quiltedsunshine

I'm the assistant tech at a Juki/Bernina dealership. The consumer can oil some parts, but you probably don't want to go as deep as we do at the shop. You can remove the needle plate and bobbin basket, and put oil in the hole in the middle, and on the feed dog linkage that's in the front of the needle plate area, on each side -- they're slightly under the plastic on each side. You can also remove the end cover and oil the take-up linkages.

The rasping sound is probably where the thread is being pulled through the thread passage. Sometimes the bobbin basket gets scratches or burrs on the bump in the front. If the damage isn't very much, you can polish the area smooth with a very fine sandpaper (about 400-500 grit). But be gentle -- it only takes a few light strokes. If the damage is too much, the bobbin basket will need to be replaced. Or, the spring that the bump hits gets bent. You can usually straighten it with a screw driver or pair of pliers. Another thought is that there may be a lint build-up or a bent/broken pin under the bobbin basket -- which you'd be able to clean out when you remove the needle plate and bobbin basket.

I hope you're able to get your machine going smoothly.

PS: There should be a wick in the center hole under the bobbin basket. All sewing machines need oil because they're machines. They're just not made as consumer friendly as they used to be. But I assure you, we oil them thoroughly when you bring them in for a service. The key is that you need to take them to the shop for a deep clean and oil occasionally.