Brother BAS-342G PS User Manual

Basic Operation Manual

BAS-342G PS

DIRECT DRIVE

PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRONIC PATTERN SEWER

Please read this manual before using the machine. Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference.

This basic operation manual describes basic operations including sewing machine operations. For cleaning, standard adjustments and more details, please refer to the instruction manual contained in the Document CD.

Thank you very much for buying a BROTHER sewing machine. Before using your new machine, please read the safety instructions below and the explanations given in the instruction manual.

With industrial sewing machines, it is normal to carry out work while positioned directly in front of moving parts such as the needle and thread take-up lever, and consequently there is always a danger of injury that can be caused by these parts. Follow the instructions from training personnel and instructors regarding safe and correct operation before operating the machine so that you will know how to use it correctly.

BAS-342G PS

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

[1] Safety indications and their meanings

This instruction manual and the indications and symbols that are used on the machine itself are provided in order to ensure

safe operation of this machine and to prevent accidents and injury to yourself or other people.

The meanings of these indications and symbols are given below.

Indications

DANGER

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

Symbols

･･････

The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the instructions will result in death or serious injury.

The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the instructions may result in minor or moderate injury.

The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the instructions may result in physical damage to equipment and surroundings or result in problems with equipment operation.

This symbol ( ) indicates something that you should be careful of. The picture inside the triangle indicates the nature of the caution that must be taken. (For example, the symbol at left means “beware of injury”.)

This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must not do.

This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must do. The picture inside the circle indicates the nature of the thing that must be done. (For example, the symbol at left means “you must make the ground connection”.)

BAS-342G PS

[2] Notes on safety

Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the wall outlet before opening the cover of the control box. Touching areas where high voltages are present can result in severe injury.

DANGER

CAUTION

Environmental requirements

Use the sewing machine in an area which is free from sources of strong electrical noise such as electrical line noise or static electric noise. Sources of strong electrical noise may cause problems with correct operation.

Any fluctuations in the power supply voltage should be within ±10% of the rated voltage for the machine. Voltage fluctuations which are greater than this may cause problems with correct operation.

The power supply capacity should be greater than the requirements for the sewing machine's power consumption. Insufficient power supply capacity may cause problems with correct operation.

The pneumatic delivery capability should be greater than the requirements for the sewing machine's total air consumption. Insufficient pneumatic delivery capability may cause problems with correct operation.

Installation

Machine installation should only be carried out by a qualified technician.

Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician for any electrical work that may need to be done.

The sewing machine weighs approximately 160 kg. Use equipment such as a crane or hoist when installing the machine head and adjusting the height of the table. If you try to lift the machine head yourself, it may cause injuries such as back injury.

Do not connect the power cord until installation is complete. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result.

Hold the machine head with both hands when tilting it back or returning it to its original position. In addition, do not subject the machine head to extra force while it is tilted back. If this is not observed, the machine head may become unbalanced and fall down, and serious injury or damage to the sewing machine may result.

Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connection is not secure, you run a high risk of receiving a serious electric shock, and problems with correct operation may also occur.

The ambient temperature should be within the range of 5°C to 35°C during use. Temperatures which are lower or higher than this may cause problems with correct operation.

The relative humidity should be within the range of 45% to 85% during use, and no dew formation should occur in any devices. Excessively dry or humid environments and dew formation may cause problems with correct operation.

In the event of an electrical storm, turn off the power and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet. Lightning may cause problems with correct operation.

All cords should be secured at least 25 mm away from any moving parts. Furthermore, do not excessively bend the cords or secure them too firmly with staples, otherwise there is the danger that fire or electric shocks could occur.

Install the safety covers to the machine head and motor.

If using a work table which has casters, the casters should be secured in such a way so that they cannot move.

Use a table with a height of 84 cm or less. If the table is too high, the machine head may become unbalanced and fall down, and serious injury or damage to the sewing machine may result.

Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when handling the lubricating oil and grease, so that they do not get into your eyes or onto your skin. If the oil and grease get into your eyes or onto your skin, inflammation can result. Furthermore, do not drink or eat the lubricating oil or grease. They may cause diarrhea or vomiting. Keep the oil out of the reach of children.

