I am just cleaning out my machine and I have a Bernina artista 180. In the manual it says to put 2 - 3 drops of oil into the hook race..however it doesnt show exactly where the hook race is or what it looks like! I am hesitant to just put oil anywhere as in the next paragraph it says,
Important: never use alcohol, oil or solvent on any part of the machine!
I assume it is where the bobbin is and I assume you would drop the oil into the top of where the bobbin goes into..is this correct?
Also is it safe to use castrol general purpose household oil on which it does say can be used on sewing machines? :?: :?:

Take the bobbin out, and press the lever which releases the hook race cover. Now the hook will come out. The hook race is the metal lip or edge of the hook. Brush off any lint and put a couple drops of oil on that metal lip so that when the hook rotates the mating surfaces have lubrication.

Here, I found an illustration for you:
http://www.gloversvillesewingcenter....aintenance.htm

Thank you! I've been doing it all wrong ......

That was a great tute, thank you :D:D:D

I just read this again, do not use any oil but sewing machine oil. There is a difference, other oils are usually too heavy and can cause a gunky build up :wink:

Thanks for the correct oiling directions.

In case you didn't know, machine oil can go rancid too. Make sure to keep the cap on the container.

thanks for the link, I never knew what it was.

Please do not use anything BUT sewing machine oil. You should have had some with your machine. 3n1 oil or the one you listed, say that you can use them, but they are really not acceptable...You can pick up sewing machine oil at any fabric store.

You can't take the bobbin race out on the 180. If you look in the bobbin area you will see a little white dot, that's where you put the oil. Only a drop or two and be sure the oil is still clear and doesn't smell rancid. It should show this in your instruction book. If you can't find it I will try to take a picture of mine and post it. You might have to turn the handwheel to put the dot in the bottom position.