I have a Baby lock and it is still under warranty. But my dealer is no longer a dealer and I will have to take it or sent it to Jacksonville, Fl or Charleston, SC. I live near Savannah, GA. If I take it to the local Sewing mechanic I will lose my warranty, so I am trying to keep it clean. If you have a computer rized one DO NOT USE ANY OIL on it and also keep magnets away.

I don't have a fancy machine...my Singer 7426 was 2 years old, been used quite a lot and I got it back 2 days ago. It cost me $99.00 for a cleaning/tune-up.
I do clean it after 10 bobbins of thread.
I heard that tip ages ago an saw it recently in something I was reading....wind 10 bobbins and when you run out, change the needle and clean out the lint...then run 10 more :)

My computerized Pfaffs get cleaned/serviced in AZ once a year for $85. They always call if parts are needed - but none has been so far. Time depends on how busy they are - never more than a week. They have a blackboard in the shop that says 'Machines brought in today will be ready XXX', so you know before you drop it off. There's a LOT of dust in the air in AZ, so cleaning is a smart thing to have done professionally.

I do the same in CT - but have a new dealer, so I don't know the charge yet. I have 2 machines in CT, so I'm never without a machine here, knock on wood!

I use my machines almost daily, and I clean the lint out every time I change bobbins. I think the annual cleaning/servicing is worth it to stave off problems BEFORE they happen. I really trust both of my dealers. They're in business for REPEAT business.

I have a Janome 9000 and it has always gone in once per year - cost is about $125-$150. The longest it has ever been in the shop is 1 week because it had a broken part (didn't know it - it kept sewing for me). I have several other machines so being without one isn't so critical for me. I have 2 Singer Featherweights and I just do them myself since they aren't computerized. I have a Bernina and it runs me about $85. Just got a new Janome 6600 and according to the manual it says it should be serviced once per year. My 9000 is my heaviest used machine.

Sue Hausmann of Viking & now Pfaff and my local Pff/Viking dealer BOTH say it's ok to use the magnet seam guide on a computerized machine.

Sue Hausmann of Viking & now Pfaff and my local Pff/Viking dealer BOTH say it's ok to use the magnet seam guide on a computerized machine.

Also, my 3 computerized Pfaffs CAME WITH sewing machine oil and instructions on the ONLY place to use it.

My little Janome is due for it's first cleanup. I will take it in before we go away for a week so it will be done when we get back. I expect it will cost $90. That is at the dealership.

judee

If you have a computerized machine, I found out that the lint from quilting will pack in behind your screen. My Janome dealer pointed this out when I was slow in getting it cleaned. He is in another town.

Ditto for my 20 year old Viking 150E.

For heavy use, like the quilting that we do, it is recommended to have the machine serviced at least once a year....My dealership charges $60 + the cost of parts. I recently picked up one of my machines, and because of a major klunk and such, cost $145. But, I treasure that machine and it is the 1st repair I've had on it. Normally, just tune-up.

Isn't it worth the cost to baby our sweet little machines?

I just had mine done--cost $89.00 here in Northern California.

It will probably make a difference where you live. I live in north Kansas and have my Berninas and a feather weight cleaned at different times and if nothing is wrong with them it was $59.00. My 630 Bernina was still under warrenty? so it wasn't that much. Jan

I've had my Viking for 4 yrs., and it's never been cleaned.

Just wondering when the dealer advises it to be cleaned, what's in the process? It's all computerized, and sealed. So, as long as I blow out the lint with an air compressor once in awhile what else could a dealer do.

Guess, I'm being a devil's advocate, but my thinking is, why fix something that isn't broke! :twisted:

The dealer can take the machine apart and remove all the lint that you blow back into the machine motor. A friend of mine had a motor burn out because she used the canned air, and it just kept packing the lint back further in her machine until it got so hot that it burn out! There are some parts that need oiling that we can not reach and they can see things that might be going to give you problems. I am a firm believer in yearly check ups for my dear machines. I want them to stay in good health, purring along and stitching well. Jan

And why unquestioningly follow the advice of the one person who is going to reap an immediate financial benefit when you do what he tells you to do?

I have to agree with you there. My Mom's 1952 Singer has never been to a shop. My mother and with my Dad's assistance even replaced the belt when it broke. She always cleaned and oiled it herself. She sewed on it daily. It is still to this day being used by me. I just cleaned and oiled it a couple of months ago.