BAS-342G PS

CAUTION

Sewing

This sewing machine should only be used by operators who have received the necessary training in safe use beforehand.

The sewing machine should not be used for any applications other than sewing.

Be sure to wear protective goggles when using the machine. If goggles are not worn, there is the danger that if a needle breaks, parts of the broken needle may enter your eyes and injury may result.

Turn off the power switch at the following times. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result.

• When threading the needle

• When replacing the bobbin and needle

• When not using the machine and when leaving the

machine unattended

Cleaning

Turn off the power switch before carrying out cleaning. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result.

If using a work table which has casters, the casters should be secured in such a way so that they cannot move.

Attach all safety devices before using the sewing machine. If the machine is used without these devices attached, injury may result.

Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any objects against the machine while sewing, as this may result in personal injury or damage to the machine.

If an error occurs in machine operation, or if abnormal noises or smells are noticed, immediately turn off the power switch. Then contact your nearest Brother dealer or a qualified technician.

If the machine develops a problem, contact your nearest Brother dealer or a qualified technician.

Maintenance and inspection

Maintenance and inspection of the sewing machine should only be carried out by a qualified technician.

Ask your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician to carry out any maintenance and inspection of the electrical system.

Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power cord before carrying out the following operations. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result.

• Inspection, adjustment and maintenance

• Replacing consumable parts such as the rotary hook

Disconnect the air hoses from the air supply and wait for the needle on the pressure gauge to drop to “0” before carrying out inspection, adjustment and repair of any parts which use the pneumatic equipment.

If the power switch and air need to be left on when carrying out some adjustment, be extremely careful to observe all safety precautions.

When replacing parts and installing optional accessories, be sure to use only genuine Brother parts. Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents or problems resulting from the use of non-genuine parts.

If any safety devices have been removed, be absolutely sure to re-install them to their original positions and check that they operate correctly before using the machine.

To prevent accidents and problems, do not modify the machine yourself. Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents or problems resulting from modifications made to the machine.

IMPORTANT

Do not allow any liquids to get onto this sewing machine, otherwise smoke or fire may occur. If any liquid gets inside the sewing machine (machine head or control box), immediately turn off the power and disconnect the power plug from the electrical outlet, and then contact the place of purchase or a qualified technician.

BAS-342G PS

iii

[3] Warning labels

The following warning labels appear on the sewing machine. Please follow the instructions on the labels at all times when using the machine. If the labels have been removed or are difficult to read, please contact your nearest Brother dealer.

*Safety devices

Devices such as eye guard, finger guard, thread take-up cover, motor cover, X motor cover, tension release solenoid cover, inside cover, outside cover, middle cover, fixed cover and rear cover

Be careful to avoid getting hands caught in sliding parts.

Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connection is not secure, you run a high risk of receiving a serious electric shock, and problems with correct operation may also occur.

