Silver Reed LC 2
| Silver Reed LC 2 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Silver Reed |
| Model / Name | LC 2 |
| Type | Lace Carriage |
| Compatibility | Silver Reed, Studio, Singer, KnitMaster, Empisal standard gauge knitting machines |
| Release Year | |
The Silver Reed LC 2 is a dedicated lace carriage accessory designed for use with various Silver Reed standard gauge knitting machines and their rebranded equivalents. Its primary function is to create intricate lace patterns by transferring stitches across the needle bed, forming openwork designs.
Overview[edit]
The LC 2 Lace Carriage is an essential accessory for machine knitters looking to expand their creative possibilities beyond basic stitches. Unlike the main knitting carriage, which knits stitches, the lace carriage is specifically engineered to manipulate stitches by transferring them from one needle to an adjacent one. This process, when repeated according to a pattern, creates the characteristic holes and openwork of lace fabrics. The LC 2 works in conjunction with the knitting machine's patterning system, whether it be punch cards or an electronic console, to execute complex lace designs automatically.
Features[edit]
As a lace carriage, the Silver Reed LC 2 is equipped with mechanisms to perform stitch transfers. While specific technical details for the LC 2 are not extensively documented in general sources, typical features of such an accessory include:
- Stitch Transfer Mechanism: Specialized needles or hooks on the carriage engage and transfer stitches, creating eyelets and open areas in the fabric.
- Patterning Integration: Designed to read patterns from punch cards or electronic programming, guiding the carriage on which stitches to transfer and when.
- Dedicated Function: The LC 2 is solely for transferring stitches; a separate main carriage is used for knitting the rows after the transfers are made.
- Construction: Typically made from durable plastics and metal components to withstand repetitive use.
Compatibility[edit]
The Silver Reed LC 2 Lace Carriage is compatible with a range of standard gauge knitting machines manufactured by Silver Reed and its associated brands. These brands include:
- Silver Reed
- Studio
- Singer
- KnitMaster
- Empisal
It is designed to work with standard gauge machines within these brands, which typically have a needle pitch suitable for finer yarns and more detailed patterns. Users should consult their specific knitting machine's manual to confirm compatibility with the LC 2.
Operation[edit]
Operating the LC 2 involves attaching it to the needle bed and using it in conjunction with the main carriage and a chosen lace pattern. The general steps for using a lace carriage like the LC 2 are:
- Setup: Ensure the knitting machine is properly set up and the desired yarn is threaded.
- Pattern Selection: Select a lace pattern, typically via a punch card or electronic program.
- Carriage Placement: The LC 2 is placed on the needle bed, often replacing the main carriage for the lace transfer passes.
- Transfer Passes: The LC 2 is passed across the needle bed, executing the stitch transfers as dictated by the pattern.
- Knitting Passes: After the transfers, the main carriage is typically used to knit a row or more, securing the transferred stitches and forming the fabric.
- Repeat: These steps are repeated until the lace pattern is complete.
Detailed instructions for specific lace patterns and machine models would be found in the LC 2's instruction manual or the knitting machine's manual.
Maintenance[edit]
Proper maintenance of the Silver Reed LC 2 Lace Carriage is crucial for its longevity and optimal performance. General maintenance practices for knitting machine carriages include:
- Cleaning: Regularly remove lint, dust, and yarn fibers from the carriage, especially around the transfer needles and mechanisms.
- Oiling: Apply a small amount of machine oil to moving parts as recommended in the manual to ensure smooth operation.
- Storage: Store the carriage in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent dust accumulation and corrosion.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect the transfer needles and other components for damage or wear, replacing parts as necessary.