Baby Lock BLE1 AT - User Manual

SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL BLE1 AT
Vol. 3.0
From
To
Serial Numbers
K6 148120
705451307467 705771
U.S.A.
Canada EU Au. N.Z

Summary

Construction of Covers

Adjustment of Needle, Loopers, and Presser Foot

Lower Looper and Presser Foot Adjustments

Covers adjustments for lower looper height and presser foot height.

Upper Looper and Needle Guard Adjustments

Details adjustments for the upper looper and needle guard.

Adjustment of Thread Delivery Unit

OPEN-SHUT TIMING OF TENSION DISCS

Procedure for timing the tension discs for open-shut function.

CLEARANCE A AND B FOR THREAD PRESS POST ARM

How to adjust clearance for thread press post arm.

HOW TO REPLACE THE TIMING BELT OF THREAD DELIVERY UNIT

Steps to replace the timing belt of the thread delivery unit.

HOW TO REPLACE THE THREAD DELIVERY UNIT

Steps to replace the entire thread delivery unit assembly.

HOW TO REPLACE THE SPRINGS OF THREAD DELIVERY UNIT

Instructions for replacing springs within the thread delivery unit.

REPLACEMENT OF SENSOR CABLE

Guide for replacing sensor cables for thread detection.

ADJUSTMENT OF STITCHES

ADJUSTMENT OF NEEDLE THREAD SENSOR CABLE

Adjusting the needle thread sensor cable for stitch balance.

ADJUSTMENT OF LOOPER THREAD SENSOR CABLE

Adjusting the looper thread sensor cable for stitch quality.

ADJUSTMENT OF NEEDLE THREADER

REPLACEMENT OF NEEDLE THREADER

Steps to replace the needle threader component.

ADJUSTMENT OF HIGH AND LOW DIRECTION FOR NEEDLE THREADER

Adjusting the vertical direction of the needle threader.

ADJUSTMENT OF RIGHT AND LEFT DIRECTION FOR NEEDLE THREADER

Adjusting the horizontal direction of the needle threader.

ADJUSTMENT OF NEEDLE THREADER SAFETY PLATE

Adjusting the needle threader safety plate.

Checking threading steel pipe joint

Checking pump

Checking deflate from pump

Procedure to check for air deflation from the pump.

Replacement of Piston Cap

Steps to replace the piston cap of the pump.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

NEEDLE THREADS ARE UNBALANCED

Diagnosing and fixing unbalanced needle threads.

LOOPER THREADS ARE UNBALANCED

Diagnosing and fixing unbalanced looper threads.

THREAD BREAKS

Troubleshooting common causes of thread breaks.

NEEDLE THREADER WORKS IMPROPERLY

Addressing issues with the needle threader's functionality.

JET AIR THREADER DOES NOT WORK

Troubleshooting the jet air threader when it fails to operate.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features
   1. Thread Delivery System (ATD) Adjustment
   2. Replacing the Timing Belt of the Thread Delivery Unit
   3. Replacing the Thread Delivery Unit
   4. Replacing Springs of the Thread Delivery Unit
   5. Replacement of Sensor Cable
   6. Adjustment of Stitches
   7. Adjustment of Needle Threader
   8. Checking Threading Steel Pipe Joint
   9. Checking Pump
   10. Troubleshooting

This document is a service manual for the Baby Lock BLE1AT sewing machine, providing detailed instructions for its maintenance, adjustment, and repair. The manual covers various aspects of the machine's operation and upkeep, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Function Description

The Baby Lock BLE1AT is a sewing machine designed for various stitching tasks, featuring an advanced thread delivery system (ATD) that simplifies threading and ensures consistent stitch quality. The machine is equipped with multiple components that work in harmony to produce precise and durable seams. Key functional areas include the needle, lower looper, upper looper, chain looper, and presser foot, all of which require precise adjustment for optimal operation. The ATD system, a core feature, manages thread tension and delivery, crucial for achieving balanced stitches across different fabric types.

Usage Features

The Baby Lock BLE1AT is designed for ease of use, particularly with its threading system. The machine utilizes a quick threading reference guide to assist users in correctly threading the various components. The ATD system aims to minimize common threading issues, such as thread tangles and inconsistent tension, which are often a source of frustration for users. The stitch selector dial allows users to choose different stitch types, enhancing the machine's versatility for various sewing projects. The machine's design also considers the positioning of sensor cables and rollers, which are critical for the ATD system's functionality, ensuring that threads are delivered smoothly and accurately. The presser foot height and needle guard adjustments are also important for proper operation, allowing users to adapt the machine to different fabric thicknesses and ensure safety during use.

