Silver Reed FRP 70
| Silver Reed FRP 70 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Silver Reed |
| Model / Name | FRP 70 |
| Type | Ribbing Attachment |
| Compatibility | Studio F270 |
| Release Year | 1982 |
The Silver Reed FRP 70 is a fine gauge, metal bed ribbing attachment manufactured by Silver Reed (often branded as Studio) and released in 1982. Designed to complement specific 3.6mm main bed knitting machines, it significantly expands the range of fabrics and techniques available to the knitter, enabling the creation of various rib stitches, double-bed fabrics, and circular knitting.
Overview[edit]
The FRP 70 is a dedicated ribber, meaning it works in conjunction with a compatible main bed knitting machine. Its metal bed construction ensures durability and precise needle action, characteristic of Silver Reed's higher-end machines. With 250 needles, it is suitable for knitting wider garments and projects in fine gauge yarns.
Technical Specifications[edit]
- Gauge: 3.6mm (Fine Gauge)
- Needle Count: 250 needles
- Bed Material: Metal
- Release Year: 1982
Features[edit]
As a standard ribbing attachment, the FRP 70 includes:
- A dedicated ribber carriage for knitting on both beds.
- Connecting arms to link the ribber carriage to the main bed carriage.
- Ribber weights and hangers to ensure even tension during knitting.
- Mechanisms for adjusting the height and alignment relative to the main bed.
Compatibility[edit]
The Silver Reed FRP 70 is compatible with Silver Reed/Studio main bed knitting machines that share its 3.6mm fine gauge and 250-needle capacity. A known compatible model is the:
- Studio F270: This machine is a 3.6mm, 250-needle punch card main bed, making it an ideal match for the FRP 70, despite the F270 being released slightly later (1990).
Setup and Operation[edit]
Setting up the FRP 70 involves attaching it securely to the main bed knitting machine. This typically includes:
- Clamping: Attaching the ribber bed to the main bed using specialized clamps, ensuring it is parallel and at the correct distance.
- Alignment: Adjusting the ribber so its needles are perfectly aligned with the main bed needles, usually in a half-pitch or full-pitch arrangement depending on the desired stitch.
- Carriage Connection: Linking the ribber carriage to the main bed carriage with connecting arms, allowing them to move as a single unit.
Once set up, the ribber allows for double-bed knitting, where both beds knit simultaneously. The ribber carriage typically has settings to control which needles knit or hold, enabling different rib patterns and techniques.
Stitch Capabilities[edit]
When combined with a compatible main bed, the FRP 70 enables a wide array of stitch patterns and fabric types, including:
- Rib Stitches: 1x1 rib, 2x2 rib, full needle rib, and other variations.
- Circular Knitting: Creating seamless tubes of fabric.
- Double-Bed Knitting: Producing dense, reversible fabrics.
- Tuck Rib: Combining tuck stitches with ribbing for textured effects.
- Slip Rib: Incorporating slipped stitches for vertical texture.
- Plating: Knitting with two different yarns on the front and back beds to create unique color effects.