You don't say if you clean your machines. I can't get too far into my machine but I take off the needle plate periodically(usually before any large project) and vacuum out any dust I can with a miniature set of vacuum tools. I was also taught at a machine care class to put one drop of oil in the center of the bobbin case even though my manual says it doesn't need oil. My machine is a computerized Baby Lock Espire. By doing this I've only taken my machine in for service once after 4 years of limited use and more recently twice in 4 years. Once was because I was hearing a weird noise.