magnets and computerized machines
 

I was watching a video the other day and the woman had her magnetic pin holder sitting in the harp so it would be close when she removed pins from her piecing. Would something bad happen if you did this? I keep my magnetic pin holder far away from my machine but it sure is inconvenient. I would welcome any insight on this issue.

It would take a very serious magnet - not one that you will find outside a lab - to do any harm to a modern computer. Floppy disks were susceptible to damage from magnets, but they're not used anymore, unless you have a really old system.

Good to know - I was sewing a purse with a magnetic clasp on it and was worried about the magnet being that close to my machine.

I am not sure if this is an old wise tail or what. I still try to be as careful as possible. I know when I was a mainframe computer operator, we were all told never bring in anything magnetic into the computer room.

For computers, yes a magnent can wipe them out. For our sewing/emb machines, no. The computer parts are to protected. I use the magnent seam guide on my emb machine and if you've ever seen how strong those magnents are on the metal hoops, you'd know a pin holder won't hurt them. I have one cheaper computerized machine and its had the magnetic seam guide being used on it for around 5 yrs and for the past 3 yrs I've had two of the top of the line Vikings and with the guide or the magnetic hoop (made by Viking) there hasn't been any damage or slowness on my machines.

Yes, Viking users have a most wonderful hoop available, comes with 4 magnets and my dealer sold me 4 additional, with full disclosure of what I wante to do with them. He is the "mechanic" I trust, he saw no problem. These magnets are pretty darn strong, come really close to the computer when working, and have caused no problem at all. I use the hoop to hold a quilt (all sandwiched up with batting- too thick to "hoop") and I did stars all over for the Quilts of Valor project. Works well, no damage, no threat..as stated above, the computer is very well protected and is only a processor, not a true computer. I have set my magnetic pin bowl on top of my usb stick accidently with no adverse effects.

hmm. magnetic stuff I've looked at that is marketed for sewing says to keep it away from computerize machines. Since I have no dealer nearby I'll just keep on keeping magnets away from my machine.

I, too, keep my magnetic pin holder way from my machine. Gave away my magnetic seam gide as well. Call me a dinosaur, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Probably being overly conservative, but it works for me!

I've always worn those magnetic braclets on each wrist when sewing on my computerized machine. Machine is now 10 years old. I refuse to baby my machine, except for thread. LOL. Of course I feel the average person will not have access to a magnetic strong enough to do damage.

As Dunster said, only floppy disks are especially susceptible. Most people don't have floppy disks anymore. More than likely your sewing machine has flash memory (like an SD card) which isn't susceptible.

If you have a data phone, you'll see that many of the protective covers contain magnets. Phones have flash memory as well.

I suspect that any warning contained with your sewing machine is there because if they didn't publish a warning, people who think magnets will damage the data on their sewing machine would question it. They'd rather not have the calls to customer service.

Here's an eHow article on the subject. http://www.ehow.com/about_6113968_do...omputers_.html

I keep my magnetic pincushion on my harp all the time as I'm sewing. I have had no problems.

Yep - iPad covers have magnets in the cover as well; when the cover is closed the magnet flips a switch in the iPad to tell it to turn the screen off.

Floppy disks...oh, memories! The only floppy discs in my house are in the craft bin; I punch extra holes in them and use zip-ties to make little boxes and bins out of them, LOL. I never could figure out anything clever to do with old cassettes, though.

Hahhaa, I just read the article you linked to, this quote is giving me the giggles:
"A magnet powerful enough to disturb the electrons in flash would be powerful enough to suck the iron out of your blood cells," said Bill Frank, executive director of the CompactFlash Association.

Well, that sure does say something, doesn't it? Yeesh! I think all my blood-iron is still with me, so I guess I'm OK. LOL

I agree...especially at the $$$$for these babies....but I do miss that magnetic seam guide!

Magnets on sewing machines.
 

I contacted Viking a while back about sewing machines and magnets. They told me there is no harm at all with magnets and their sewing machines.

If a magnet can stick to any part of your machine it is perfectly safe.

If you are not sure about your particular machine, contact the manufacturer.

Phyllis

Hmmmm, this is news to me. Have kept my magnetic seam guide away from my computerized machine all this time, thinking it was a no-no. Kind of hard to re-arrange your thinking, when you have something ingrained in your brain for so long.

I know there were older Babylock and Brother machines that used floppies to transfer embroidery designs. Those would be affected. I think the older cards might have had a problem also. So if you use either system, I would watch the magnets. The newer cards might be OK.

I have a Janome 10000 and the dealer I purchased it from said, "Keep ANY magnets away from this machine" They can wipe out the computer system of your machine, so no way am I going to risk it, the machine cost me too much and I got a good deal on it too. Better safe than sorry.

We too had a Viking Rep in our store and that is also what she said, the Magnets are not a problem with Viking machines they would not harm them.

For peace of mind, why not call the manufacturer of your machines?

Phyllis

I asked on Janome's facebook page and they said to keep magnets away. I asked both on the page and in a message to them and they replied to both. I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

their PM to me:
We strongly recommend that you keep magnets away from computerized sewing machines. Over time magnets have been known to cause the machine to stop functioning.

the question on their fb page:
https://www.facebook.com/JanomeSewin...52467003673223

Given how some people are just such complainers and sue-happy, if I were manufacturing something with magnets for sewing, I'd have the same statement on my goods, too - sheerly for the "CYA" aspect. :)