Bond Keyplates
This is the approved revision of this page, as well as being the most recent.
| Bond Bond Keyplates | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Bond |
| Model / Name | Bond Keyplates |
| Type | Tension Control |
| Compatibility | Bond Classic, Incredible Sweater Machine, Ultimate Sweater Machine, Bond Elite |
| Release Year | |
Bond Keyplates are interchangeable plastic inserts used to control the stitch size (tension) on Bond mid-gauge knitting machines. Unlike Japanese knitting machines that use a dial on the carriage to adjust stitch size, Bond machines use physical plastic keyplates that dictate the depth to which the needles are pulled back to form stitches.
Standard Sizes[edit]
The standard keyplates are color-coded and numbered, corresponding to hand-knitting needle sizes:
- Size 1 (US 6 / 4.0 mm): Used for sport and light worsted weight yarns.
- Size 2 (US 8 / 5.0 mm): Ideal for standard worsted weight yarns.
- Size 3 (US 10 / 6.0 mm): Used for heavy worsted and aran weight yarns.
- Size 4 (US 10.5 / 6.5 mm): Best for bulky and chunky yarns.
Operation[edit]
The selected keyplate is inserted directly into a slot on the underside of the carriage. As the carriage is swiped across the needle bed, the keyplate's internal tracks guide the needle butts, determining how far they retract.