Direction of operation

BAS-342G PS

Rear cove

Rear cover

Thread take-up cover

Inside cover R

Middle cover

Eye guard

Finger guard

Motor cover

Rear cove

Outside cover

Fixed cover

Tension release solenoid cover

Inside cover L

Middle cove

Outside cover

Fixed cover

X motor cover

2740B

BAS-342G PS

1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS ................ 1

2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS

FOR OPTIMUM SEWING ..................... 2

3. TABLE PROCESSING DIAGRAM ....... 3

4. INSTALLATION.................................... 4

4-1. Removing the machine head fixing bolts [1]..... 4

4-2. Installing the control box [2].............................. 5

4-3. Installing the oil pan and support lever base.... 6

4-4. Installing the machine head.............................. 6

4-5. Tilting back and returning the machine head ... 7

4-6. Installing the gas spring.................................... 8

4-7. Installing the operation panel [3]....................... 9

4-8. Installing the solenoid valve assembly .............10

4-9. Connecting the air tubes [4].............................. 10

4-10. Installing the air hose [5]................................. 10

4-11. Adjusting the air pressure [6].......................... 11

4-12. Adjusting the speed controller [7] ................... 11

4-13. Connecting the cords [8]................................. 12

4-14. Connecting the ground wire [9] ...................... 14

4-15. Securing the cords and air tubes [10]............. 15

4-16. Installing the eye guard [11] ...........................16

4-17. Installing the cotton stand [12]........................ 16

4-18. Lubrication [13] ............................................... 17

4-19. Connecting the power cord [14] ..................... 18

4-20. Checking the safety switch [15] ...................... 18

6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL

(BASIC OPERATIONS) .......................26

6-1. Name and function of each operation

panel item..........................................................26

6-2. Loading sewing data .........................................28

6-3. Setting the program number .............................28

6-4. Setting the X-scale and Y-scale........................29

6-5. Setting the sewing speed..................................29

6-6. Checking the sewing pattern.............................30

6-7. Setting the height of the intermittent presser foot...31 6-8. Notes on handling CF cards (sold separately) ...32

7. SEWING ...............................................33

7-1. Sewing ..............................................................33

7-2. Using the STOP switch .....................................34

7-3. Using the thread wiper switch...........................34

Document CD ...........................................36

5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING.....19

5-1. Installing the needle.......................................... 19

5-2. Operating the 2-pedal foot switch..................... 19

5-3. Threading the upper thread .............................. 20

5-4. Winding the lower thread..................................22

5-5. Installing the bobbin case................................. 23

5-6. Thread tension.................................................. 24

5-6-1. Lower thread tension.............................. 24

5-6-2. Upper thread tension.............................. 24

5-7. Home position detection ................................... 25

BAS-342G PS

1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS

(1) STOP switch (2) CF slot (12) Finger guard (3) Power switch (13) Eye guard (4) Work clamp switch (14) Thread take-up cover (5) Start switch (15) Motor cover (6) Control box (7) Solenoid valve (8) Operation panel (9) Thread wiper switch

(10) Pulley

(11) Cotton stand

is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.

Safety devices:

1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS

2741B

BAS-342G PS

2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM SEWING

Easy threading in threading mode

Page 21

When using threading mode for threading, the tension discs will open so that the thread can be threaded more easily. Furthermore, threading mode is safe because the sewing machine will not start even when the foot switch is depressed.

Intermittent presser foot height can be set easily

using the panel

Page 31 INSTRUCTION MANUAL CD 7-7. Using user programs

The height of the intermittent presser foot can be set simply by entering a numeric value at the panel, without the need for tools. Furthermore, you can use user programs to set the intermittent presser foot height to the desired height separately for each sewing program.

Easy and accurate feed plate replacement

INSTRUCTION MANUAL CD

The lower thread can be easily threaded

using the threading bar

Page 23

If you clamp the lower thread in the thread hold spring (1) and then push it gently using the threading bar (2), you can make the lower thread pass easily through the window (3) of the inner rotary hook.

Two types of work clamp dropping operation

INSTRUCTION MANUAL CD 5-8. Setting 2-step operation for the work clamp

7-2. Setting memory switches 7-3. List of memory switch settings

11-10-1. Installing the feed plate

The feed plate installation position can be obtained accurately by using the panel, which makes feed plate replacement much easier.

Feed plate installation mode

2919B

2920B

You can select one of two different types of dropping operation for the work clamp (2) by changing memory switch settings.

When the work clamp switch is depressed, the work clamp (2) drops in one movement from its highest position A to its lowest position C.

1. When the work clamp switch is depressed to the 1st step, the work clamp (2) drops from its highest position A to the intermediate position B.

2. When the work clamp switch is then depressed to the 2nd step, the work clamp (2) drops to its lowest position C.

BAS-342G PS

4057M

3. TABLE PROCESSING DIAGRAM

• The thickness of the table should be at least 50 mm, and it should be strong enough to bear the weight and vibration of the

sewing machine.

• If using casters, use ones which can bear the total weight of sewing machine and table.

