Brother BAS-342G PS User Manual

Basic Operation Manual

BAS-342G PS

DIRECT DRIVE

PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRONIC PATTERN SEWER

<PERFECT STITCH>

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

i

[2] Notes on safety

DANGER

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ii	BAS-342G PS

CAUTION

Sewing

	This sewing machine should only be used by	If using a work table which has casters, the casters
	operators who have received the necessary training	should be secured in such a way so that they cannot
	in safe use beforehand.	move.
	The sewing machine should not be used for any	Attach all safety devices before using the sewing
	applications other than sewing.	machine. If the machine is used without these
	Be sure to wear protective goggles when using the	devices attached, injury may result.
	machine.	Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any
	If goggles are not worn, there is the danger that if a	objects against the machine while sewing, as this
	needle breaks, parts of the broken needle may enter	may result in personal injury or damage to the
	your eyes and injury may result.	machine.
	Turn off the power switch at the following times. If the	If an error occurs in machine operation, or if abnormal
	foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing	noises or smells are noticed, immediately turn off the
	machine might start operating and injury could result.	power switch. Then contact your nearest Brother
	• When threading the needle	dealer or a qualified technician.
	• When replacing the bobbin and needle	If the machine develops a problem, contact your
	• When not using the machine and when leaving the
		nearest Brother dealer or a qualified technician.
	machine unattended
	Cleaning
	Turn off the power switch before carrying out	Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when
	cleaning. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake,	handling the lubricating oil and grease, so that they
	the sewing machine might start operating and injury	do not get into your eyes or onto your skin. If the oil
	could result.	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.
	Maintenance and inspection
	Maintenance and inspection of the sewing machine	If the power switch and air need to be left on when
	should only be carried out by a qualified technician.	carrying out some adjustment, be extremely careful to
	Ask your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician to	observe all safety precautions.
	carry out any maintenance and inspection of the	When replacing parts and installing optional
	electrical system.	accessories, be sure to use only genuine Brother
	Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power	parts.
	cord before carrying out the following operations. If	Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents
	the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing	or problems resulting from the use of non-genuine
	machine might start operating and injury could result.	parts.
	• Inspection, adjustment and maintenance	If any safety devices have been removed, be
	• Replacing consumable parts such as the rotary hook	absolutely sure to re-install them to their original
	Disconnect the air hoses from the air supply and wait	positions and check that they operate correctly before
		using the machine.
	for the needle on the pressure gauge to drop to “0”
	before carrying out inspection, adjustment and repair	To prevent accidents and problems, do not modify
	of any parts which use the pneumatic equipment.	the machine yourself.
	Hold the machine head with both hands when tilting it	Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents
		or problems resulting from modifications made to the
	back or returning it to its original position.
		machine.
	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.

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.

1

2

*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

3

4

5

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

iv	BAS-342G PS

Rear cover

Thread take-up cover

Eye guard

Finger guard

Motor cover

Rear cover

Rear cover

Inside cover R

Middle cover

Outside cover

Fixed cover

Tension release solenoid cover Inside cover L

Middle cover

Outside cover

Fixed cover

X motor cover

2740B

BAS-342G PS

v

CONTENTS

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
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

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

BAS-342G PS

1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS

1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS

2741B

(1)	STOP switch	Safety devices:
(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

CFTM is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.

BAS-342G PS

1

2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM SEWING

2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM SEWING

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.

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 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
	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

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

<Work clamp dropping in one step>

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.

<Work clamp dropping in two steps>

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.

4057M

2	BAS-342G PS

3. TABLE PROCESSING DIAGRAM

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.

4053M

BAS-342G PS

3

4. INSTALLATION

4. INSTALLATION

CAUTION

	Machine installation should only be carried out by a	Hold the machine head with both hands when tilting it
	qualified technician.	back or returning it to its original position.
	Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician for	In addition, do not subject the machine head to extra
		force while it is tilted back. If this is not observed, the
	any electrical work that may need to be done.
		machine head may become unbalanced and fall down,
	The sewing machine head weighs approximately 160
		and serious injury or damage to the sewing machine
	kg.	may result.
	Use equipment such as a crane or hoist when installing	All cords should be secured at least 25 mm away from
	the machine head and adjusting the height of the table.
		any moving parts. Furthermore, do not excessively bend
	If you try to lift the machine head yourself, it may cause
		the cords or secure them too firmly staples, otherwise
	injuries such as back injury.
		there is the danger that fire or electric shocks could
	Do not connect the power cord until installation is
		occur.
	complete.	Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connection
	If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing
		is not secure, you run a high risk of receiving a serious
	machine might start operating and injury could result.
		electric shock, and problems with correct operation may
	If using a work table which has casters, the casters
		also occur.
	should be secured in such a way so that they cannot	Install the safety covers to the machine head and motor.
	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

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

4	BAS-342G PS

4. INSTALLATION

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.

				Before installing the control box (1), check
	3961M
				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.

10mm or more

Leg

3962M

(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.

Operator

3963M

BAS-342G PS

5

4. INSTALLATION

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

(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.]

Table

3964M

4-4. Installing the machine head

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.]

2743B

(Continued on next page)

6	BAS-342G PS