How often do you oil your machine?
 

Just curious

Thanks

I have two old metal machines from the 1950's. I try to oil them when I've sewn 6 hours, I read that somewhere. I have a rough idea how long I work at a time. I think it boils down to about every week or week and a half. Love to know what others do!!

All machines are different and you should refer to your owner's manual. Some of the newer machines need very little oil and the older machines need much more.

My machine needs 1 drop of oil in the bobbin area every 8-10 hours of sewing. I add the drop about every 3-5 bobbins.

I can always tell when my Bernina wants oil, it gets a little noisy in the bobbin race area.

I've heard that some of the old style machines like the Singer 15s for instance will use a lot of oil

The reason I'm asking is there is some controversy in our house regarding oiling of sewing machines.

I explained that if all you do is a rare occasion of mending sure you don't need to oil that often

But if you're sewing hard for hours at a time for days on end of course you'll need to oil your machine more often!

And I do understand just a drop because too much can throw off timing or seep where it shouldn't

I have an old Kenmore, 158.13041, I think from the 60's, it still has a little sticker on the motor that says 1-3 drops of oil every 6 months (at the red dots) which are 1 on each side of motor, so 2 places. I would think it matters though how much you sew, but I do it at least that often. It is in a cabinet, very very heavy, but I also lean it back and dab oil on some of the moving parts underneath. Had it serviced when we lived in Florida, and believe it or not, this company made house calls, so I watched everything he did, so I know pretty much the most important areas.

I just had my Bernina service. I am NOT quilting as much as my best friend may think so he told me I should oil it once every morning that I sew. I am going to try to do it once a week.

I do think it varies a lot by brand. Follow your manual. I was told to oil my Juki every day I use it.

I think machines that are not used very often should at least be "agitated" every few months so that the oil does not "clot".

By "agitated" - turn the big wheel on the right a few turns so that everything moves a bit inside.

I have three DSM now and I'm trying to use them regularly to keep them in form