How to repair this ?

[hairyone]

The attached images are for the needle plate of a rather expensive sewing machine.

The part itself is no longer available.

The blue circles show where the plate is cracked. It appears to be stainless steel. Is this something that could be silver soldered or brazed.

Is there anyone on th forum who feels like they could fix this?

Happy to pay!

Cheers Aaron

 

[Barking Mat]

I can't see what's going on in the second photo.

Tig maybe, or a replacement plate, laser cut ?

 

[500e]

Laszer welded
Taalk to Welding supply's
Forum suporter

+44 (0) 1952 582 260​

 

[frank horton]

cant really see the crack......
I think I'd just drill a small hole at each end of the crack so it won't travel further.....
Provided the plate is smooth wait and use it for a while......
U prob wont need to repair / replace it......

 

[Agroshield]

What happens on the underside of it? Or what space is available there for any repair?

It might be possible to bond a thin plate underneath to keep the cracks stable.

 

[outofthefire]

Is it worth getting 10 made, keep a couple and sell the other 8 to cover your costs.

 

[chrismac]

Are the cracks impact damage from the needle bouncing about. I can see the areas you are trying to show, the only issue with trying to repair with tig is, if it goes wrong you'll be in a far worst state than you are now. might be worth trying arcing up on a corner out the way first, see how it goes, even if you do get it welded, who knows how long it will last before it breaks again, nothing ventured - nothing gained I suppose.

 

[500e]

Looks the ideal job for Laser weld
Talk to Tom at WSDirect No above #3

 

[Ton-up]

 

[MattF]

View attachment 416093

Looks like somebody's already tried repairing the lefthand crack, going by that photo?

 

[Beanwood]

I'm interested in the answer as I had/have a very similar on one of mine - I used Mig as I don't Tig - and it was ok until I put too much pressure on it again - so plainly my weld wasn't strong enough. It's tricky trying to heat such fine metal, where there are fine tolerances.

 

[mcostello]

Would silver solder fare any better?

 

[Guzrik]

Laserwelding, but the design is obviously not strong enough so a simple repair will probably not last, you need to improve.
Is there space underneath, for a brace? And if you can have new ones lasercut, make a small radius in stead of sharp edges.

 

[tom2207]

would it be possible to make a piece that would sit across the whole set of slots and onto the base plate either side ,,, the longer vert slots are only to see through so blocking up just a wee bit wouldnt matter that much , then its all reinforced . weld the ends to the side plates ,,, bit of tig , then braze the cracked bit the the new plate and its self ,,, file the slot for needle clearance and off you go ... bit fiddly but an hour would have it all up and going again ..

 

[Beanwood]

would it be possible to make a piece that would sit across the whole set of slots and onto the base plate either side ,,, the longer vert slots are only to see through so blocking up just a wee bit wouldnt matter that much , then its all reinforced . weld the ends to the side plates ,,, bit of tig , then braze the cracked bit the the new plate and its self ,,, file the slot for needle clearance and off you go ... bit fiddly but an hour would have it all up and going again ..

The vertical slots will be where the presser feet lift and drive the fabric backwards. They need to be rather precise.

 

[hairyone]

No repair has been attempted yet, it's just beaten up a little from where it moves and then the needle hits the plate.
The slots are required for the pressor feet underneath that move the fabric.
Very little room underneath for bracing either.

I'll look into laser welding

 

[Beanwood]

That’s really mashed up!
What machine is it? Laser welding doesn’t sound cheap!

 

[hairyone]

It's a Brother 3100D

Brother Super Galaxie 3100D / Embroidery Machine / Brother Machine

The Brother 3100D is a computer-controlled embroidery and sewing machine. Just looking at the large display shows that it is a sophistica...

www.masinskikutak.com

 

[hermetic]

There is a fault here, either the needle rod bushings are worn out, or the needles you are using are too thin, or both. The needle plate has been hit by the needle very many times, this normally only happens if you are sewing heavy material and the needle flexes to one side and hits the needle plate. also note that it is only one side. I would get a dozen laser cut in stainless and advertise them on the bay!! Check for sideplay on the needle rod bushings, or play in the swing needle mechanism if applicable.
Phil

 

[DAPPH]

https://www.brothermachines.com/sewing/2271/Needle_Plate_Assembly_-_XF8847001 Have a look around this area of the" Brother UK " site is there one that looks like yours ?
Would it be worth them doing an overhaul /service ?