Most newer machines should not be oiled at all; everything that needs oil is enclosed. In some of these machines, oil can actually damage the machine. For example, many newer machines have plastic in the bobbin case area. My older Bernina is all metal in that area and the shuttle race needs a thin coat of oil periodically; however, oil in contact with plastic can cause the plastic to deteriorate.

Especially for a newer machine, read the machine's manual and oil only if the manual specifically tells you to oil.

The 1600 does require oiling, but most of the other Janomes don't. Check the manual under care and maintenance. If it doesn't mention oiling, it doesn't require it.

I have a Janome 6600P. My dealer told me to put a drop of oil on the little white wick that you see when you remove the bobbin. The manual does not say anything about oil at all. I did read on the Yahoo Janome forum to do this, also. I think the advice was whenever it looked dry. Mine gets a little noisy when it needs a drop--probably about every 15 hours of sewing, or thereabouts. I have not been impressed with the Janome manual--fwiw. Love the machine, though

I have an older Janome and it doesn't need oiling except under the bobbin case is a wick and that needs a drop or two of oil once in a while. I usually oil every time I clean. That is usually after each project.
Sue

Most of the new machines NEVER require oil.

My Pfaff 2030 only needs the bobbin race oiled about once every couple of months. The Janome 6600 likes the bobbin race wick oiled a little more often. But those are the only two places on either machine that needs oiled.

My serger requires oil and I can't find the little flask that came with it. I am looking for equivilant.

I have a Janome Memory Craft 9000 and have had it serviced regularly and clean out the lint in the bobbin area since I've had it. It sews like the day I bought it. So you put a little care and time to it's care and it'll be good to you. Take care of her.

Here's a link to the type of oil I buy:
http://www.amazon.com/4-oz-Sewing-Ma...4014321&sr=8-1
This bottle has a telescoping nozzle which makes it easier to place a drop of oil where it is needed. JoAnn's carries it, I think.

only a vintage/antique machine would need to be oiled often (oiling too often can damage the motor!)
my vintage singer says to oil it every day if used constantly every day-
for the new machines they are much different- you need to follow the instructions in your manual for maintenance/cleaning/oiling-
i have a viking that i never have to oil---it has a closed system--
oiling improperly can cause damage-so follow what YOUR machine manual says.