While I was desperately trying to figure out what was going on with the machine, my friend Teresa in CA was having the exact same issues! We’ve burnt up the e-mails trying new ideas! Now, I figured we installed the new wheels wrong – if you are off the space of a small washer, it is enough to throw the balance off. I ordered yet another set of wheels, just to make sure! The Edgeriders arrived, and my wonderful hubby got them installed. We tightened down everything, and nothing! Still claketing, still vibrating.
He listens to the motor, and realizes this noise is in the motor. We pulled it apart, again, and replaced the belt, instead of tightening – and now we’re in business! The noise is gone, but the vibration, to my horror, isn’t! I’m just under $400 in wheels, and freaking!
Teresa’s husband discovered that if he put workout weights on the motor of her machine, the vibration stopped, so she’s back in business! So, my son added one of his adjustable ankle weights to my motor:
They are the adjustable weight – weights, so you can add or subtract weight via the little metal tubes:
So, now I’m thinking I’ve got it! It worked for Teresa right? Nope. It’s better, but still vibrating pretty badly in certain spots. I’m ready to apply for the night shift job of stocking shelves at Wal Mart! Teresa said no! LOL! I’ve changed, adjusted, weighted, tightened and invested gobs of money in wheels – it’s not the motor, it’s not electrical, it’s not the stitch regulator (because the stitches are fine) it’s not the wheels, so my last ditch effort centered around the table. I went to Home Depot, had 2 x 4′s cut, and here’s what we ended up with:
That is the front view. Here’s a picture from under the table:
Now, the vibration has stopped! And she’s running fine! I’m of course, exhausted….LOL!!! I’m really glad that there are so many longarm quilters that are so ready and willing to share ideas, and help each other. For whatever reason, machine vibrations seem to be the topic of the month, so if this post can help some else regain their sanity, that would be great – then maybe they could help me find mine!! LOL!!
I’m really looking forward to getting back to normal! It has been a slow process, and I’m not fully recovered, but am really looking forward to quilting! Schedule wise, I have a custom/show quilt to do for Pam, so stay tuned for the pics, and will be accepting quilts after that!
Hey you’re blogging again! Great stuff. I hope our fixes will go down in Longarm history.
Hey there,
I’ve always thought that the table was a factor when it came to the vibrations in the normal operation of quilting on a Gammill. I use to an Optimum and had a small issue as well, but figured it wasn’t bad enough to goof around with. And it only happened when I had the rheostat set on 7, which I didn’t do that often. Thanks for posting the pictures. zeke………….