Brother 4234D Overlocker
| Aliases | Overlock machine, serger |
| Other References | |
| Official Maintainer | Emily Taylor |
Current Status
Working
Machine is working as expected.
Usage
This machine is generally available to use.
Induction process is:
- Watch the introduction video
- Read the rest of this page
- You are now prepared to use this machine
Guidelines
From Wikipedia:
An overlock is a kind of stitch that sews over the edge of one or two pieces of cloth for edging, hemming, or seaming. Usually an overlock sewing machine will cut the edges of the cloth as they are fed through (such machines being called sergers in North America), though some are made without cutters. The inclusion of automated cutters allows overlock machines to create finished seams easily and quickly. An overlock sewing machine differs from a lockstitch sewing machine in that it uses loopers fed by multiple thread cones rather than a bobbin. Loopers serve to create thread loops that pass from the needle thread to the edges of the fabric so that the edges of the fabric are contained within the seam.
Overlock sewing machines usually run at high speeds, from 1000 to 9000 rpm, and most are used in industry for edging, hemming and seaming a variety of fabrics and products. Overlock stitches are extremely versatile, as they can be used for decoration, reinforcement, or construction.
Overlocking is also referred to as “overedging”, “merrowing”, or “serging”. Though “serging” technically refers to overlocking with cutters, in practice the four terms are used interchangeably.
Recommended PPE
While there isn't any required PPE, for sewing it is recommended that you have the lights on and avoid using gloves, as they can get caught in your sewing.
You should also make sure your chair is adjusted for comfort if you're planning extended use.
| Maintenance |  | Disconnect power to the machine before performing maintenance, including needle changes |
Machine Specifications
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 305mm |
| Width without extension | 270mm |
| Width with extension | 520mm |
| Depth | 270mm |
Documents
Below is the full manual 884_b01_om06enes.pdf
Manufacturer
- Brother Australia
Known Identical Models
None known
Known Issues
| Date | Description | Workaround | Proposed Remediation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2020 | None as of 06/02/2021 | PLACEHOLDER Describe the workaround currently in place | Placeholder Describe a proposed fix or solution |
Modifications / Repair History
| Date | Modified By | Description | Remediation | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2020 | None as of 06/02/2021 | PLACEHOLDER Describe what happened | PLACEHOLDER Describe how it was fixed or modified | PLACEHOLDER document the cost of the change |
Accessories
| Image | Category | Accessory Name & Notes | Location | Buy from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Cleaning maintenance | Cleaning brush Used to clean out the bobbin area | PLACEHOLDER In the extension table | Available at all sewing supply stores |
 | Material Handling | Thread net Used like a spool sock, this smooths out thread and keep it tangle-free | In the extension table | Available at all sewing supply stores |
 | Material Handling | Thread spool cap Holds the thread in place to ensure it unwinds properly and doesn't 'jump' around as the machine stitches. | In the extension table | Available at all sewing supply stores |
 | Material Handling | Blind stitch foot For stitching a blind hem | In the extension table | Came in the accessory pack, can be purchased from any Brother sewing supply store |
 | Machine operation | Foot Pedal Used to operate the machine | Plugged into machine or on top of machine | Came with machine, replacements available from Brother |
 | Machine operation | Extension table Used to control heavy or bulky fabric | mechanically plugged into the machine | Came with machine, replacements available from Brother |
Consumables & Running Costs
| Image | Category | Accessory Name & Notes | Location | Buy from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Machine operation | Machine needle Needle, used to creating stitches | in the needle holder, extras in the extension table | Available at all sewing supply stores |
 | Machine operation | White thread Thread, used to create stitches to hold fabric together | in the extension table | Available at all sewing supply stores |
 | Black thread Thread, used to create stitches to hold fabric together | in the extension table | Available at all sewing supply stores |
Maintenance
| Interval | Task | |
|---|---|---|
| As needed | Dust the machine to remove fabric remnants, thread pieces, and dust from the machine | |
| Monthly | Oil the machine | Moving parts should be oiled |
RACI
A RACI is an important documentation process to let people know what ACTIONS can happen, and who needs to be Responsible, Accountable, Consulted and Informed for each ACTION.
| Task / Action | Executive | Cause Leader Cause Team | Named Maintainer | Trainers | Cause | Membership | Implementer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modification and Repairs | - | AC | C | I | I | I | R |
| Induction changes | C | RACI | RC | I | I | I | R |
Risk Matrix and Mitigation
Risk assessment is important to ensure we are making tools available to members in a responsible fashion. Please make every effort to do a reasonable risk assessment. If there is a safety incident with the tool, please redo a risk assessment and add it to the table.
| Ref / ID | Pre-Mitigation | Mitigations / Warnings / Remedies | Post Mitigation | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Risk | Risk Severity | Risk Likelyhood | Risk Level | Risk Severity | Risk Likelyhood | Risk Level | Acceptable to Proceed | ||
| 0001 | Needle injury to fingers | High | Possible | 8 | Reminder in induction users in correct usage | Low | Improbable | 1 | |
| 0002 | Dropping machine on foot | High | Improbable | 6 | Do not allow members to move the machine | Low | Improbable | 1 | |
| 0003 | Needle injury to the eyes | Intolerable | Improbable | 10 | Have replacement needles available to reduce wear and tear on existing needles | High | Improbable | 6 | |
| 0004 | Tripping over machine cords | Medium | Possible | 5 | Do not allow members to move machines | Low | Improbable | 1 | |
| 0005 | Swallowing pins or needles | Intolerable | Improbable | 10 | Have pin trays available and use encouraged | Low | Improbable | 1 | |
| 0006 | Back injury due to hunching | Medium | Probable | 7 | Encourage the correct use of chairs, and ergonomic setup | Low | Improbable | 1 | |
Decision Register
A decision register is for general documentation when some decision is made regarding the tool. To change its location, mode of operation, to buy an accessory, to replace something, to change how it operates etc.
| Ref / ID | Decision Details | Impact | Proposed Date | Proposed By | Status | Approved By | Date | Resulting Actions and Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000 | None of 06/02/2012 | Provides an example | 08/08/20 | JH | Approved | JH | 08/08/20 | A line was put in the register |