AboutCarol Forbes Expertise I can answer questions about machine knitting. I am familiar with most made-in-Japan machines, main beds and ribbers. I am most familiar with Studio and Brother. I am not familiar with Passap.
Experience I was a Studio and a Brother dealer for ten years in Wisconsin. I still knit and design every day.
Education/Credentials none but you can see my work on my website www.forbesknits.com
Question Hi,I used to do a lot of machine knitting but due to
circumstance it has not been out of the box for 10 years.
The carriage is jamming and I am fairly sure it is the
needle retainer that has perished. Any ideas where I can
purchase a new one.
You can also repair the retainer bar. Here is a copy of what I gave my students at a recent seminar.
REPAIRING A RETAINER BAR
SUPPLIES:
3/8" ribbon, non-fray and "slickery". (I get mine from Jo-Anne's or Hancock - usually $0.99 a spool)
1/4" x 3/8" weatherstripping. The important part (and hard to find) is the 1/4" thickness. I found high density closed all PVC vinal foam tape on the internet from RCR Dannis Co. Elgin IL 60123 www.wjdennis-rcr.com but try Menards, Lowes, etc.
Aleen's tacky glue (also found at Joanne's and Hancock)
2 bulldog clips or clip type clothes pin
Measure your old retaining bar to make sure the widths are the same. Also use the old retaining bar as a guide for length.
Pull off the old sponge bar and scape clean with a flat screwdriver or very small chisel. Clean off as much as you can. I used De-solvit or goo-be-gone after scaping off as much as I could.
Cut the weatherstripping to the correct length and take off the tape to expose the sticky side. Put down a thin layer of Aleen's Tacky Glue on the retaining bar and place the weatherstripping - sticky side down - firmly in place. Let dry overnight.
Cut a piece of ribbon to the correct length. Using Aleen's Tacky Glue, attach the ribbon to the exposed side of the weatherstripping. Use a clip clothes pin or a bulldog clip on each end to help hold the ribbon in place. Let dry overnight.
