Brother Profile 585 (sometimes called KH585) is an 8-push button knitting machine manufactured by Brother Company in the early 1970-ies or late 1960-ies. It is one of the last machines (besides Profile 588) to have metal end caps, which makes this machine very durable, and easy to ship and handle. Its bed is narrower than later models (with numbers above 710).
In addition to eight push buttons that control which needles will be selected, Brother Profile 585 has a pattern center. It includes the push buttons, reset button, A/B and L/R knobs. Reset button (blue on the left-hand side) unpushes all buttons currently pushed in. A/B knob determines which needles will be brought forward: those selected (the knob in position A) or Not selected (the knob in position B). L/R knob determines how much to shift the needle selection. This shift is shown on the small dial on the left-hand side. It might sound confusing but once you start working according to got the instructions in the manual, it will be more clear.
Specifically about this machine:
The machine was cleaned. A new sponge bar is inserted. All needles are inspected and cleaned manually one by one. The machine was tested on all needles to knit stockinet, tuck-stitch, and part-knitting patterning. Details of this testing are shown in my video. All tests went great and all needles knit wonderfully. Push buttons are very easy to operate. Just in some cases, they need to be pressed very firmly but it happened just once. Typically, when it happens, I just reset all the pattern center knobs.
The machine came to me without any assesories so I made a set from my own supplies. So, all major assesories will be included and some extra.
Comes with all major assesories. The assesories did not come with this machine but I made a set of all major tools. The selection rulers are not identical to those mentioned in the manual but is a good start.
Minor assesories not included are:
- Unravel cord (any smooth thread will work)
- Wax (the one that came with the machine was crumbled but when I tested the machine with acrylic yarn I did not feel the need for waxing)
- The box for assesories (including its lid) is not included as it was missing from the original setup
- The needle selection rules are somewhat different than in the manual but I included couple of extra ones
- A hard copy of the manual is not included but can be found online (it is a generic one for 8-push button machines).
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Oil bottle (I threw it away – was too old) but a gun oil can be purchased on Amazon
The mast that came with the original machine was causing me problems. I replaced it with the working one from my stash. So, it fits a bit funky into the lid but is still manageable.
The assesories setup comes with only a long cast-on comb. To knit swatches, I recommend purchasing a small cast-on comb like this one or this one.
The rail guards need to be a bit lose when inserting the rails. Tighten them after the rails are inserted. Also, if using a ribber, they need to be removed. Keep them in a safe place because the replacements are hard to find.
The only imperfections with this machine were on the case itself (see the pictures below).
One minor rust spot on the lid (on the end cap). The case has usual very minor pumps and discolorations.
Some minor bumps and scruffs on the case:
Other than that I don’t have any other complaints or imperfections for this machine.
Below is what I knitted on this machine while testing it: a reversible cowl/neck warmer/hood.
I hope you, a reader of this blog, will be soon a proud owner of this machine!!
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