Introduction
Disassembling a Kenmore sewing machine is a straightforward process, but it involves a surprising amount of parts and pieces. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear plan of action before launching into the project. The first step is to locate the instruction manual that came with the machine – although not all of them have one and they can be easy to miss. With the appropriate resources and with careful consideration, however, it is possible to safely disassemble a Kenmore sewing machine.
Know The Parts
Kenmore sewing machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all of them have common components. Understanding the names and functions of the parts is important during disassembly and can help prevent unnecessary damage. Researchers advise keeping parts in order as they are disassembled, particularly when friction plates and screws are removed as this helps with the reassembly process. It is also helpful when taking notes of where certain elements go and in what order.
Prepare the Machine for Disassembly
It is important to be sure that there is no power running through the sewing machine before starting the disassembly process. To ensure this is the case, the needle should be put in the lowest position and the power button should be switched off. In addition, the screwdriver or other tools required should be checked to ensure that they are the right type before being used on the machine.
Apply the Right Theory
In theory, the process of taking apart a Kenmore sewing machine starts at the bottom and works up, with the thread tension dial being detached first. Turning the dial to its lowest setting will allow the tension band to be removed, and then the tension spring can be taken off. Similarly, when removing the bobbin mechanism, the screws should be unscrewed and the lever should be lifted to allow the bobbin case to be taken away.
Take Care with Relevant Parts
During the process of disassembly, special care should be taken with various parts of the sewing machine, as these can be fragile or susceptible to unpredictable damage. For instance, the needle clip should be handled carefully and with light pressure, and the same should be noted for the needle plate screws, as these are very small and can be easily misplaced. If the needle plate is difficult to open, a thin, flat screwdriver can be used to loosen it.
How to Disassemble the Shuttle Race and Plate
The shuttle race is a crucial part of the structure of an embroidery machine, and it is generally secured by several screws. To get the race off, researchers advise removing the needles, bobbin winder and cast-on thread lever first, followed by the bobbin thread guard, the front cover and the top cover. The race should then come bereft with its screws. In rare cases, the shuttle race can be stuck on because of rust or other materials and a lubricant should be applied when encountering this problem.
Be Conscious of What is Left Behind
When disassembling the machine, it is essential to remember that some parts of the sewing machine cannot be taken off or removed. Examples of these include the oil plate and the upside portion of the bed. Being vigilant about what remains and what is taken off is key to making sure the machine runs correctly once it’s been reassembled.
Remove the Bed
Taking apart the bed can help reveal the nuances of a machine’s inner workings, but great care should be taken during this step and all caution should be exercised. After the screws have been removed, the bed can be gently and carefully lifted up and away. Two bigger pieces should be recognizable at this point – the pillar and the bed’s frame – and the pillar should be unscrewed in order to allow the framework to be taken off.
Screws and Accessories
As the process of disassembling a Kenmore sewing machine continues, the screws that hold the components together will become loosened and removed. Keeping track of these screws is important, as they should be organized in order to help with the later reassembly process. Additionally, easy-to-lose parts such as tiny plates and nuts should likewise be noted, organized and monitored as appropriate.
Handle the Carefully Moving Parts
In terms of moving parts, these should be handled with extreme care, as they can easily be damaged in the process of attempting to take them off. Carefully gripping the components around the air springs and releasing them slowly will prevent any distress to the machine. Similarly, cams can be holders onto their shafts and shoeplates should be unscrewed before being taken off of the machine.
Separating the Shuttle Race Assembly and the Hand Wheel
To separate the shuttle race assembly and the hand wheel, it is first necessary to remove any screws holding them in place. After that, the assembly can be maneuvered out of the bed, which should be done with caution. Cams and pins are usually found behind the handwheel, and these should be labeled and set aside to ensure that the reassembling process is not complicated. Additionally, all gears should be turned in order to make sure that all parts move smoothly – if not, it may indicate that something has been missed.
How to Remove the Take-Up Lever and Other Important Parts
The take-up lever is the part of the machine just behind the needle, and it is important to take the time to remove it. A flathead screwdriver may be necessary to first delete the screws, and the lever should be removed carefully in order to prevent any damages. Conversely, the slide plate should be unscrewed to allow the butterfly and the presser foot lifter to be removed. At this phase, the last remainings bits and pieces – such as the needle plate, throat plate and fabric support – can be taken away as is needed.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the process of taking apart a Kenmore sewing machine may seem daunting at first, but the steps outlined in this guide should demystify the concept. With knowledge of the parts, the necessary layout and material, and with an understanding of the correct methods, it is possible to safely disassemble any Kenmore sewing machine.