• Check that the control box is at least 10 mm away from the leg. If the control box and the leg are too close together, it may result

in incorrect sewing machine operation.

4053

BAS-342G PS

4. INSTALLATION

CAUTION

Machine installation should only be carried out by a qualified technician.

Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician for any electrical work that may need to be done.

The sewing machine head weighs approximately 160 kg. Use equipment such as a crane or hoist when installing the machine head and adjusting the height of the table. If you try to lift the machine head yourself, it may cause injuries such as back injury.

Do not connect the power cord until installation is complete. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result.

If using a work table which has casters, the casters should be secured in such a way so that they cannot move.

Use a table with a height of 84 cm or less. If the table is too high, the machine head may become unbalanced and fall down, and serious injury or damage to the sewing machine may result.

When placing the sewing machine on the table

All cords should be secured at least 25 mm away from any moving parts. Furthermore, do not excessively bend the cords or secure them too firmly staples, otherwise there is the danger that fire or electric shocks could occur.

Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connection is not secure, you run a high risk of receiving a serious electric shock, and problems with correct operation may also occur.

Install the safety covers to the machine head and motor.

Carry out the procedure starting from "4-2. Installing the control box" on the next page.

If the sewing machine was already installed to the table when it was delivered

Carry out the procedures indicated by [1] to [15] in the titles in the order of the numbers.

4-1. Removing the machine head fixing bolts [1]

If the sewing machine was already installed to the table when it was delivered, remove the two machine head fixing bolts (1) and the two plain washers (2).

2742B

BAS-342G PS

4-2. Installing the control box [2]

CAUTION

The control box is heavy, so installation should be carried out by two or more people. In addition, take steps to make sure that the control box does not fall down. If this is not done, injury to feet or damage to the control box may result.

4. INSTALLATION

3961

10mm or more

Operator

Leg

3962M

3963M

Before installing the control box (1), check that the model plate (a) on the control box (1) is “AX342G” to indicate that it is an RX-control box for BAS-342G sewing machines.

* If the sewing machine is installed to the

table, tilt back the machine head. (Refer to "4-5. Tilting back and returning the machine head".)

(1) Control box (2) Bolts [4 pcs.] (3) Plain washers [4 pcs.] (4) Spring washers [4 pcs.] (5) Nuts [8 pcs.]

NOTE: Check that the control box (1) is at

least 10 mm away from the leg. If the control box (1) and the leg are too close together, it may result in incorrect sewing machine operation.

(6) Power switch (7) Wood screws [2 pcs.] (8) Staples [7 pcs.]

NOTE:

Take care when tapping in the staples (8) to make sure that they do not pierce the power cord.

BAS-342G PS

4. INSTALLATION

4-3. Installing the oil pan and support lever base

Table

3964M

(1) Oil pan (2) Wood screws [4 pcs.] (3) Oiler (4) Support lever base (5) Plain washers [2 pcs.] (6) Spring washers [2 pcs.] (7) Bolts [2 pcs.]

4-4. Installing the machine head

2743

1. Place the machine head onto the table.

NOTE:

• Use a crane or hoist to install the

sewing machine.

• Be careful of the following when

lowering the machine head onto the table.

! Do not let any cords get clamped

between the machine head and the table.

! Do not place the machine head

cushion (c) on top of the oil pan (a) or the support lever base (b).

! Do not let the side (d) of the

safety switch lever touch the support lever base (b).

(1) Rubber bushes (2 pcs.) (2) Hinge holders (2 pcs.) (3) Plain washers [4 pcs.] (4) Spring washers [4 pcs.] (5) Bolts [4 pcs.]

(Continued on next page)

BAS-342G PS

+ 30 hidden pages

Brother BAS-342G PS User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

[1] Safety indications and their meanings

[2] Notes on safety

[3] Warning labels

CONTENTS

1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS

2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM SEWING

3. TABLE PROCESSING DIAGRAM

4. INSTALLATION

4-1. Removing the machine head fixing bolts [1]

4-2. Installing the control box [2]

4-3. Installing the oil pan and support lever base

4-4. Installing the machine head