.
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• Aft er downloading the updated soft ware to a USB drive, insert the drive in the designated USB port in the machine. Look for the message in the bott om bar that confi rms a USB drive has been inserted. If it doesn’t appear, reinsert the USB drive.
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3. When the message box appears, select New a n d Install. 4 . Be pati ent as this will take a few minutes. 5 . Confi rm that you want to overwrite the current soft ware with the new soft ware by choosing Install. I f you decide to not update the soft ware, choose Cancel.
If you experience any difficulty adjusting the Easy-Touch Tension™, you may need to calibrate the tensioner. Typically you will only do this when instructed by Handi Quilter technical support. T o u c h t h e Tools button in the toolbar. Then touch the Calibrate Tension button along the bottom of the screen.
Using Your Machine section of this manual. Diagnostics There are several diagnostics tests that you may be asked to perform by Handi Quilter technical support or authorized Handi Quilter representatives. They will give you a code to enter into the Diagnostics screen to be able to perform the tests.
Customize top tension Customize Configure presets handlebars Set language alarms Configure low- Turn on or off Configure bobbin alarms laser lights tieoffs Press the Home icon in the upper left corner of the screen to close Settings a n d r e t u r n t o t h e •...
Press to increase the tension preset value. Press to decrease the tension preset value. Configure Easy- Touch Tension ™ presets button 1 . T o u c h t h e Settings icon in the toolbar. Then touch the Configure Tension Presets button to open the Tension Presets screen.
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• T o u c h t h e Setti ngs icon in the toolbar. Then touch the Low-bobbin Alarm butt on. Add a new Delete a bobbin bobbin Name that Edit bobbin describes the descripti on thread in the butt on bobbin Press to toggle...
5 . Esti mate how much bobbin thread you think you’ll use for ti eoff s and decrease the bobbin capacity by that much. Press the minus (–) butt on to decrease the capacity. Or, touch the Bobbin Capacity box to pop up an onscreen number pad and enter the number directly.
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 IMPORTANT: However you configure the front handlebars, the rear handlebars are automatically configured the same way. To customize the handlebar buttons T o u c h t h e Settings icon in the toolbar. Then touch the Configure Handlebars button. Return to the •...
The opti ons for customizing the star and diamond butt ons are: Opti on Acti on Performed None The butt on will not perform a functi on. Start/Stop Starts or stops sti tching Needle Up/Down Performs a half sti tch by cycling the needle up or down I n c r e a s e Increases sti tching speed Decrease...
Control the laser Control the needle stylus. Light is laser. Light is currently on. currently on. Turn on or off laser lights. A l a r m s The alarm settings enable you to quickly turn on or off the alarms for the low bobbin, thread breaks, and when you are quilting faster than the stitch regulation can accommodate.
Tieoffs Use tieoffs to begin and end your quilting to ensure the stitching doesn’t come out. You can manually do the tieoffs by simply stitching in place for a few stitches, or let the Infinity perform a predefined number of quick, micro stitches for you. You can set the number of micro stitches from 0 to 10. To configure tieoffs ONLINE: To see how to tie off the thread when starting and ending quilting, watch the video Starting and Stopping Quilting at: http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/229/.
Set Language Information Screens The Information option provides system information and quick reference guides about your Infinity. To see the needle and thread chart For quick reference, the Infinity has an on-screen guide for which size needle is appropriate for different weights of thread.
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Opens machine Shows close- threading up diagrams of diagrams. threading the machine. Select one of the butt ons along the left to see close-up diagrams of steps 1 through 3, 4 through 7, and 8 t h r o u g h 1 0 . 66 | www.HandiQuilter.com...
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To monitor system informati on about your machine You may need to provide system informati on to Handi Quilter or an authorized Handi Quilter representati ve when purchasing machine accessories or receiving technical assistance. • T o u c h t h e Informati on icon in the toolbar. Then touch the Informati on butt on in the lower-right c o r n e r o f t h e s c r e e n .
Machine Maintenance Clean and Oil Your Infinity The only place where you need to regularly oil your machine is the bobbin hook assembly. Failure to keep the hook assembly lubricated can cause severe damage to the machine. We recommend that you oil the hook assembly with each bobbin change and before use if you haven’t used the machine for a few days.
In addition to the ongoing cleaning and oiling maintenance, you should have your machine serviced by an authorized Handi Quilter representative every 24 months or 15 million stitches, whichever occurs first. They will take care of oiling and greasing internal parts and ensure the machine is in tip-top working order.
Troubleshooting You can correct many problems on your own. If you need additional help, contact your local, authorized Handi Quilter representative. You can also contact Handi Quilter technical solutions at 1-801-292-7988 or 1-877-MY-QUILT (697-8458). First check the following: 1 . The AC power cord is properly connected and both power switches are turned on.
