Replaced my Grace frame's plastic tracks with metal.
 

I have a Little Gracie II frame with a Juki machine. I bought it used 3 years ago. I've quilted quilt a few quilts on it. I was having a problem with the plastic tracks cracking. When that happens it creates a drag in that area and makes quilting difficult. I had bought new tracks 2 times and the last time I bought new tracks they cracked within weeks. But, the Grace Company did sent me a new set free of charge. So, I've replace the plastic tracks 3 times in 3 years!! I had read on this board & a Grace frame Yahoo group about replacing the plastic with 1/4" metal rods. My husband stopped by a metal cutting shop and they cut us two to size (99 1/2" each) for a grand total of $12! The carriage moves very smoothly. I'll be loading a quilt on tonight & starting to quilt it sometime tomorrow. I'm hoping that it moves just as smoothly when quilting.

glad you found a solution. everyone will want to know how smoothly it glides.

I could not wait after loading my quilt onto the frame. It's quilting smoothly and with no drag. I did get a message from another person that had done the same thing. She suggests putting electrical cord (like lamp cord) in the groove and then putting the steel bars on top of that. She has done this to keep the bars from settling into the groove over time. I will do that after I get this quilt finished. Sure hope that this is the answer to the problem that has been driving me crazy!

I don't remember which Grace frame I have but I first tried replacing my tracks with aluminum rods, it felt smooth till I staerted quilting then it felt draggy, replaced them with stainless steel and it's better than it's ever been but I can't imagine putting anything underneath it, they fit the groove perfectly.

Kathy, My rods are steel, too. And they fit perfectly. But, the person said that after a while her rods started to "settle" into the grooves. So, I'm going to use mine and if I notice a difference then I will try her suggestion. How long has been that you replaced your rods? Debbie

Hi Guys,

Can you post a picture so I know what you mean. I am in the UK and we don't have the same types of stores that you do in the USA.

Hugs

Caroline

For Caroline
 

What type of frame do you have? I have the Little Gracie II frame from the Grace Company. The frame comes with black plastic tracks that fit into a groove on both sides of the frame. The carriage wheels roll on these. Here is a picture, but I don't think you will be able to see it very well, because the groove & the steel rod are pretty much the same color. There is a site or blog called Quilting Tizzy (I think it's www.quiltingtizzy.com) and they talk about doing this & there are a couple pictures. If you feel the picture is not clear enough let me know & I will take a couple more. Debbie

Hi Guys,


Thanks for the picture, it really helps....... I have the Little Gracie II also, and thanks to you all I am going to see if we can do this for my frame, although I don't know where I will get metal rods here in the UK..... guess I will be Googling!!!!!


hugs


Caroline

Hi. I am anxious to try this myself. I have a Grace Pinnacle frame. Will the size rods be the same? Thanks! Kathy

can you tell me what the metal rods are called that you brought or take a picture. I have looked forever for these.