I have a question/thought: Years ago I was told that the constant turning on and off of a tv, computer, other electronics was not good on them and it shortened their lifespans. This is due to corrosion that occurs when the inside metal parts warm up, then cool and condensation corrodes them. Which lead to the recommendation of leaving them on more or even all of the time, like most of us do our computers, now. Would the same apply to our sewing machines? Don't they have the same inner parts and components like computers and other electronics? Does anyone out there know anything about this?

amma, it would make sense. I know I leave my computer on until it starts acting slower then i turn it off for a while before I restart it. In my opinion, I would think a sewing machine would be the same, however, I am not an expert in this field. I will start researching and let you now what I find.

yes! inquiring minds want to know

Well I haven't been able to find anything about turning on and off your machine other than to turn it off so you don't harm yourself. I also found out that a sewing machine uses little electric....a penny's worth for an hour. I'll keep looking.

Well, I can barely leave mine turned on long enough to sew bc of the baby. He knows how to turn it on and off, and I caught him trying to sew one day! I try to keep it out of his reach.

I don't know anything about leaving it on but the little lightbulb that mine uses is around $20.00. I have already replaced it once. So would have to weigh the savings from being left on with what the lightbulb costs. LOL
Debbie

Debbie, you have a good point. Would the cost of savings be more than the cost of a lightbulb? How would you even be able to tell?

Miranda, I understand about the little one. He is definitely into everything and it would awful for him to get ahold of something like a sewing machine. He is so orinary. You could probably put it up and he would still find it. LOL.

Well, my "NEW" computerized machine (see other post as to why I'm so thrilled with the thing) has an LED bulb in it that must only be replaced by a certified/authorized/something-ized or -ied...professional.
A money sucker!
I'm sticking with the on and off button, as the machine is junk anyway.

I could glue or screw the machine to the ceiling and the baby would be sitting there by it next time I looked up, I'm sure! :oops:

I had a Brother cheapie and it had tension and thread problems also.
My old Singer was a workhorse but just did not do all I needed for quilting.
I bought a Husqvarna Viking at Joanns. It is computerized and I leave it on all day when I am quilting. So far it works just fine and I like all the special quilting features. It also has a 10inch throat which is very helpful.
It is handy to take in if I ever need repairs, just take it to Joanns.
Its to new right now to let you know of problems but I sure will hollar if I do have any.

Ok, that just made my day! :lol: :lol: :lol:

I guess that why I am concerned is that I was told that the computer parts for these new machines are only readily available for a number of years after they are manufactured. That what is apt to go out on them are these parts, and the replacement costs are very expensive. So I guess weighing the costs of replacing bulbs a couple times a year versus a big repair bill all at once, and doing without my machine while it is being repaired, is something that I will have to think about. It does raise another question, does turning the light off and on cause them to burn out quicker, or do they last just as long leaving them on a lot? Hey, What happened to the on/off switch for the lights, anyway, LOL

This discussion has been very interesting to me. Why? I bought a New Home Memory Craft 7000 (computerized) sewing machine in 1986. Yep, better than 20 years ago. I have had it cleaned. that is it! Replaced a few light bulbs but nothing else. It has been a workhorse as I did dressmaking and also made boutique items for a number of years. Then I began to make quilts in 2000. I turn off/on a lot. Right now I feel it is getting "warm" so I don't leave it on for long periods of time.

Last week I said to hubby "would you help me open the bottom and see how much lint is in the bottom?" We did, and after 20 years I felt there was llittle we could do to harm it. There was very little lint, so I took the can of WD40 and hit a few places. The race is getting a bit noisy and I suspect the parts are wearing. But my goodness, 21 years and still sewing up a storm.

I am not sure I could fall for those stories. AT least not the machine I have. There was no moisture inside and no rust. Excellent for that much use. And in use, I mean, sewing everyday. This machine was not one to sit with the cover on it. It was USED and used HARD! I would never trade it in. If I were to buy a new machine, I would continue to keep this one.

This is one person's experience and a GOOD REPORT on computerized machines. I love it!