Maintenance Features

The service manual provides comprehensive instructions for maintaining the Baby Lock BLE1AT, focusing on adjustments and replacements of critical components.

Thread Delivery System (ATD) Adjustment

Before any adjustments to the ATD system, it is crucial to check several items to ensure proper function. These include verifying that the thread is correctly positioned between the discs, the spring in the head thread guide catches the thread properly (noting that the BLE1AT's head thread guide is exclusive to this model), sensor cables are positioned on rollers (especially the one behind the fine-tuning screw), the stitch selector dial is correctly positioned, and each thread is threaded according to the quick threading reference guide.

Open-Shut Timing of Tension Discs: Correct timing is achieved when the front tension discs are perfectly shut when the upper looper is in its lowest position. To adjust this:

1. Loosen the two screws fixing the thread delivery unit timing pulley.
2. Rotate the machine pulley to lower the upper looper to its bottom position.
3. Turn the thread delivery cam towards you until the front thread press disc shuts.
4. Tighten the two screws fixing the thread delivery unit timing pulley, ensuring it fits properly. Note: The screws of the thread delivery cam and thread delivery changing cam should be aligned.

Clearance for Thread Press Post Arm: The correct clearance for both front and rear thread press post arms is 0.4mm.

Rear Clearance Adjustment (Adjust first):

1. Rotate the machine pulley and set the rear tension discs to the shut position.
2. Loosen the fixing screw of the thread delivery changing cam.
3. Create a 0.4mm clearance between the rear thread press driving arm and the thread press disc shaft.
4. Move the thread delivery changing cam rightward and firmly tighten the screws.
5. Rotate the machine pulley and confirm the 0.4mm clearance between the rear thread press driving arm and the thread press shaft.

Front Clearance Adjustment:

1. Rotate the machine pulley and set the front tension discs to the shut position.
2. Loosen the fixing screw of the front thread press driving arm.
3. Create a 0.4mm clearance between the front thread press driving arm and the thread press disc shaft.
4. Firmly tighten the fixing screw.
5. Rotate the machine pulley and confirm the 0.4mm clearance between the front thread press driving arm and the thread press shaft. Note: After adjusting both front and rear clearances, ensure a 0.9mm clearance between the discs.

Replacing the Timing Belt of the Thread Delivery Unit

1. Loosen the presser foot joint link fixing screw (upper screw).
2. Loosen the thread delivery unit fixing screw.
3. Remove the two screws fixing the thread delivery unit.
4. Push the thread delivery unit downward and remove the timing belt. Then, remove the motor belt to replace the timing belt.
5. Return the two screws fixing the thread delivery unit. Adjust the clearance to 1mm between the handle and the timing pulley.
6. Tighten the thread delivery unit fixing screw and the presser foot joint link fixing screw.
7. Adjust the timing as described in the "Open-Shut Timing of Tension Discs" section.

Replacing the Thread Delivery Unit

1. Remove the selector knob link fixing screw and spacer.
2. Remove the three sensor cables (B, C, & D).
3. Remove the three screws fixing the thread delivery unit.
4. Remove the thread delivery unit timing belt to detach the thread delivery unit from the machine.
5. Replace the unit and reassemble in reverse order.
6. Ensure the three sensor cables are correctly placed in the rollers.
7. After replacement, adjust the timing and check the stitches.

Replacing Springs of the Thread Delivery Unit

The manual details how to replace the stitch connecting arm plate spring, looper thread pulling plate spring, thread pulling movable spring, and disc press spring. Each replacement involves specific steps, such as hooking springs on both sides, removing fixing screws, and carefully handling E-rings and shafts to avoid splashing springs.

Replacement of Sensor Cable

The Baby Lock BLE1AT uses three types of sensor cables: fabric thickness, needle thread, and looper thread. These cables are made of fine stainless wire with a high pulling strength, making replacement infrequent. However, if replacement is necessary, specific instructions are provided for each type, including removing the old cable, hooking the new one, and checking stitches afterward.

Adjustment of Stitches

For optimal stitch quality, adjustments are made based on fabric type (cotton 1-layer), thread (100% polyester spun), needle (SCHMETZ HAX1SP #11/CR), machine settings (1-needle, 3-thread sewing, 5.0mm width, 3.0mm length, D.F.: N, stitch selector: B).

Needle Thread Sensor Cable Adjustment: This adjustment affects both needle and looper threads.

