Product: HoopTech Clamp System II For The PR600 (Larger Window Sizes)
Manufacturer: EMS HoopTech
Manufacturer’s Web Site: www.hooptechproducts.com
Reveiw Date: April 2006
Installation
Being an owner of the original HoopTech Clamp System it was not difficult for me to install this new system on one of our machines. For new owners unfamiliar with this system the instruction CD included with the unit is very comprehensive and well done. It should provide new owners with all the information they need to easily install the clamp system on their machine. The down side is the Allen Wrench required to perform some of the steps in the alignment procedure was not included in the package.
Features
The new clamp system features larger window sizes that are a welcome addition to the clamp system line. They address the only major complaint most owners had with the original system - limited sizes.
Changing windows was a bit easier on the new system. The windows do not fit as tightly on the new system as they do on the old. Changing windows on the fly was quick and easy.
The new system design allows the moveable upper jaw to be raised higher offering more room between it and the lower fixed jaw when inserting items to be embroidered. Not only can it be raised higher, but it was engineered to allow the jaw to remain in that position easily. Since the upper and lower jaws on the original system don’t have much clearance and tend to remain loosely closed at all times, manual separation is usually required when inserting fabric or garments.
Functionality
When I actually began using the new system I found this new jaw design to be both a blessing and a curse. While the additional clearance made it easier to insert fabric or garments, it was also a source for potential disaster. The upper jaw, when raised to the full upright position, is above the height of the needles and presser feet. Any movement of the machine head or the hoop arm could result in a collision.
I discovered this quite by accident while working on a design placement and needle color assignments. The head moved to a position that allowed the presser foot of needle one to catch on the inner edge of the upper jaw. Fortunately for me there was no serious damage to the machine or the clamp, but the needle was bent and had to be replaced. As long as you can remember to lower the upper jaw before allowing any head or frame movement you can alleviate this problem. Unfortunately we're often distracted or simply forget to do some of the things we should be doing.
Like the original system, the clamp performs well, is easy to use and grips the fabric and stabilizer firmly. The base unit is substantial and sturdy. I detected no excessive vibration or sagging of the frame even when embroidering on heavier items. The larger windows allowed me to sew out much larger designs then were possible with the older system, but with the same ease of use. With proper positioning I could even sew out two 4 x 4 designs in a single hooping.
As with the original system, it is important to ALWAYS perform a trace prior to starting your machine. Failure to do so could result in serious damage to your machine and/or the clamp system. Always be sure your needles will clear the entire perimeter of the window you are using before you begin the actual sewing process.
Conclusion
I’ve always been a big fan of the clamp system since it was introduced by HoopTech early last year. Our original system is in use almost daily in our shop. I’ve come to depend on it immensely for many of the things we do. I wouldn’t be without it.
While the new larger window sizes further expand the clamp system’s usefulness, extra caution is required when using this new system. Unlike the original system, the operator must be aware at all times of the potential hazards or damage to their machine could occur. In theory the raised position of the upper jaw is a nice feature, but it might be wise for HoopTech to revisit that area of the design and make some minor modifications.
Even with the shortcomings noted above, this is a very good system that warrants consideration when searching for new and easy to use methods for hooping your projects. If you are considering a purchase of this system keep in mind it will not totally replace the standard tubular hoops that came with your machine. Keep those hoops handy as you'll still want to use them for certain applications.
The new HoopTech Clamp System II will fit the following machines:
- Brother PR600
- Brother PR600 II
- Babylock EMP6
- Babylock BMP6
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