How often to have machine serviced?
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 390
How often to have machine serviced?
I had a Viking sewing machine for over 40 years. It saw me through a lot of sewing with little complaint. I cleaned out the lint and oiled it regularly and only took it in for service less than half a dozen times. I just had a cracked gear replaced, gave it to my grand daughter and bought a Bernina 380 so I could do blanket stitch applique. I have had it just over a year and because my husband is ill, been in the hospital and rehab for a month, I missed the first anniversary complimentary servicing. They told me if I missed the birthday, I am out of luck--no mail or internet reminder. My question is, how often should you have these new machines serviced? It costs $90 if there are no problems and they keep it a while. How often is really necessary? Because my husband has advanced Parkinson's and Parkinson's dementia, I can never leave him alone, so it is hard for me to take it in. Caregiving is hard, but I don't want to do the machine damage. Now and again I am able to work on a quilt--it is my little bit of sanity.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
I think it depends on how much you use it and how much you keep up with keeping it clean. I think an annual regular cleaning/ maintenance is a good idea, but many machines can go much longer if you regularly brush out the lint and oil it if it is the kind of machine that the user oils.
#3
Call the shop and explain the situation. They are human and hopefully will have a bit of compassion since you are not that far past the Birthday. If they are less than accommodating I would be hard pressed to give them more of my money. JMHO.
Caregiving is very hard, I hope your dealer makes it a bit easier for you.
Caregiving is very hard, I hope your dealer makes it a bit easier for you.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,131
I have a Bernina 1530 which is still going strong (from the 90s). I use to have my baby serviced yearly but I let it slide to about 18 to 24 months. This last check up was way overdue but difficult for me to get it in for servicing (don't drive being disable). I am not sewing as many hours I use to. DSM are a lot like cars. How far would you stretch an oil change if you weren't driving as often?
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Slidell, Louisiana
Posts: 6,951
I've never owned a Bernina, and after reading your posts, probably never will, I think that is really crappy on their part to not honor the anniversary complimentary servicing due to your circumstances. Bless you, I too am a caregiver and can relate. In answer to your question though, I think on any kind of machine, as long as you clean and oil regularly, it should be fine. I even oil my "no oil" machine, just a drop on the bobbin casing, and it sure makes a difference, runs much better, smoother, and quieter!
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 390
Just an update. The person I spoke to at the store where I purchased my Bernina said that they could not honor the birthday cleaning because it was past the birthday date. I did explain my situation and she said that it was out of their hands because Bernina pays for the birthday service. I emailed Bernina and got a reply this morning that it is the dealer that is responsible for the birthday cleaning. I called the dealership and asked for the manager and explained my situation and what I was told, then read the response from Bernina. She backed down and said to bring it in and they would take care of it. The problem is not Bernina. I really like the machine. The problem is with the dealership. I had a few issues at the time of purchase and I know others have had problems too. I did want a Bernina and there are only two other dealerships for Bernina in my state and they are both a distance to drive. The dealer I purchased my Bernina from is only ten minutes from my home. Anyway, at this point it looks like things are resolved. It takes seven to ten days before I get my machine back and I will miss it, but I think you are all right that a regular cleaning and servicing is the right thing to do. One final point, I think that the dealership should send a notice or email reminder of the anniversary date. This dealership has a corner on the market and I guess they don't have to adhere to good business practice.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
Totally agree. If they will take it for you, maybe you can get someone to take it in for you and then the service will give you a call or you can write a note with what needs to be done if you're having any problems.
Call the shop and explain the situation. They are human and hopefully will have a bit of compassion since you are not that far past the Birthday. If they are less than accommodating I would be hard pressed to give them more of my money. JMHO.
Caregiving is very hard, I hope your dealer makes it a bit easier for you.
Caregiving is very hard, I hope your dealer makes it a bit easier for you.
#10
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.
Posts: 16,105
OK, I posted before reading all the posts. If I were you when I have to write anniversary dates down for any servicing, I write on a sheet of note paper dates needed for the next year on the last page of the last month of the calendar. Then when I get the new calendar, I can take that note and put the dates in where needed. If I need an appt. for any reason say in June, I make a notation in May to call ahead. Works for me.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Carron
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
21
07-28-2011 03:26 AM