Table of Contents
Watch the video: “How to Clean Your Mark 8 Trimmers” by Southern Exposure Technical Services
If trims have started to lag—or garments leave the hoop with bobbin threads still tethered—this simple cleaning routine is your five-minute fix. Based entirely on the video tutorial, here’s exactly how to open, brush, and button up the Mark 8 trimmer system on Barudan BEKT and K-series machines.
What you’ll learn
- Where to find the trimmer cover screws on K-series machines with Mark 8 trimmers
- How to open the trimmer blades from the control panel (Trim > Clean)
- How to brush packed thread from the pocket behind the movable knife
- What to reassemble—and what not to oil
- Why monthly cleaning prevents untrimmed threads and misalignment
Understanding Your Barudan Mark 8 Trimmer System
The video opens by identifying the system: Mark 8 trimmers on Barudan BEKT and K-series embroidery machines. The presenter explains that the Mark 8 design is different from older Mark 5 and Mark 7 configurations—most notably in where the trimmer is mounted and the motion it uses to execute the cut.
What’s Different About Mark 8 Trimmers?
According to the tutorial, Mark 8 trimmers are attached to the sewing arm of the machine, whereas Mark 5 and Mark 7 arrangements sat under the plate. This change affects how the mechanism moves and where thread tends to accumulate. In operation, older versions pushed outward to make the trim; the Mark 8 pulls inward and slides back in to complete the cut. That inward motion creates a pocket where cut thread collects, and it must be cleared.
Why Regular Cleaning is Essential
The presenter recommends cleaning roughly once to twice a month depending on usage. Letting that pocket fill up can cause several issues: trims that don’t complete, bobbin thread left attached when you pull the garment, and in the worst case, pressure from packed thread can push trimmers out of their proper resting position—requiring an additional adjustment process that isn’t covered in this video.
Pro tip
Commit the cleaning to a specific cadence—monthly for light use, or more often if you run heavy production. A recurring calendar reminder keeps trims consistent and prevents headaches later. barudan hoops
Step-by-Step Guide: Cleaning Your Trimmers
Accessing the Trimmer Mechanism
On K-series machines fitted with Mark 8 trimmers, the screws that hold the trimmer cover are on the side. Remove those screws and carefully detach the cover to expose the mechanism. This is different from older Mark 5 setups, where screws were on top.
Watch out
When you take the cover off, you may find a surprising amount of packed thread—especially if cleaning has been deferred. Work methodically so loose thread doesn’t drop deeper into the machine.
Opening the Trimmer Blades Safely
You’ll use the control panel to open the trimmer so the pocket area is accessible. Press Trim. Instead of pressing D14 (start), press Clean, which the presenter notes is on the bottom left in the on-screen layout shown in the video. That moves the movable knife to the open position; pressing Clean again closes it.
Quick check
Visually confirm the blades are open before you start brushing. The video demonstrates the open position clearly.
The Cleaning Process: Removing Thread Debris
Initial Loose Thread Removal
With the cover off—and ideally with the blades open—use a brush to remove any loose thread that’s immediately accessible. Even this first pass can pull out surprising clumps if cleaning has been overdue.
From the comments
A viewer encouraged more tutorials like this, and the creator replied that additional videos are planned, noting that production takes time alongside work and family commitments. It’s a good reminder to bookmark the technique so it’s easy to revisit when new videos drop. barudan embroidery machine hoops
Deep Cleaning the Open Blades
The main task is clearing the pocket behind the movable knife. With the trimmer in the open position, brush thoroughly to yank out all packed thread in that pocket. The video shows substantial accumulations being removed and emphasizes repeating the process across each sewing head as needed.
Quick check
- Keep brushing until you can see the pocket cleanly and nothing obstructs movement.
- Watch the mechanism; it should move freely, without resistance from thread.
Context: Why the Pocket Fills
Because the Mark 8 pulls inward to trim (rather than pushing outward like older versions), cut thread naturally falls and compacts in that pocket area. That’s the root of the build-up and why accessing the open position via Clean is so helpful.
Watch out
The presenter warns that leaving the pocket packed can keep the trimmer from closing completely. Over time, this can push the trimmer out of adjustment—creating additional work to reset its resting position (that adjustment step is not demonstrated in this video).
