Janome RX18S Service Manual

The Janome RX18S is a professional-grade industrial sewing machine designed for heavy-duty applications. This service manual provides comprehensive technical information, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and repair instructions for qualified technicians. The RX18S features high-speed operation, automatic lubrication system, reverse stitching capability, and adjustable presser foot pressure. Below are key sections for technical specifications, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting, and parts identification.

1. Technical Specifications 2. Safety Precautions 3. Machine Components 4. Maintenance Procedures 5. Electrical System 6. Mechanical Adjustments 7. Troubleshooting Guide 8. Parts Identification 9. Lubrication System 10. Disassembly Instructions 11. Reassembly Procedures

Technical Specifications

Key technical parameters and performance characteristics of the Janome RX18S industrial sewing machine.

Specification	Description
Machine Type	High-speed lockstitch industrial sewing machine
Maximum Speed	5,000 stitches per minute
Stitch Length	0.5mm to 5.0mm adjustable
Needle System	DBx1 (134x17)
Presser Foot Lift	Manual: 7mm, Knee: 13mm
Motor Power	550W industrial servo motor
Lubrication	Automatic oil circulation system
Machine Weight	Approximately 45kg
Stitch Type	Single needle lockstitch (301)
Thread Tension	Upper and lower independent adjustment

Safety Precautions

Essential safety procedures for technicians performing maintenance and repair work.

Disconnect power: Always unplug machine before performing any service work.
Wear protective equipment: Use safety glasses and gloves when handling sharp components.
Secure machine: Ensure machine is properly mounted to work table before operation.
Follow lockout/tagout procedures: Use proper safety locks during maintenance.

WARNING! High-speed moving parts can cause serious injury. Always disconnect power before servicing.

Machine Components

Identification and function of major machine components and assemblies.

Head Assembly: Main casting containing needle bar, hook, and feed mechanisms.
Motor System: 550W servo motor with electronic speed control.
Lubrication System: Automatic oil pump and distribution network.
Control Panel: Stitch length adjustment, reverse stitch control, and operation indicators.
Threading System: Upper thread path, tension discs, and take-up lever.

CAUTION! Handle precision components with care to avoid damage to critical surfaces.

Maintenance Procedures

Daily Maintenance: Clean lint accumulation, check oil level, inspect needle condition.
Weekly Maintenance: Lubricate hook race, check belt tension, inspect electrical connections.
Monthly Maintenance: Complete lubrication system check, motor brush inspection, timing verification.
Quarterly Maintenance: Complete disassembly and cleaning, bearing inspection, electrical system testing.
Annual Maintenance: Complete overhaul, replacement of worn components, performance verification.

Electrical System

Electrical components, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting procedures for the RX18S power system.

Main Components: Servo motor, control PCB, foot pedal, power switch, safety interlocks.

Voltage: 220V single phase (other voltages available). Motor Control: Electronic speed regulation with soft start. Safety Features: Thermal protection, overload shutdown, emergency stop capability. Wiring: Color-coded according to international standards with proper grounding.

Mechanical Adjustments

Precision adjustment procedures for optimal machine performance.

Needle Bar Height: Adjust to specified position using alignment gauge.
Hook Timing: Synchronize hook and needle using timing marks.
Feed Dog Position: Set feed dog height and timing for proper material feed.
Presser Foot Pressure: Adjust spring tension for different fabric types.
Thread Tension: Balance upper and lower thread tension for perfect stitches.

Tip: Use manufacturer-specified tools and gauges for all precision adjustments.

Troubleshooting Guide

Common problems, their causes, and corrective actions for the RX18S sewing machine.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Improper tension, burred needle	Adjust tension, replace needle, check thread path
Skip stitches	Needle deflection, hook timing	Check needle size, adjust hook timing, verify needle bar height
Uneven feed	Feed dog wear, pressure issue	Replace feed dog, adjust presser foot pressure
Motor not starting	Power supply, pedal switch	Check power connection, test foot pedal, inspect motor brushes
Oil leakage	Seal failure, overfilling	Replace seals, drain excess oil, check pump operation

Parts Identification

Comprehensive parts list with identification numbers and descriptions.

Needle Bar Assembly: Complete needle bar with clamp and bushings.
Hook Assembly: Rotary hook with race and bobbin case.
Feed Mechanism: Feed dog, feed bar, and adjustment components.
Lubrication Parts: Oil pump, tubes, filters, and distribution blocks.
Electrical Components: Motor, controller, switches, and wiring harness.

WARNING! Use only genuine Janome replacement parts to maintain machine performance and safety.

Lubrication System

Automatic oil circulation system maintenance and troubleshooting.

Oil Type: Use only Janome recommended sewing machine oil. Oil Capacity: 400ml reservoir. Pump Operation: Mechanical pump driven by main shaft. Distribution: Multiple oil lines to critical wear points. Filter Maintenance: Replace oil filter every 2,000 operating hours.

Disassembly Instructions

Step-by-step procedures for complete machine disassembly.

Preparation: Drain oil, disconnect power, clean external surfaces.
External Components: Remove covers, motor, and external accessories.
Head Disassembly: Remove needle bar, take-up lever, and upper shaft components.
Lower Mechanism: Disassemble hook assembly, feed mechanism, and lower shaft.
Final Disassembly: Separate main casting and remove remaining components.

CAUTION! Document component positions and orientation during disassembly for proper reassembly.

Reassembly Procedures

Proper reassembly sequence and critical adjustment points.

Assembly Step	Critical Checkpoints	Torque Specifications
Main casting assembly	Bearing alignment, shaft fit	Follow manufacturer specifications
Lower mechanism	Hook timing, feed synchronization	Use torque wrench for critical fasteners
Upper mechanism	Needle bar height, take-up timing	Verify free movement of all components
Lubrication system	Pump operation, line connections	Pressure test system before final assembly
Final adjustments	Timing, tension, feed	Perform test runs with scrap material

Service Support: Contact authorized Janome service center for technical assistance.

Parts Ordering: Use genuine Janome parts with correct part numbers from authorized dealers.