How often do you service
#1
How often do you service
The machine I have been using here lately in my 1984 Janome and it seems it just went out on me after winding a bobbin the bobbin winder just didn't stop spinning when the bobbin was wound and is very loud. Into the shop it will go. I just hope parts are available for this machine. However this is not the question.
I was wondering how often a machine should go in for a general check up? I don't consider this machine vintage but she is a bit older. The machine has always worked well. If I am to get another newer machine I would most likely stay with a Janome as I have been very pleased. What is the normal servicing a working machine? I take my car in once a year for service should I be taking the machines in for regular service?
I was wondering how often a machine should go in for a general check up? I don't consider this machine vintage but she is a bit older. The machine has always worked well. If I am to get another newer machine I would most likely stay with a Janome as I have been very pleased. What is the normal servicing a working machine? I take my car in once a year for service should I be taking the machines in for regular service?
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,462
I wait untilI have a problem before taking in my Bernina. It is going to cost me to get it cleaned so I have the cleaning and repair done at the same time. I do regular bobbin cleaning and oiling on my own.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Mableton, GA
Posts: 11,201
I can manage the vintage ones myself. My other main machine is a Brother PQ1500 which is mostly mechanical except for the up/down button and thread cutter. I am managing that one too so far. Oiling and cleaning seems to be enough for now. I have a Brother electronic one - inexpensive about 10 years old. I don’t do anything to that one and it hasn’t had an issue.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,352
well...the manufacturer has some recommendations. On my vikings....regular cleaning of the bobbin area is needed....but there is no requirement for my oiling anything....but...the viking tech said that there are places internally that do need oiling periodically and if I take the cover off, I void the warranty. So the recommendation is once per year. And embroidery units also have places that need oil periodically which is done by a dealer. My APQS long arm has a few places I oil and the manual and website have information on more maintenance I can do by myself including repacking with grease....so generally, I try and run each of my machines at least every 6 months and to take them in every year or two for servicing. The newest and most expensive...I really try and get them in once a year....the older ones....well, it is getting to the place where the cleaning and servicing might cost more than the machine is worth.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
With mine ( Viking a purchased in 2004) I take it in when I need to- - sounding a little rough, something not quite right—
things vary year to year. Some years I put a lot of miles on my machine and I take it in for a tune up, good cleaning, maintenance check up, other years life is busy in a different way & I don’t sew that much- I may go a couple years or more without taking it in. I always clean everything on it I can regularly and take care of it- I would like it to last my lifetime so I try to take good care of its needs.
things vary year to year. Some years I put a lot of miles on my machine and I take it in for a tune up, good cleaning, maintenance check up, other years life is busy in a different way & I don’t sew that much- I may go a couple years or more without taking it in. I always clean everything on it I can regularly and take care of it- I would like it to last my lifetime so I try to take good care of its needs.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,385
Clean up & maintenance in our area is about $150.00 so I tend to take mine in only when there is a problem. Mine is computerized so it is usually a board has gone out. Usually costs 500 to 600 dollars by the time they are through. The manual recommended yearly. lol Never gonna happen.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: in the sticks of PA
Posts: 2,307
Last time I took my machine in to be serviced it wound up costing more than I was quoted and it came back in the same condition as it went in. I try to be diligent with up keep always cleaning and oiling everything I’m supposed to regularly so I can avoid going in unless I absolutely cannot avoid it.