Thread: Wow! What a shocker: maintenance

I'm not sure if one of my machines just needs the needle changed or a checkup and you have me skeeeered!

Originally Posted by dunster

When I bought my Bernina in 2006 it came with 1 year warranty from Bernina, but I paid about $260 for 4 additional years of support from the dealer. That covers getting it cleaned and tuned up as often as I want, plus any repairs, including parts. In 2011, when that maintenance agreement expired, I re-upped - 4 more years for the same price. DH thought it was foolish, but I knew better. I clean and oil my machine regularly, but for less than $5.50 per month I have complete peace of mind regarding my sewing machine, and every time we leave home for a few days the machine goes to the shop for a complete cleaning and check-up. Because it's pre-paid, I don't fret about the cost every time. Of course it helps that the shop where I bought the machine has an excellent reputation for service.

Dunster, did you get a BERNINA warranty or a 3rd party? I had a 'brand' offer for extended warranty on a car way back when, and the transmission failed (Chrysler minivan, of course, known defect), I learned that my extended warranty was through a third-party, not mfgr., and gosh they were out of business.

$260 is just over 4 annual maints on my Janome so I think you got a very good deal very smart choice!!! if anything more than that goes wrong. thumbs-up!!!

Last time I took my well-functioning Bernina 1230 to the shop for yearly maintenance was well over 12 years ago. At that time the charge was over $100 and I'm not convinced the tech did anything at all to it. I noticed after I got it back that he had not reset the upper tension back to the factory setting (which I had changed in order to do some specialized sewing) in order to test stitches. That's when I decided I would just keep the machine very clean myself and take it in only if it malfunctioned. Well, it hasn't malfunctioned, and I figure that in the 12 years since then I have accummulated at least $1,200 towards a new machine if this one ever gives out. (Note: I do have vintage machines I can use as backup if this one ever gives out.)

I can understand taking a machine in if it has a problem, but I no longer believe in taking it in for cleaning and preventive maintenance. I do clean my machine frequently and well, never allowing lint to build up, and keeping the shuttle race lightly oiled between bobbins. Worth $1,200 to me!!!

Originally Posted by Prism99

Last time I took my well-functioning Bernina 1230 to the shop for yearly maintenance was well over 12 years ago. At that time the charge was over $100 and I'm not convinced the tech did anything at all to it. I noticed after I got it back that he had not reset the upper tension back to the factory setting (which I had changed in order to do some specialized sewing) in order to test stitches. That's when I decided I would just keep the machine very clean myself and take it in only if it malfunctioned. Well, it hasn't malfunctioned, and I figure that in the 12 years since then I have accummulated at least $1,200 towards a new machine if this one ever gives out. (Note: I do have vintage machines I can use as backup if this one ever gives out.)

I can understand taking a machine in if it has a problem, but I no longer believe in taking it in for cleaning and preventive maintenance. I do clean my machine frequently and well, never allowing lint to build up, and keeping the shuttle race lightly oiled between bobbins. Worth $1,200 to me!!!

I agree with you Prism99. My experience is I have Husqvarna Viking 1+ purchased new by me over 20 years ago. I bought it before I even knew how to sew as I knew once retired I wanted to learn how to quilt and I would not have the $$$ to purchase such a wonderful machine when funds were limited...so it sat well over half of those years unused.

Fast Track six years ago I started using the machine sporadically making a quilt or two per year. I decided that I should take it in and get it cleaned and serviced last year. I told them at the Viking dealer that if it should cost more than $100 that they needed to call me and wrote that on the invoice. Surprise, surprise....a call came in that the Mother Board was about to go to quilt heaven and the 'deal' was $500 +labor+ the servicing charges to put the machine in workable order??????????? Wait a minute it was working just fine now there's a problem? I said put her back together and I'll come get her, I cannot afford that kind of expense. When they were going to charge for the 'service and cleaning' DH said let me take a look and the bobbin case had some lint in it and he said, "Not going to do it, if during the cleaning you 'forgot the bobbin case?????"....so walked out with the machine with no charges.

Found information including schematics online on how to service this machine and DH thoroughly cleaned it. I always clean the machine anyway with every project and when working with linty flannels etc I clean sometimes during the project....BTW 1 year later, Motherboard is fine, machine is fine and I will never darken the doorway of this Viking Authorized Dealer again.

So I guess second opinions are always in order and setting limits on how much I'm willing to spend or can afford at the time of service is essential.

I AGREE that non-computerized QUALITY machines are preferential IMHO.

Originally Posted by onaemtnest

... Found information including schematics online on how to service this machine and DH thoroughly cleaned it. ...

I am curious to know where you found that info?
Thanks!

Originally Posted by countryone77

I am curious to know where you found that info?
Thanks!

Yahoo Groups they have very active groups for every make and model of sewing machine it seems. Someone led me to the Viking Group for my make and model. Since my machine is in the 20 year range of age I was amazed how active and more importantly how helpful the group is.

Should you have the Viking 1+ send a PM to me and I will give you a link to the group. Otherwise I'd just search Yahoo Groups for your make and model of sewing machine and they may have a group going. If not I'm sure there are other sites if you do a Google search too.

Originally Posted by onaemtnest

Yahoo Groups they have very active groups for every make and model of sewing machine it seems. Someone led me to the Viking Group for my make and model. Since my machine is in the 20 year range of age I was amazed how active and more importantly how helpful the group is.

Should you have the Viking 1+ send a PM to me and I will give you a link to the group. Otherwise I'd just search Yahoo Groups for your make and model of sewing machine and they may have a group going. If not I'm sure there are other sites if you do a Google search too.

I have a Janome MC10001 and would like to learn about maintaining it myself. My LQS, at which I purchased the machine, increased their maintenance charges by $25 (from $75 to $100). I'll try to find out more info.

I have to agree with you. I keep my cleaned and oiled (you can do alittle) and runs like a dream!