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needles are simply not in stock. That is when these instructions may save the day, or save the sock machine!
When a machine is fitted with good needles, and tension adjustment is proper, and yarn size is correct, and the recommended amount of weight is hanging on the sock, no additional weight or "pull down" should be required on the sock. Even the owners manual suggests more weight on occasion, and we naturally want to pull harder when needles are sticking.
In my view, if extra weight is required, it is time to clean needles or look for something that is out of adjustment. Extra weight adds wear on the needles, on the bottom of needle grooves, and on the cams. Extra weight makes the machine crank harder.
A really bad needle may operate if the pull down is ten pounds or more. Try this experiment. Rest your hand on the bathroom scales. (I get 3 pounds) Then apply a firm weight like you would if trying to overcome a knitting problem. (Now I get a weight of ten pounds) You can see that a mighty firm pull down may be ten times more weight than a stem weight.
A well lubricated and well adjusted circular sock machine, running with good needles, correct yarn, and standard weights alone will knit on all sixty for hours on end.
I have my Gearhart knitter all tuned up with good needles and set up to make a scarf. Everything is in great shape. I'll just reach over now and give it a spin… oops!! What happened??… Oh! ..darn...
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