How to Install the Reciprocator on an Embroidery Machine

In this video, we reinstall the reciprocator by starting the reciprocator bar back into place and making sure the rear portion fits into the cam. We then gently guide the bar downward, checking that it passes straight through the lower bearing. In many cases, we remove the small cover first to make it easier to feed the bar through the bearing. Once the bar is aligned, we use a wide straight-slot screwdriver between the casting and the top of the reciprocator bar to confirm the bar is flush across the top, and then we tighten the set screw with a 2 mm Allen wrench.

After the bar is secured, we reinstall the covers. We carefully raise the bearing, start it into the cover, and let it slide back into place, making sure the flat spot on the felt pad sits against the cover. We then reinstall the screws carefully to avoid cross-threading and confirm that the bearing spins freely. Next, we put the side covers back on. These covers are intentionally bent so that when the screws are tightened, they pull in snugly and do not stick out from the head.

We then verify again that the reciprocator bar is flush with the casting so there is a clean path for the wicks. To reinstall the wicks, we use a small Allen wrench, such as 1.5 mm or 2 mm, to gently feed each wick back into the reciprocator rod until it is seated flush. Finally, we set the thread take-up lever guide rail back in place and start all of its screws. We only barely seat these screws rather than fully tightening them, because the rail needs to retain its adjustment play until the embroidery head is mounted back on the machine.