Reassembly and Final Checks
Closing the Trimmer Blades
When the pocket is clean, press Clean again to close the blades. The tutorial demonstrates the open-close cycle from the same panel screen and confirms the blades return to their resting position.
Reinstalling the Throat Plate
Reinstall the throat plate. The presenter notes a helpful order: install the right-side screw first, then the left. Ensure everything sits flush and is secure before proceeding.
Quick check
- Blades fully closed before cover/plates go on
- Screws snug and plate aligned—no rattle, no lift
Watch out
Do not oil the Mark 8 trimmer system. The video is explicit: oiling is not part of this maintenance. barudan magnetic hoops
Common Issues from Neglecting Trimmer Cleaning
Untrimmed Threads and Bobbin Issues
If the pocket is packed, trims may not complete. You’ll notice garments pulling away with bobbin thread still attached. The grabber can also come down and fail to complete its action, remaining down—stalling production.
Trimmer Misalignment and Damage
In worst cases, accumulated thread prevents the trimmer from closing fully and can push it out of its resting position. Even after a late cleanup, the trimmer could remain out of adjustment and require an additional step behind the machine to reset the thread driving lever. That procedure isn’t shown in this video; the presenter mentions it will be covered in a future tutorial. barudan magnetic embroidery frame
Maintenance Schedule and Best Practices
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
The guidance is straightforward: clean once a month at best, or one to two times per month depending on usage. Particularly heavy production or lint-prone work will warrant the higher frequency. Build the habit around your production calendar, so it never sneaks up on you mid-job.
Tips for Longevity
- Use the control panel’s Clean function every time you perform trimmer maintenance so you can access the pocket fully.
- Work across all sewing heads methodically; if one head is packed, the others may be too.
- Keep a dedicated brush near the machine so this five-minute routine is painless.
- If trims start failing between scheduled cleanings, treat that as a signal to brush out the pocket sooner rather than later. barudan magnetic embroidery hoop
Quick reference: Controls at a glance
- Trim button: opens the screen where Clean is available.
- Clean button (bottom left in the video’s interface): press once to open, press again to close.
What this video does not cover
- Any oiling procedure (not required for Mark 8 trimmers per the tutorial).
- The behind-the-machine adjustment to reset the trimmer if it’s been pushed out of position; the presenter mentions a separate video will address that.
If you’re researching accessories
While this guide focuses strictly on cleaning, many Barudan operators also explore compatible hooping accessories for workflow efficiency. That topic isn’t covered in the video, but if you’re comparing options in general, you may come across terms like barudan mighty hoops. Use manufacturer guidance and trusted documentation before adopting any new accessory, and remember that accessories are outside the scope of the cleaning steps described here.
Troubleshooting: Symptoms that point to cleaning
- You see untrimmed tails between elements.
- The bobbin thread stays attached when you remove the garment.
- The grabber comes down but seems to hang or fail to complete.
- You can see thread packed in the pocket area when the blades are open.
In each case, start with a cleaning session using the steps in this article before considering mechanical adjustment. If problems persist after a thorough clean, that’s the time to look into the adjustment the presenter references for a future video.
Time estimate
The presenter frames this as a quick task—about five minutes—once you know the control panel sequence and where to focus your brushing.
Safety and care reminders
- Power state and safety: The video uses the machine’s on-board controls to open/close the blades via Clean. Follow your shop’s safety policies for working near moving parts.
- Keep tools simple: A screwdriver (for cover/throat plate) and a brush (for thread) are all that’s demonstrated.
- Be gentle but thorough: The goal is to remove all packed thread, not to force parts.
Final thought
This is low-effort maintenance with high returns: clear trims, fewer interruptions, and less risk of pushing the mechanism out of alignment. Put it on the calendar, keep a brush at the ready, and let the Clean function do the hard part of opening the pocket. barudan embroidery machine hoops
Further learning and updates
The presenter hints at a follow-up video covering trimmer readjustment if a packed pocket has already nudged the mechanism out of place. If that’s the situation you’re facing after a cleanup, keep an eye on the channel for that walkthrough.
From the comments
A viewer asked for more tutorials like this; the creator replied that more are on the way, balancing production with other responsibilities. It’s worth subscribing so you’ll catch the trimmer adjustment video when it’s posted. barudan magnetic hoops