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The needle is not positioned • Position the needle properly to the needle bar. Inspect the properly position of the needle to make sure the needle is at the 6 o’clock position. When you stand directly in front of the needle (facing the bobbin case side of the machine), you will see the entire needle eye directly facing you.
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Moving the machine too fast for • Synchronize machine movement and needle speed to get roughly needle speed selected (Manual 8 to 10 stitches per inch. Elongated stitches are an indication of mode) moving the machine too fast for the current speed. Tension is Poor Corrective Measure(s) L i n t c a u g h t u n d e r t h e t e n s i o n...
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Check that poles are inserted completely together with the push pins engaged so bowing won’t occur. Leaders are stretched or worn • If fabric is beginning to stretch or fray, contact Handi Quilter to purchase replacement leaders. Thread Breaks Corrective Measure(s) Thread is poor quality or may •...
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Consult a repair technician to polish any hard-to-reach or delicate areas, or if the burr is inside the throat. Wrong type of needle • Use only the needles recommended by Handi Quilter (134 MR, sizes 12 through 21). Other possible problems •...
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Nothing visible on the display Corrective Measure(s) Display cables unplugged • Locate the black cables that plug into the touch-screen display and connect to the side of the machine. Make sure both ends are plugged in securely. NOTE: If the troubleshooting tips do not eliminate the problem, please consult an authorized HQ representative.
Appendix 1 Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only) Responsible Party: Handi Quilter, Inc. 501 North 400 West North Salt Lake, UT 84054 declares that the product Product Name: HQ Infinity complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Appendix 2: QR Codes for HQ Infinity Videos The following QR codes enable you to use your smart phone to quickly load the HQ Infinity Getting Started videos. Download a QR reader from the application store for your phone. Then use the QR reader to scan the QR code.
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Installing the Thread Tray http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/216/ Installing the Video Camera http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/218/ Installing the Ruler Base http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/219/ Installing the Laser Stylus http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/221/ Changing the Needle http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/222/ Changing the Hopping Foot http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/223/ Inserting the Bobbin http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/225/ 7 8 | www.HandiQuilter.com...
Testing and Adjusting Bobbin Tension http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/248/ Inserting the Bobbin Case http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/227/ Adjusting the Top-thread Tension http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/233/ Threading the Machine http://www.handiquilter.com/dash/videos/video/228/ L o a d i n g a Q u i l t http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/247/ Using the Bobbin Winder http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/245/ Starting and Stopping Quilting http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/229/ | 7 9 HQ Infinity User Manual...
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Using the Bobbin Thread Cutter http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/232/ Free-Motion Quilting http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/246/ Micro Quilting http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/239/ Using Rulers and Templates http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/220/ Using Pantographs http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/238/ Using the Couching Feet http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/224/ Using the HQ Pro-Stitcher Tablet Computer With the Infinity http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/230/ 8 0 | www.HandiQuilter.com...
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Using the Touch-Screen Displays http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/231/ Using Manual Stitching Mode http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/231/ Using Cruise Stitch Regulation http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/235/ Using Precision Stitch Regulation http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/236/ Controlling the Lights on the Infinity http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/242/ Setting and Using the Quilting Alarms and Stitch Counter http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/241/ Updating the Software on the Infinity http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/243/ | 8 1 HQ Infinity User Manual...
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Using the Low-Bobbin Alarm http://www.handiquilter.com/videos/hq-infinity/240/ 8 2 | www.HandiQuilter.com...
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HQ QUILTING MACHINE LIMITED WARRANTY Handi Quilter, Inc. (hereinafter HQ) offers a limited warranty on the HQ QUILTING MACHINE (hereinafter “Machine”) to be free of defects in workmanship and materials under normal use upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth: (a) 90 day Limited Warranty - During the first 90 days from date of purchase, HQ will repair any manufacturing defect without charge for parts or labor.
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HQ s entire liability for any defective Product shall in no event exceed the purchase price for the defective Product. This limitation applies even if Handi Quilter cannot or does not repair or replace any defective Product. Warranty Claims...
Warranty Registration Return this registration card within 30 days of purchase or if you prefer, register online at http://www.handiquilter.com/warranty MAIL T : Handi Quilter, Inc. Warranty Registration 501 N 400 W North Salt Lake, Utah 84054 WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD The HQ Quilting Machine warranty is 10 years manufacturer’s warranty on casting and machining of the case, 5 years mechanical, and 5 years electronic/electrical.
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Ensure the table is level ing you have been personally instructed in the Show how to wind a bobbin (including how to operation of the Handi Quilter machine you adjust the tensioner and the capacity lever) purchased. Additional training by this HQ Retailer or...
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