Toyota 787 knitting machine

Toyota 787 24 Stitch Punchcard Machine

A one of a kind machine with several patterning possibilities. 

Lace Carriage

24 stitch Punchcard plus 12 pushbuttons that allow additional patterning and 24 different zig zag movements, that can be operated with or without a punchcard to operate this feature.

Most of these vintage knitting machines are getting on bit now so beware of condition, especially this one.

Simulknit in Action

Simulknit - fabulous idea 

All in all a very unusual machine that offers those that like to do their own thing numerous ways of patterning.  It comes with several books however the

punchcards are a bit limited with designs but I am sure this can be added to by those with patience, note there is a wonderful punchcard book that offers a

plethora of designs.  I think the zig-zag facility was trying to emulate the Missoni look.

Cleaned, oiled and operated – quite a task.  If buying this machine second hand remember to check all is well as it is similar to most of these machines with many mechanisms, rust is the enemy, also note the needles of this model are very soft and easily bend and this is possible because,  it was one of the first models that offered a lace carriage accessory.  Also note that you have the right lace carriage as only the one made for this particular model will fit.

Zig-Zag buttons with sample

Zig-Zag - a seriously great facility

I also note on the web that a few of these machines have suffered greatly from discolouration which possible means they have not been stored correctly so as I say watch out for rust,  Again it’s a very heavy machine and if you are buying to produce, there are lighter machines out there such as Knitmaster and Brother that work easier with a quicker learning curve.  If you are lucky enough to buy one with its box, do not throw it way, this the the best way to store a machine.

This is important info, do not lose the plastic fixture that attaches the tension stand to the bed with the ribber employed, I did and it causes me no end of hassle, also ensure you ribber brackets are the correct ones and labelled especially if like me you have a ton of them.  One of my greatest regrets is not labelling accessories with the name of the machine and now I fear it may be too late, what an idiot I am.

Toyota 787 Knitting Machine with 406 ribber carriages

Conclusion

Personally I would not like to take this machine apart as it is way too complex I assume with constant use it would loosen up considerably however unfortunately this is unlikely to happen here, however I will do my best to preserve this wonderful one of a kind machine. Note the later KR506 ribber does not fit this machine and it has the Simulknit facility built in.