Brother 4234D Overlocker

Aliases Overlock machine, serger
Other References
Official Maintainer Emily Taylor

Working

Machine is working as expected.

This machine is generally available to use.

Induction process is:

  1. Watch the introduction video
  2. Read the rest of this page
  3. You are now prepared to use this machine

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.

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
Name Value
Height 305mm
Width without extension 270mm
Width with extension 520mm
Depth 270mm

Below is the full manual 884_b01_om06enes.pdf

Known Identical Models

None known

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
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
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
Image, 100 width Machine operation Extension table
Used to control heavy or bulky fabric
mechanically plugged into the machine Came with machine, replacements available from Brother
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
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

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 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

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
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