1. Line up the looper thread fine-tuning screw at the standard position.
2. Sew 1-layer of cotton with 1-needle (right) 3-thread and adjust only the needle thread to prevent puckering, disregarding looper threads at this stage.
3. Then, adjust the looper thread sensor cable. Note: Turning the needle thread sensor cable adjusting screw clockwise loosens both needle and looper threads, while counter-clockwise tightens them.

Looper Thread Sensor Cable Adjustment: This adjustment should be done after the needle thread sensor cable.

1. Line up the looper thread fine-tuning screw at the standard position.
2. Sew 1-layer of cotton with 1-needle (right) 3-thread and turn the screw until an ideal stitch is achieved, where looper threads are not loose and fabric is not curled.
3. After adjustment, recheck the needle thread sensor cable as its timing might have changed. Note: Turning the looper thread sensor cable adjusting screw clockwise loosens looper threads, while counter-clockwise tightens them.

Adjustment of Needle Threader

Before adjusting the needle threader, new SCHMETZ HAX1SP #11CR needles must be installed and correctly positioned in the needle clamp holder, as bent or incorrect needles can cause timing issues.

Replacement of Needle Threader:

1. Remove the needle threader hook fixing screw and replace the hook.
2. Insert the hook until the end of the needle threader selector plate and tighten the fixing screw.
3. Change the needle threader select plate right and left to ensure the threader works for both needles.

Adjustment of High and Low Direction for Needle Threader:

1. Align the green marks on the pulley.
2. Ensure the needle threader hook is positioned until the end of the needle threader select plate.
3. Bend the specified area on the needle threader holder to adjust the high and low direction.
4. Change the needle threader select plate right and left to ensure the threader works for both needles.

Adjustment of Right and Left Direction for Needle Threader:

1. Align the green marks on the pulley.
2. Loosen the screw and move the needle threader holder right and left until the threader works properly.
3. Tighten the screw.
4. Change the needle threader select plate right and left to ensure the threader works for both needles.

Adjustment of Needle Threader Safety Plate:

1. Align the green marks on the pulley.
2. Loosen the screw and adjust the washer's position to ensure the safety plate lowers smoothly when the needle threader lever is lowered.
3. Tighten the screw.
4. Rotate the machine pulley and ensure the needle threader lever does not lower when needles are not in the highest position.

Checking Threading Steel Pipe Joint

1. Set the machine for looper threading.
2. Move the lock button release lever slightly to the right.
3. Check that the looper threading pipe joint and threading steel pipe are properly fitted.

Checking Pump

Checking Deflate from Pump: Hold the pump tube, push down the pump lever, and check if air is deflated from the pump.

Replacement of Piston Cap:

1. Bring the pump lever to its lowest position and secure it with tape.
2. Remove the base plate.
3. Remove the piston driving arm fixing screw.
4. Remove the piston driving arm from the piston driving shaft (pushing the shaft rightward makes this easier).
5. Remove the piston assembly from the cylinder (when the needle is in the lowest position).
6. Replace the piston cap.
7. Grease the piston cap with MOLYKOTE EM-50L.
8. Return the piston assembly to the cylinder.
9. Fit the piston driving arm to the piston driving shaft and tighten the fixing screw (pushing the shaft leftward makes this easier).
10. Check if the pump works properly.
11. Fix the base plate.

Troubleshooting

The manual includes a troubleshooting section for common issues:

Needle Threads Unbalanced: Check if the serger is threaded correctly, threads are snapped in the head guide, stitch selector is positioned correctly, looper thread fine-tuning screw is positioned correctly, threads are of recommended high quality, needle thread sensor cable is positioned correctly, and needle thread sensor cable is adjusted correctly.

Looper Threads Unbalanced: Similar checks as for needle threads, focusing on the looper thread sensor cable's positioning and adjustment.

Thread Breaks: Verify correct serger threading, proper thread snapping in the head guide, correct stitch selector position, correct looper thread fine-tuning screw position, and recommended thread quality.

Needle Threader Works Improperly: Check if green marks on the pulley and machine body are aligned, needles are inserted to the end of the clamp holder, height of each needle is correct, and needle threader adjustment is correct.

Jet Air Threader Does Not Work: Check if air is deflated from the pump, pipes are connected properly, and there are no lints or threads in the pipes.

This comprehensive approach to maintenance and troubleshooting ensures that the Baby Lock BLE1AT can be kept in optimal working condition, providing reliable performance for all sewing needs.

Baby Lock BLE1 AT Specifications