How often do you oil your machine?
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 1,271
I have two old metal machines from the 1950's. I try to oil them when I've sewn 6 hours, I read that somewhere. I have a rough idea how long I work at a time. I think it boils down to about every week or week and a half. Love to know what others do!!
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 640
All machines are different and you should refer to your owner's manual. Some of the newer machines need very little oil and the older machines need much more.
My machine needs 1 drop of oil in the bobbin area every 8-10 hours of sewing. I add the drop about every 3-5 bobbins.
My machine needs 1 drop of oil in the bobbin area every 8-10 hours of sewing. I add the drop about every 3-5 bobbins.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 637
I've heard that some of the old style machines like the Singer 15s for instance will use a lot of oil
The reason I'm asking is there is some controversy in our house regarding oiling of sewing machines.
I explained that if all you do is a rare occasion of mending sure you don't need to oil that often
But if you're sewing hard for hours at a time for days on end of course you'll need to oil your machine more often!
And I do understand just a drop because too much can throw off timing or seep where it shouldn't
The reason I'm asking is there is some controversy in our house regarding oiling of sewing machines.
I explained that if all you do is a rare occasion of mending sure you don't need to oil that often
But if you're sewing hard for hours at a time for days on end of course you'll need to oil your machine more often!
And I do understand just a drop because too much can throw off timing or seep where it shouldn't
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Slidell, Louisiana
Posts: 6,951
I have an old Kenmore, 158.13041, I think from the 60's, it still has a little sticker on the motor that says 1-3 drops of oil every 6 months (at the red dots) which are 1 on each side of motor, so 2 places. I would think it matters though how much you sew, but I do it at least that often. It is in a cabinet, very very heavy, but I also lean it back and dab oil on some of the moving parts underneath. Had it serviced when we lived in Florida, and believe it or not, this company made house calls, so I watched everything he did, so I know pretty much the most important areas.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,370
I think machines that are not used very often should at least be "agitated" every few months so that the oil does not "clot".
By "agitated" - turn the big wheel on the right a few turns so that everything moves a bit inside.
By "agitated" - turn the big wheel on the right a few turns so that everything moves a bit inside.
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yobrosew
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10-11-2014 05:11 AM