In this video, we fine-tune the needle depth by adjusting the collar until the needle just barely scrapes the top edge of the needle depth gauge. We wiggle the position slightly, check whether it is too tight or too loose, and continue moving the collar up or down until the contact is correct. Once the needle is barely scraping the gauge, we tighten the collar and perform one final check to confirm the setting.
After setting the needle depth, we adjust the upper collar by the same distance the lower collar was moved. For example, if the lower collar was moved three millimeters down, the upper collar must also move three millimeters down. To verify this, we compare the adjusted needle to the rest of the needles on the machine, since the others are already set correctly.
We then release the needle from the reciprocator by turning the hand wheel back to 100 and selecting a different needle number. Looking behind the embroidery head at the catches that engage with the reciprocator, we check that all needle bars are on the same plane. If the adjusted needle sits lower than the others, the reciprocator will not engage it, and the needle will not move up and down properly.
To correct that, we pull down on the presser foot so we can see the top collar, adjust it with the T-handle Allen wrench, and lightly tighten it at first. We then release it, check behind the embroidery head again, and confirm that all the needle bars are aligned. Once they are lined up, we pull down on the presser foot again, tighten the top collar securely, and recheck the bottom collar to make sure it is seated tightly. The needle depth is then adjusted, and we repeat the same process for the remaining needles, working on only one needle at a time.
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