How to Replace the Reciprocator on a Tajima Neo Embroidery Machine

In this video, we show how to replace the reciprocator on a Tajima Neo embroidery machine. We begin by removing the needle bar case and cutting the sewing threads at the bottom of the tension base. To remove the tension base, we first take off the rear cover by pressing down on the top and pulling it off. We then remove the four screws that hold the tension base in place, lift the tension base while holding the thread brake sensor, and slide the TC sensor off.

Next, we remove the two screws that hold the color change cam cover and take the cover off. We loosen the two screws that secure the top cover to the needle case and remove the top cover. Then we remove the two screws holding the needle bar case and lift the case off the arm. To access the reciprocator, we loosen the three screws securing the left arm front cover to the take-up lever guide rail, then loosen the two screws holding the arm front cover to the machine arm and remove the cover.

With the area exposed, we loosen the set screw on the left side of the arm that secures the needle bar drive shaft. We pull the drive shaft straight up with a twisting motion, then tilt the reciprocator assembly to the left and pull it out of the connecting rod. After removing the two screws that secure the bushing holder, we take note of how the spring attaches to the reciprocator, remove the bushing holder, and pull the reciprocator off. To install the new reciprocator, we slide it on, making sure the spring goes into the hole on the bottom right side, then reinstall the bushing holder, tighten the screws, and check that the reciprocator moves smoothly.

We then place the reciprocator set into the connecting rod, making sure the right side of the reciprocator hooks onto the presser foot drive shaft. After placing the felt ring on top of the reciprocator, we install the drive shaft through the top of the arm with the flat on the shaft facing down and to the left. We align the felt ring, remove the bearing plate to help install the bearing onto the shaft, push the drive shaft down to the correct height, and tighten the set screw. Finally, we reinstall the bearing plate, left arm cover, needle bar case, tension base, top cover, color change cam cover, and tension base cover, making sure the take-up levers are held in place with a rubber band during needle case installation.