You have two main options with spongebars:
ONE: buy the complete component with factory installed spongebar already in place (pros: lasts years | cons: more expensive)
TWO: buy the correct spongebar replacement material and install yourself (pros: less expensive | cons: buying the wrong one means needing to glue it on/it won’t have the life of the manufacturer version/cleaning the old gunk away is messy and takes time / ensure to use sponge with a flexible surface that will touch the needles or it will be a nightmare
The sk700 uses a hard plastic spongebar on the ribber and a regular foam spongebar on the machine itself
After watching 4 or 5 different videos to gain a perspective on those more learned on spongebars - I located the spongebar and noted it’s lack of sponge (but presence of brown grimy yuck). With screwdriver to scrape and a rag with nail polish remover, I made short work of the brown goo. After the cleanup I weighed the option of water soluble glue (and needing to wait 24 hours for it to dry) and instead chose the two sided tape to stick in the foam (ribbon side up). I tapered the clip ends with a bit of clear packing tape (duct tape disintegrates too quickly/gooey.)
The needles seem happier - we will see!
Now either I can see if I can get it to work without the sinker plate broken rubber disks or if I have to wait until ordered solutions arrive. EDIT: rubber wheel pieces were purchased off eBay and self installed without issue (yes it needs those parts).
Where to get supplies depends on where you live and how much shipping you’re prepared to pay.
At this point I’ve ordered supplies worldwide as no one supplier has the things one may need.
I live in Vancouver, BC Canada and found that sewknit.ca has the complete spongebar piece (with manufacture installed foam) for $40. I’m told it’s better and lasts many years. However their website is janky (errors) and their customer service has been very bare bones.
Previously I bought replacement foam from spongebar.com and eBay.
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