Canned air I would not use on either of my machines. These dealers are making a killing on these new machines suggesting they get yearly cleanings. Most of the new ones are encased and never have to be oiled......mine is and we bought it in 1978. Just delinting it should be good unless it jumps timing....in which case you would maybe have to take it in then.

I don't know.......each to his or her own.......

Each to his own I guess

Well, cleaning annually makes sense, if your machine is an older model. My Viking never needs oiling, and I was told by the dealer the computer and motor are sealed off from the rest of the machine. That's what led me to believe I could self cleaning it.

I certainly would take it in if it were to skip stitches, etc. I just can't be without my machine for more than a day. A week would be unheard of.

It should be somewhere around $50-75. Any repairs would be extra. You really should get it cleaned. Stuff gets in the inside that we just can't reach.

One of my reasons for taking it in is because it does have a small problem - the locking stitch doesn't work. In addition, I bought it off of eBay, so don't know what kind of care it has had. I do appreciate the "devil's advocate" comments - it's always good to view things from both sides. I'd rather be safe than sorry though, 'cause I couldn't afford a new machine if I burned out this one. :cry: I do all the maintenance on my Featherweights myself - but when the Elna is encased, I really can't tell where the lint goes or what else might be wrong with it's innards. I really appreciate all the responses. You guys are awesome. Now I'm going to check with my Guild buddies to see who they recommend taking it to...and am somewhat braced for the cost.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with this idea. Both my AZ and CT dealers are NOT in the business of making money from the servicing of my machines. They want my repeat business when I buy another machine or upgrade the one I have. Therefore, I continue to trust them to keep my machines in good condition. They're expensive, and like automobiles, they need occasional servicing by experts. I'm not an expert. I can clean out the visible lint, but I know some of it gets into the places I CAN'T see. An those cans of air don't do that job.

I really have to disagree with both of you. I trust both my AZ and CT Pfaff/Viking dealers, and have them service my machines annually. I clean the lint that I can see out often, but I know that lint must ALSO be getting into places that I CAN'T see. I used to take my Singer apart and clean it, too, but you can't do that with computerized machines. Good as they are, even though they are 'encased', computerized sewing machines are expensive investments, and just like automobiles, they should be cleaned and serviced by people who know what they are doing. The dealers are NOT making a fortune out of servicing sewing machines. The servicing charges are basically covering the labor and overhead costs. They want happy customers who will be REPEAT buyers of new sewing machines who also TELL THEIR FRIENDS what good dealers they are! That's what I am.

I have 2 different "providers" that tune-up my HV Designer 1 for $89.

Everyone has their own opinion and is entitled to such.

Locally, here in Spokane, the cost for cleaning, oiling and adjusting runs, on average $79.95, and they can keep it anywhere from a week to 6 weeks, depending on where you take it. My husband is a sewing machine technician who works out of two local shops and for himself as well. He charges $60 for the same service he provides to the shops and can get the machine back either same day or next day. It is a different story when the machine is broken or needs parts--he then has to order parts and wait for them to arrive. Independent sewing machine technicians might be a better value with less wait time if you can find one locally. I feel very blessed to have him around, because my machines are always running perfectly, and I can't beat the price!!! :D

Thanks for the info

I am fortunate from the looks of it. I take my old singer and my Elna to my LQS who has a repair/service man come in every two weeks and it's only $36 for a cleaning and adjustment.

Now if you need new belts or parts he won't do that until he talks to you on the phone because the parts needed are extra, but he sure does a great job of cleaning, adjustments if needed, and getting the machines ready for the next quilt.

I bought the Clotilde vaccum attachments to suck that lint out of the inside of my machine when I bought the Singer four years ago. I figured I was doing a good job of keeping it clean. When he opened that machine and looked at the belts, etc.............the lint filled a walmart bag. No wonder it went 'klunk' and froze! I will get mine machines cleaned at least twice a year from now on, I know fabrics and threads (even the best of them) have so much lint that it will eat up a machine's life!
Hugs,
Sharon

i know that low-magnetized gadgets are ok and they will tell you so on the packing, but where can i oil my viking? i never have.

i seem to very lucky. i have the viking #1, the janome 8000 (my workhorse), the janome gem (for the beach house - now for traveling because it's small) my new longarm,and a very old factory blindstitcher that i bought at a yard sale twenty years ago for $100. since i can't take in the blindstitcher because it's attached to the original table, my guy comes to the house when i have a problem with any of them and does a thorough cleaning, adjusting, etc on all of them at the same time, right in my house, in mysewing basement, and charges me $200 plus parts. i only call when something's broken. i clean them all myself and he has never said they need to be done professionally yearly even though four are computerized machines. if he retires, i'm following him.

