I have had my Sears Kenmore 30 yrs. Never had it in the shop. I've always cleaned and oiled it myself. But since I am quilting/sewing with more regularaity now I have noticed I have to oil it more often (listening for the slight knock ) then I oil. Yes, I too have found canned air a helps to send those dust bunnies scampering away. I would like to get a new machine not fancy but has a few of the new features like needle down and double needle capabilites, least wise sometime in the future. So I am going to have to stop charging and start saving/praying too. And hint around Christmas & birthday in Jan.