Simple maintenance tips for keeping your APQS quilting machine in top shape

Quilters often ask how to keep their APQS longarm machines running smoothly. The answer is simple: these machines require minimal maintenance because they’re built for durability and heavy use. With a few easy steps, your APQS machine will perform beautifully for years, possibly without the need for in-depth service.

Here are some key maintenance tips:

Daily or weekly maintenance tasks

These tasks should be done regularly to keep your machine running at peak performance:

1. Check (don’t over-oil) the wicks

Your APQS machine uses gravity-fed oiling wicks to keep the sewing mechanisms lubricated. The system eliminates the need for pumps or oil reservoirs, making it cleaner and more efficient. There are four wicks on top of the machine and one on the side.

You don’t need to oil the wicks unless they feel dry to the touch. Over-oiling can lead to excess oil accumulating in the sewing head, eventually seeping down the needle bar and onto your quilt. If you notice a lot of lint there, it’s a sign you might be over-oiling. Wipe off the excess oil and reduce the frequency of oiling.

Check out this video on the APQS YouTube channel:

2. Keep the bobbin area lint-free

A clean bobbin area is critical for smooth quilting. Lint buildup in the hook assembly (where the bobbin snaps in place) can lead to thread snarling and bird’s nests on the underside of your quilt. Worse, your needle can sew that lint directly into your quilt, creating visible issues on the surface.

Blow out the lint from the bobbin area with each bobbin change, especially when using cotton thread or batting, both of which create significant lint. A small, inexpensive air compressor works well for this, though canned air is also an option. Just be careful not to shake the can before use, as this can cause moisture droplets to enter your hook assembly. Add a drop of oil to the hook every three or four bobbins as directed in your manual.

Check out my video on how to clean the hook area of your machine:

3. Clean the bobbin case (and adjust the backlash spring if needed)

Lint can also accumulate in the bobbin case itself. To clean it, remove the bobbin and use the corner of a business card to slide under the tension finger on the case. This will remove any lint without scratching the tension finger. If lint builds up under this area, your bobbin case can lose tension, resulting in thread loops on top of your quilt or bird’s nests on the back.

All bobbin cases come with a backlash spring, although the spring can be removed for specific types of bobbins. When the spring is in place, the bobbin should sit slightly elevated from the case and “bounce” when inserted. If the bobbin doesn’t bounce, you can pop the backlash spring out of the case and gently bend the part of the spring that sticks up to restore its function. You can adjust the spring multiple times before needing to replace it.

Keeping the backlash spring properly adjusted ensures smooth bobbin case performance, helping prevent tension issues and thread snarls during quilting.

APQS has a video on their YouTube channel detailing Bobbin Case Maintenance:

4. Change your needle regularly

To maintain the best stitch quality, change your needle frequently. Ideally with every quilt project. While APQS machines use industrial-grade needles, even the smallest burr or dull spot can lead to issues like tufting, where batting pokes through the back of your quilt.

Check out the APQS video on changing your needle:

5. Wipe down rails and carriage

For smooth movement of your machine, wipe down the rails and carriage with a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol. This removes dust, lint, and any build-up that can affect the machine’s glide, ensuring you maintain precise stitching and control over your quilting.

6. Check belt clamps and motor set screws (for APQS Quilt Path users)

If you have an APQS Quilt Path computer system, make sure to check the belt clamps regularly. Ensure that they are holding tightly onto the belts when clamped. Also, inspect the set screws on the motor shaft drive wheel pulley to verify that they are in place and securely tightened.

Monthly maintenance tasks

In addition to the daily and weekly tasks, it’s important to perform deeper cleaning and maintenance once a month:

1. Remove the needle plate and clean the hook Assembly

Remove the needle plate and wipe out the hook assembly area, including under the needle plate. Check the hook assembly for burrs that may affect performance.

2. Check set screws and belts (for APQS Quilt Path users)

Check that the set screws are present and tight on the Quilt Path motor pulley wheels on both the X and Y axes. Additionally, inspect the belt tightness and wheel alignment to ensure smooth operation of the Quilt Path carriage.

Every six months maintenance tasks

In addition to your daily and monthly tasks, inspect the following areas every six months:

1.  Check the hopping foot

Ensure that the hopping foot is not loose or exhibiting any “play.”  The hopping foot is attached to a long post that is inserted up the nose of your machine.  You want to make sure that your hopping foot post does not wobble side to side inside the channel where the top of the foot rides.  While holding your machine still try to rock the hopping foot in a side to side motion.  If you feel the foot swaying or if you hear a slight ticking when you are trying to move the foot, reach out to our Customer Service team so that they can evaluate the situation with you.

2. Check the needle bar

Similarly, check for any looseness or “play” in the needle bar.  The needle bar is another long post that is inserted up into the nose of the machine.  Like the hopping foot, keep the machine from moving and then try to wiggle the needle bar to see if there is any movement back and forth.  Up and down movement is completely normal for both the hopping foot and the needle bar.  If you think you feel any side to side movement, reach out to Customer Service so that they can evaluation the situation.

3. Lubricate the rocker arm for the hopping foot

If you’re operating your machine in a humid environment, follow this additional step. Remove the left front cover of your machine and put one drop of oil on the shaft behind the rocker arm for the hopping foot.

Every 12 months maintenance tasks

Once a year, complete a more thorough inspection and cleaning:

1. Check for thread around the flywheel

If you are not using the optional flywheel cover, inspect the flywheel for any thread that may have wrapped around it. Remove any debris and wipe out dirt and excess oil.

2. Check oiling wick positions

Verify that the oiling wicks are correctly positioned inside the sewing head to ensure proper lubrication.  Now is also a great time to review when to oil your wick.

3. Blow out circuit boards and motor brushes

Remove the top covers and use compressed air to blow lint and dirt off circuit boards, belts, and the area surrounding the motor brushes. Also, inspect and clean the motor brushes as needed.

Every 9-10 years maintenance tasks

Over time, depending on usage, your machine may need more in-depth care. Consider having a certified maintenance technician or APQS Service perform a “Spa” treatment on your machine. This comprehensive service ensures that everything is in optimal condition for continued use.

Lifetime support

APQS machines come with a lifetime warranty and lifetime customer support, so you’re never alone when it comes to machine care. For more maintenance tips, check out the many product care tips on the APQS website. You’ll find helpful videos and answers to frequently asked questions.

Follow these simple steps and your machine will continue to deliver high-quality stitches for years to come. By staying on top of these daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks, you’ll ensure your APQS quilting machine remains a reliable partner in your quilting journey!