Get to Know The Different Parts Of The Machine
There are many different circular sock knitting machines made world wide, but most of them function the same—they have latched needles in slots that will produce knitted fabric when the machine is operated.
In order to understand how the machines work, the first step is to familiarize yourself with the names of the various parts. This will make it easier to understand given instructions on the machine, and enable the user to ask for help by using the proper terms.
The image below has letters pointing the the main parts on the machine. The parts are labeled with a short description of what each part does..
The following image and parts names were taken from The Autoknitter Manual 18th Edition. Some of the wording has been changed to reflect modern language and to assist in better understanding.
A - The Bed Plate. The foundation upon which all the other parts rest - the stationary needle cylinder, the cam shell (with ribbing attachment when in use), an the yarn stand. It is secured to the bench or table by thumb screws.
B - The Gear ring. Has the yarn guide (E) attached to it and rotates around the cylinder and drives the cam shell (which also rotates round the cylinder).
C - The Crank Wheel. The crank wheel (usually just referred to as the crank) attaches to the bed plate, operates the gear ring which in turn operates all the other parts. (Note: some machines have a stationary cylinder and the cam shell rotates around the cylinder).
D - Cam Shell. The outside shell of the machine containing the needle paths and cams, which operate the long needles. It rests on the gear ring which moves it around the needle cylinder.
E - Yarn Guide. An upright attached to the gear ring, which guides yarn to the needles as it travels around the cylinder with the cam shell.
F - Needle Cylinder. (Usually referred to as simply the “Cylinder”). A hollow cylinder, slotted round the outside to hold the long needles. This cylinder does not move but is stationary. (Note: some machines have a stationary cylinder and the cam shell rotates around the cylinder).
G - Ribber Needle Dial. (Usually referred to as simply the “Ribber” or “Ribber dial”). A flat disc, slotted on its upper side to hold the short needles, which make ribbing or purl stitches.
H - Tappet Plate. A plate which rests on the ribber dial. The underside contains the cams/channels, which control the movement of the ribber needles.
I - The Needles. Steel wires with a hook and latch on one end and a projection called the “butt” or “heel” on the other end. The butts move the needles within the cylinder/ribber slots, while the hook catches the yarn and the latch automatically closes over the hook. There are two sets of needles—long for use in the cylinder and short for the ribber dial.
J - Ribber Arm. A detachable support for the ribber dial and the tappet plate. It suspends these parts over the stationary needle cylinder.
K - Yarn Mast. A long rod attached to the bed plate.
L. Yarn Topper. The top assembly which guides the yarn from the bobbin/cone and directs it to the yarn guide.
M. Bobbin/cone. A winding of yarn.
N - Weights/Weight Stack. A flat cylinder shaped weight, with a large center hook to attached to “setup” or buckle, for holding down the knitting. Additional weights (2-3) are the same shape as the base weight and have a slot in order to stack on the base weight.
O - Buckle. A clamp which attaches to the knitting on which the weight stack hangs.