Butterfly wing asked : i know that low-magnetized gadgets are ok and they will tell you so on the packing, but where can i oil my viking? i never have.[/quote]

If the owner's manual doesn't show you where to oil, you probably shouldn't! A LOT of machines don't need to be oiled by users. My Pfaffs may be exceptions. And the older non-computerized machines do need to be oiled - but those manuals usually show you where to do it.

Not necessarily. My 20 year old, non-computerized Viking requires no oiling and warns against doing so.

gee, I paid $70.00 for an annual tune-up, which isn't sooo bad, but I didn't get it back for a month!
So, I now have two machines, so I can rotate. You all must live in bigger places.

I have a Viking SE and it costs $100 for cleaning and they also adjust the timing. I have it done every 14 or 15 months. I periodically clean it as much as I can with a small vacuum. Sewing today is getting very high-maintenance!

Whoops - I meant to say MANY OF the older --etc etc. Thanks for seeing my blooper and correcting it. The main thing, is we should all be checking our machine's manuals.

I have a Pfaff and a Bernina and I take mine in yearly it runs about 75.00 dollars a machine but I look at it this way how long would I run my car without an oil change and I do work my machines hard and I feel the check
ups will allow my machines to run longer

I have a "vintage" Pinnock made in South Australia in the 1950's and a very basic model Singer which I purchased new for $120 about 20 years ago. Never have either of these machines been serviced by a sewing machine technician....my husband regularly does a service and clean up, sorts out tension issues etc.

I know machines should be serviced annually. But mine tick over nicely with the "home" service technique.

If however, I possessed a new, computerised and less simplistic machine I would be inclined to seek professional advice and services. It's like cars really, old technology is easier to fix on the homefront. Once the technology gets complicated and units are sealed and computerised, it's time to use the experts. Also warranties can be void if machines are tampered with or serviced by people other than on the recommended repairers list.

You can save considerably by "shopping around" and asking for quotes. I guess though that is not always possible if you live in a more remote area. Maybe putting a little aside each week would lessen the "pain" of your workhorse's annual check up.

If you think about it, the cost of some of the newer machines is actually more than some of the cars we drive!

I have a viking se I have it serviced once a year. It costs about 65 plus any parts. I live a long way from this particular dealer so I call and make an appointment and usually get it back the same day. There is another dealer a little closer but they charge over $100 and are a little on the rude side.

Know how it is when they are on the rude side. You would rather take the distance.

I take my computerized Bernina in about once a year. It costs me $85 and runs and sounds like a dream when all the lint is cleaned out. I've only had it in twice so far and the first time was a week cause the repair man was out of town. The last time I got it back the next day. It is nice that the shop is really close and they know me well over there.
My old Pfaff went 15 years without a tuneup-cleaning. It ran great. Once I realized how good it was for the machine I think I took it every 18 mos or so. I had to travel only 10 miles for that one and it was usually an overnight cause the repairman traveled to the shop for a day to do all the repairs.

I have an elna 6003 which I've had for eight years, and have never had it professionally tuned, etc. I recently had a funny grumbling noise that had me worried to the point of looking up the pricing, but the noise stopped, and my DH grumbled about why it is recommended that it be done annually. Then I started having an intermittent squeak in the bobbin winding area (where you are not supposed to poke around), so I'm thinking I should get her looked at. In my area (western NY - Rochester), the price is $75.00. The repairman has an arrangement with the shop where I bought the machine - he picks them up and drops them off on a certain day every week. Parts are extra, and you can call him to find out what the damages are before you pick it up. I also have the option of taking it directly to his shop (either way, it's a little bit of a drive). The repair shop also has a $10 coupon in the telephone book. The ladies at the fabric/sewing shop talk like the repair guy is an absolute angel. Now that I've read all of your comments, and finished the projects I was working on when the noises started, I think I'll be getting the tune-up. I don't feel too bad about the eight years, because I didn't use her that much for the first four. I've really only put her to the test for the last two years, I'd say. She did have a monstrous aamount of lint in the reachable places, so she probably has a bunch elsewhere. Thanks to you all for all the input - and it's nice to see so many other elna users out there!

I work for a quilt shop in Northern NJ and we charge $79.95 for a cleaning & tuneup. Machines should be professionally cleaned annually (or even more frequently depending on amount of usage).