June in Cincinnati

This is good to know, thank you for replying. :D These are my first computerized machines, as my old 30+ yr old Kenmore was not. It was a thought I had along with a sewing machine repairmans information on computerized machines. I love to hear good feedback and history information from people who actually own them and use them. Thanks Again :D :D :D

Please, please, plese...

Don't put WD40 on fine equipment like your sewing mchine. Please.

I am going to have nightmares tonight.

Please.. use sewing machine oil like your user manual tells you, take it in to get 'fixed' when it gets too noisy.

Don't put WD40 on good mechanical machines.

Please.

tim (computer engineer) in san jose

Thanks for the heads up on the WD 40! What is you opinion on leaving on or turning off our computerized machines?


PS.... No nightmares, it was only once, ok???

I do not leave my machine on when I am not sewing etc., as a matter of fact I unplug it every time because of electrical storms. I do not want lightening striking my house and ruining my computerized sewing machines. And as someone else said, I have a janome 9000 for ten yrs and no amount of moisture or lint or anything else was in it when I took it apart. It too is a workhorse and I use it occasionally as I have now updated to a 10001. Marge in Pa. where we do get rain storms with lightening frequently in the summer

Oh, yes. That is another reason I always turn off and unplug mine, too, mic-pa. We get a lot of lightning, and we're on top of a mountain...

Well, I'm gonna give you ALL nightmares! LOL

I use 3 in 1 oil on mine! Have for years and no problems! Never thought of WD40 or probably would have tried that too! LOL

I have one machine that the bulb is really spendy....$15 I think to replace... the rest are older and cheaper bulbs.

I leave mine on because they won't sew unless they are on with the exception of my viking....that one runs with or without the bulb on and it gets really hot with the bulb on so usually leave it off as its next to a window anyway so lighting is good enuf.

Depends. If the machine was well designed for heat dissipation, someone did their homework on average current draw, etc., it won't hurt to keep it on. But... that is a big if.

A couple of things..

1.) Lightning strikes. Goodbye sewing machine.
2.) Those cute computer screens? If the same images sit there too long, they will get burned in or out, depending on the technology.


If I owned one, I would only turn it on when I was using it. I would not keep turning it off and on all day. So minimize the number of times you cycle it, but don't go crazy and think you are saving it by keeping it on all the time.

Me, I gots an old Bernina 830 and an old Elna Super. The only computers in them are mechanical. I turn them off every night too.

tim in san jose

I want to thank you all for your input on this. I appreciate the time you all took to help me with this, you all are great! :D :D :D Tim, I did not even think about the computer screen aspect, and lightening is not really a concern here where I live but I have lived in areas like some of you do where it is a real issue. I will also be checking into how much the bulbs for my machine cost, too. I had no idea that some were so expensive or had to be installed by a machine repair shop. :( This is one of the great things about this board, so many people who are caring, helpful, all of the knowledge, experience, commraderie, humor and friendliness that everyone shows. :D :D :D :D :D

I wouldn't think this would apply for the home machine..it is more like any other regular electric "juicer" in your house hold. If you have a industrial machine, I would NOT shut it off until you are finished with what you are doing>

Tim, thanks for the reminder about the WD40. I was told that by my machine technician also. His other no-no was to toss out the compressed air cannisters. All the air does is push the lint and dust deeper into the mechanics of the machine.

I'm really not sure about the question of leaving a machine on or off. I turn mine off whenever I'm not going to sew for a reasonable amount of time. 15 minutes or so, but it varies depending on the distraction!

I did run one idea past my machine tech and he liked it so much he's passing it along. Here in California we have a lot of electric outages, especially in the hot weather. Any electrical equipment that's plugged in, whether it's left running or not, can be shorted out by the jolt of the power coming back on. Every machine should have it's own surge protector if it's left plugged in all the time. A very small investment can save a very expensive machine!

You're right about the lightning strike, tho. Surge protector would most likely be the first thing fried!!! If anybody's looking for me, I'll be up on the roof installing a lightening rod.....