Wise 2086 Series 14 Gripper Cleaning Maintenance

[ilovecow]

Hello experienced and knowledgeable stringers,
This may have been posted already, but I'm hoping I can get some leads...

Can anyone share or point me to a video of HOW to take apart the gripper on a Wise 2086 series 14 and how to clean it? The gripper is not returning back to the original position as smoothly as before, and most of the time I have to manually push the gripper back. It gets worse with thicker gauge strings.

Don't want to knock anyone, but I can't say the support for the product has been great, and I'm scared to death to take apart the gripper myself. I've read in other forums that there's a spring that could pop loose? And I certainly don't see how it's feasible for me to ship the machine cross country, then wait for it to be shipped back. I'm at the point where I feel like it might just be better to sell the 2086 and buy a new machine with reasonable and feasible support...

Thank you for sharing!

 

[Irvin]

Don’t know of a video but first get yourself a shoe box. When you take the plates apart about 28 ball bearings are going to fall out, 7 in each track I think. It is not complicated just difficult to get all the bearings back in on one side. I’d clean bearings and all with CLP and put it back together. Good luck.

EDIT: Wise suggests using a drop of machine oil on the bearings. I would not because it could collect dust. Later if you feel you need a drop of oil you could add it if you want. I did cover my machine when not in use to keep dust out.

 

[Rabbit]

@ilovecow you know it may be time for a replacement. You can buy a complete unit from Wise. And, you get the updated tension button. $65 isn't bad for a plug and play unit. I had a two Wise tension heads and they are good machines. I have to say that I never had a bad experience with their support.

I "accidentally" took apart the tension head on my Sensor. It's not a fun experience...

Just sayin'

Good luck.

 

[ilovecow]

Good point @Rabbit , thanks for pointing that out.
But on the website there are two replacement grippers. I have the series 14 model, the description for both grippers are confusing, I'm not sure which one to get and still waiting for response from...

 

[Rabbit]

Good point @Rabbit , thanks for pointing that out.
But on the website there are two replacement grippers. I have the series 14 model, the description for both grippers are confusing, I'm not sure which one to get and still waiting for response from...

Have you called them? It's been my experience that a phone call is the most efficient way to get an answer (and service).

 

[grhcan99]

Good point @Rabbit , thanks for pointing that out.
But on the website there are two replacement grippers. I have the series 14 model, the description for both grippers are confusing, I'm not sure which one to get and still waiting for response from...

Either of the two grippers should work on your machine. One comes with a diabolo and lever switch, the other has the red (push-button) switch but no diabolo. I have both switches but prefer the lever. I correspond with Dan via email.

 

[Dags]

EDIT: Wise suggests using a drop of machine oil on the bearings. I would not because it could collect dust. Later if you feel you need a drop of oil you could add it if you want. I did cover my machine when not in use to keep dust out.

Wise know their product well. Dab of oil made mine like new again. I use the same oil I use for my hair clippers. Given the other options on the table are taking it apart, replacing the gripper, or buying a new machine... the oil really is the low hanging fruit here, and has to be the first choice.

 

[struggle]

Definitely. A dab of oil should do the trick. Dry lube may work too (seems smart in this application, but unsure....), but i'd stick with light machine oil, 3n1, sewing machine oil, yes hair clipper oil, etc.

 

[JBH]

Your bearings are contaminated. You need to clean the contaminant and provide a small degree of lubrication. There’s no need to buy a new unit or take the current one apart. What you’re experiencing is normal and expected. You don’t need or want a high viscosity lubricant, as the forces involved are minimal, and a buildup of material will only accelerate the buildup again. Try Singer sowing machine oil.

 

[Irvin]

I seem to remember there are different types of 3 in 1 oil. If you’re going to use one I’d call Wise for recommendation. I believe there is a dry oil, PTFE lubricant, and multi purpose oil.

 

[ilovecow]

So put a couple of drops of lubricant where the bearings are visible? I bought a silicone lubricant (from Dan's recommendation to lubricate the lead screw), I think I'll try that.

 

[pico]

Any recommendations on how to clean the insides of the gripper? I find that when I use syn gut, the gripper just cannot hold it. I tried tightening the gripper too and have the allen screw tightened all the way.

 

[am1899]

Any recommendations on how to clean the insides of the gripper? I find that when I use syn gut, the gripper just cannot hold it. I tried tightening the gripper too and have the allen screw tightened all the way.

