I am having problems with the cast on (open), the wool is catching on the needles and cast on comb. It never used to. I haven't used my machine for years. Are the needles warped?

I have a Brother KH860. Bought in 1988

KEEN KNITTER, October 2008

If you have not used this machine in a while, you will need to check the sponge bar, it will probably need replacing, you will need to check the needles to see if they are ok, make sure that it is all oiled properly. to do a test open cast on - bring 40 needles into working position, using the 1x1 needle selector bring every alternate needle forward. then thread the machine with yarn, weaving brushes down, bring the yarn over the needles and knit - alternatively ewrap the yarn over the needles and knit across, bring the needles out again for a couple of rows until you can place the claw weights, this should do the trick - also check the tension on the mast and if you are using 4 ply use about tension 8 for your first row, then change down to tension 7

Marilyn50knitting, January 2009

Sorry to give such a basic reply, but I suspect that:
you haven't threaded the yarn properly,
your carriage tension may be too tight or loose,
the yarn you are using is hand knitting yarn,
you've cast on all the needles instead of 1x1.

The needles do not warp but they may need cleaning. A good way to do this is to wipe them over with some white spirit on a clean cloth, then wipe the knitting machine oil over them. It isn't just cigarette smoke which clings to the machine bits - the needles will have some remnants of oil on them anyway, and over time dust can be attracted which will cling & clog.

Jo of www.scanthecat.com, November 2008

i would speak to these guys as they fixed mine...
http://www.knittingmachinerepairs.co.uk

David Smith, October 2008

Chances are your sponge bar needs replacing (the sponge topped needle retaining bar that slides under the front of your machine and on top of the needles)

Alan in NZ, October 2008