This document is an instruction manual for the SINGER SE017 overlock sewing machine. It provides comprehensive information on the machine's parts, operation, maintenance, and safety guidelines.
Function Description:
The SINGER SE017 is an overlock sewing machine designed for various sewing tasks, particularly those requiring strong, finished seams, such as garment construction, home décor, and crafts. An overlock machine, also known as a serger, uses multiple threads to create secure, professional-looking seams that prevent fabric edges from fraying. It can trim the fabric edge, stitch a seam, and overcast simultaneously, resulting in a clean and durable finish. The SE017 supports 2-thread overlock stitching, which is useful for delicate fabrics or when a less bulky seam is desired. It features differential feed adjustment, allowing for precise control over fabric feeding to prevent stretching or puckering, especially when working with knit or bias-cut fabrics. The machine also offers stitch width and length settings, enabling users to customize the stitch appearance for different fabric types and project requirements. Special sewing techniques like rolled edge sewing and flatlock sewing are also supported, expanding its versatility for decorative and functional finishes.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific detailed technical specifications like motor power or maximum sewing speed are not explicitly listed on the provided pages, the manual does mention several key features:
- Needle System: The machine uses #14/90 needles, with two such needles included in the pack and two pre-installed.
- Thread Capacity: It is a multi-thread machine, with tension dials for left needle (blue), right needle (green), upper looper (purple), and lower looper (yellow), indicating it can operate with up to four threads for various overlock stitches.
- Foot Control: The manual specifies two types of foot controls depending on the voltage: GTC/HKT 72C for 220-240V and GTE/HKT 7 for 100-120V, both manufactured by DANYANG GUOTI MOTOR & APPLIANCE CO., LTD / ZHEJIANG HUAXING ELECTRIC MOTOR CO., LTD. This highlights the machine's adaptability to different electrical standards.
- Safety Features: It includes a safety switch that prevents the machine from sewing when the front cover is open.
- Lighting: Some models are equipped with an LED-light (26) for improved visibility during sewing.
- Cutter System: Features a movable upper cutter (20) and a stationary lower cutter (21) for trimming fabric edges. The movable upper cutter can be disengaged.
- Adjustments: Includes a seam width/cutting width adjustment knob (25) and a differential feed adjusting lever (11).
Usage Features:
The SINGER SE017 is designed for user-friendly operation with several features that enhance its usability:
- Telescopic Thread Stand: The telescopic thread stand (18) and spool pins (17) with cone holders (16) are designed to manage multiple spools of thread efficiently, ensuring smooth feeding during high-speed stitching.
- Easy Access for Threading: The front cover (10) opens to provide access to the looper area for threading. The manual provides detailed instructions for threading the upper looper (purple), lower looper (yellow), right needle (green), and left needle (blue), often color-coded for clarity.
- Differential Feed Adjustment: The differential feed adjusting lever (11) allows users to control the speed at which the front and rear feed dogs move, preventing stretching or puckering on different fabric types. This is crucial for achieving flat, even seams on knits and delicate materials.
- Stitch Customization: Users can adjust stitch length (14) and stitch width using the seam width/cutting width adjustment knob (25) to suit various fabrics and desired seam finishes.
- Presser Foot Lift: The presser foot lifter (7) allows for easy placement and removal of fabric. The presser foot pressure can also be adjusted (1).
- Movable Upper Cutter Disengagement: The ability to disengage the movable upper cutter (20) is a key feature for techniques that do not require trimming, such as flatlock or decorative stitching.
- 2-Thread Overlock Converter: The inclusion of a 2-thread converter (1) allows the machine to perform 2-thread overlock stitches, offering versatility for lighter fabrics or specific decorative effects.
- Flat Bed Extension: The flat bed extension (9) provides a larger work surface, which can be removed for free-arm sewing, useful for cuffs, collars, and other small, circular items.
- Stitch Finger Lever: The stitch finger lever (24) is used to adjust the stitch finger, which helps form the stitch and can be removed for rolled hem stitching.
- Foot Control Operation: The foot control allows for variable speed control, enabling users to sew at a comfortable pace.
Maintenance Features:
The manual outlines several maintenance procedures to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the SINGER SE017:
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning is emphasized to remove lint and dust from ventilation openings and moving parts, which can accumulate and affect machine performance. A lint brush (5) is provided for this purpose.
- Oiling: The manual includes instructions for oiling the machine, a critical step for lubricating moving parts and reducing wear.
- Cutter Replacement: Instructions are provided for replacing the stationary cutter (21), indicating that this is a user-serviceable part. A spare lower knife (6) is included in the accessories.
- Needle Replacement: The manual details how to change needles, a common maintenance task. A screwdriver (3) is provided for this.
- Troubleshooting: A troubleshooting section is included to help users identify and resolve common issues, reducing the need for professional servicing.
- Safety Precautions: The manual stresses the importance of unplugging the machine before cleaning, lubricating, or making any adjustments to prevent electric shock or injury. It also advises against operating the machine with blocked air openings or a damaged cord/plug.
Overall, the SINGER SE017 is presented as a versatile and user-friendly overlock machine suitable for a range of sewing projects, with clear instructions for operation and maintenance to ensure a smooth sewing experience.