Dip an old shoelace in isopropyl alcohol and run it through the gripper a few times.

 

[Wes]

Dip an old shoelace single use/"disposable" mascara brush in 91% isopropyl alcohol and run it through the gripper a few times.

There... fixed it for you.

 

[pico]

My gripper also does not slide in and out smoothly. What do I need to lube specifically? The track under the gripper?

 

[Wes]

My gripper also does not slide in and out smoothly. What do I need to lube specifically? The track under the gripper?

I'm not sure about under the gripper.

I don't know if it's the exactly the same on a Series 14 unit or not, but on previous Wise units you can access a "channel" (for lack of a better descriptor) that is along the outside of each gripper plate (in the photos below, the tip of my awl is pointing at the end of the "channel").





These "channels" are where the row(s) of roller bearings are located.
IIRC, it stated in the Wise manual to put a SINGLE drop of light oil (i.e. sewing machine oil) into each "channel" and then manipulate the linear gripper in/out a few times to evenly distribute the oil.

BTW, to prevent any oil from flowing to other places (that you don't want it to go), it is best to lay the unit completely on it's side whilst applying the oil and working the gripper in/out.

Wipe away any excess oil that you might still see.
Flip the unit over & repeat the process on the opposite side.

Now that I'm thinking about it... didn't your Wise come with a manual/recommendations?

 

[pico]

I'm not sure about under the gripper.

I don't know if it's the exactly the same on a Series 14 unit or not, but on previous Wise units you can access a "channel" (for lack of a better descriptor) that is along the outside of each gripper plate (in the photos below, the tip of my awl is pointing at the end of the "channel").





These "channels" are where the row(s) of roller bearings are located.
IIRC, it stated in the Wise manual to put a SINGLE drop of light oil (i.e. sewing machine oil) into each "channel" and then manipulate the linear gripper in/out a few times to evenly distribute the oil.

BTW, to prevent any oil from flowing to other places (that you don't want it to go), it is best to lay the unit completely on it's side whilst applying the oil and working the gripper in/out.

Wipe away any excess oil that you might still see.
Flip the unit over & repeat the process on the opposite side.

Now that I'm thinking about it... didn't your Wise come with a manual/recommendations?

Thank you. I bought mine from a friend. He didnt have the manual.

 

[pico]

I took a closer look at my gripper. I see that on one side there are two bearings that have fallen to their side....hmmmm....how do I get them upright again?

 

[pico]

Got the two bearings straightened! Just need my oil to come in. Do I have to lay the unit on the side? Can i just pour a drop straight in to each bearing?

 

[Wes]

Got the two bearings straightened! Just need my oil to come in. Do I have to lay the unit on the side? Can i just pour a drop straight in to each bearing?

Read post #16 again.

 

[NMTennis]

My question is - how often to clean and lubricate the gripper? I heard every 20-30 string jobs. Is that just lubricate the gripper with 3in1 oil? What about cleaning the gripper (dissassembling, cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, lubricating and reassembling)? That seems like a lot to do every 20 or so string jobs....

 

[jbaldas]

My question is - how often to clean and lubricate the gripper? I heard every 20-30 string jobs. Is that just lubricate the gripper with 3in1 oil? What about cleaning the gripper (dissassembling, cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, lubricating and reassembling)? That seems like a lot to do every 20 or so string jobs....

Regarding cleaning the gripper, see post #14

 

[pico]

Got mine lubed and cleaned! Excited to try it tonight. How often do you guys calibrate your Wise 2086? Is this something I should incorporate into maintenance procedures?

 

[graycrait]

In case you don't have these for other hobbies you might want to get these for more precise "oiling:"

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[NMTennis]

Regarding cleaning the gripper, see post #14

Ok - well that looks like a much easier way of cleaning. Is it adequate? How often to do it?

 

[pico]

Got mine lubed and cleaned! Excited to try it tonight. How often do you guys calibrate your Wise 2086? Is this something I should incorporate into maintenance procedures?

Feels so much better now!!!!!! Just gotta deal with one of the clamps now - the base keeps getting untightened after the tensioning is released.

 

[Wes]

Feels so much better now!!!!!! Just gotta deal with one of the clamps now - the base keeps getting untightened after the tensioning is released.

Specifically, what machine are you using?