Sewing Machine service
 

How often do you get your sewing machine serviced and cleaned by a professional?

I've had my Viking Mega Quilter 9x6 for about 10 years and have never had it serviced. It runs fine but I'm thinking it might be worth it to have the insides cleaned and oiled.

Hi:
I have a Pfaff and I had mine 14 years and I had to get it professionely cleaned last month. It got so I could not turn the wheel and so I took it in. It runs beautiful now I would recommend getting it cleaned.

I had my Mega Quilter serviced last year, first time in 12 years.

I had my Viking Platinum serviced for the first time after about 10 years. Didn't have an issue at the time just thought I probably should. That was several years ago now....

I took my Bernina regularly until my 2nd service policy expired and the store couldn't sell me another. Since then, it's on its own - unless something goes wrong. I clean and oil it with almost every bobbin change.

I think some of the newer machines need more frequent servicing. My Bernina 1230 could probably use professional cleaning and servicing every 10 years; however, I do not use her as heavily as some sewers. If I did a lot of sewing on her every day, I would probably take her in every 5 years or more frequently. Initially I took her in every year, as recommended when I purchased her. However, the last time I did that it cost my about $150 and I noticed that the technician had not even reset the upper tension to factory settings -- which he would have needed to do in order to test out all the features of the machine. I couldn't tell a difference in how clean the machine was either, because its innards were very clean when I took it in (because I was meticulous about cleaning). That's when I realized I was just throwing money away. After 15 years, however, my baby doesn't do one of the stitches correctly, plus I can see lint buildup inside the machine where I can't reach. So it definitely needs cleaning and servicing. It's just hard to give her up for that long......

my neighbor does her own and has for decades. Her daughter has a machine exactly like my 2662. Got it from the same place as I did. Daughter was having some trouble with hers and since it was under warranty, she took it to them for repair. They only serviced the older machines. Had to be sent to the manufacturer by the owner. Her mother "had at it' and runs smooth. DAughter never cleaned after using it. The only type of problem I ever have with it is due to "user" error.

Of course they said I should have it serviced every year, but for the price of having it cleaned yearly I buy a second machine after about six years. I don't want it to end up in a landfill because I didn't take care of it, but I don't think it really needs it yearly. Every three or four years seems to be enough, and from the other posts so far, maybe even that is more than needed.

If a machine is used a lot or not used much, it probably needs more frequent servicing than one that is used a little regularly..

When the only machine I had was the Bernina Artista 180, I used to take it in every year for servicing. Now that I have other machines that I piece on, I take it in about every 18 - 24 months. I plan to get the vintage machines serviced about every other year depending on how much use they've had.

As a sewing machine tech, I tell people, "If you sew every day, you should get your machine serviced every year. But don't go more than 4 years without a service." The old oil is soooo hard to get off, if you let it sit for 10 years. It can freeze-up the machine.

I have my TOL Bernina serviced every year - it generally gets at least a million stitches every year.

I never have problems because I take my machines in for regular cleaning..maintenance. ;). Prevention

about every couple of years

sandy

While I am diligent about cleaning out my bobbin area regularly, I have always taken my machine in every year to have it checked under the hood. It only costs me $50 so I think it's worth it.

I sew/embroider daily and I feel like a fool taking the machine for servicing yearly, but the machine just keeps on going. I'm trying to wear out a Bernina Artista 170.

I try to remember to take mine in when I am on vacation sot that I won't be without, but I forgot last year. The machine doesn't seem to mind - it is running just fine.

I'm not good about getting my machines serviced but last month, I decided to take my Brother 1500 in for a routine service. This is a great mechanical machine and was working just fine. However, my tech found a lot of rust and had a problem doing some routine service. So, if I hadn't taken it in then the whole thing could have seized up and I would have cried.

I have a Viking purchased new in 1977 and I sew a lot. I have taken it in most every year for service and it is still going strong. Two years ago I got a newer machine with a large harp area so I don't use my Viking as much. I have already had my new machine cleaned and tuned up once. I clean it good regularly too. I believe in regular maintenance will extend the life and quality of stitching on a machine. I take my car in for regular maintenance too. I never have had a problem with my machines. My Featherweight machines I service myself because they are easy to do with regular oiling, cleaning and lube about once a year.

I take my TOL Babylock in once a year. I paid a lot of money for it and I treat it well!

The tech at the dealer here tells everyone that machine oil is made to evaporate so it won't gum up the works.

I had a slight problem with the thread breaking on my Bernina after I had it 10 years. Had it cleaned and she told me it was really dirty inside but I clean it every 6 bobbins always. Based on that, I will get it cleaned every ten years or so.

The machine I use on a daily basis I have serviced once a year. My little Janome that I use to take to quilt club and retreats I've had for about 5 years and it still has not been serviced, although I am careful about keeping it clean.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it....works for me. The quote to service machines is $150....I save the money for my next machine.
I oil the wick and shafts on all my machines and, of course, vacuum lint and threads. Once every few years I take off the bottom of my machines, oil where ther is metal moving joints.... check the grease areas and put back together. Most machines do not any additional grease. If you have old hard oil somewhere, someone did not use pure machine oil. Also the grease I am referring to is machine grease that does not turn racid or hard over time. Don't be afraid of your machine. We are not messing with the computerized areas. If I have a major problem with parts or computer board, I would take it to the shop.

I have my Pfaff QE 4.2 serviced every 2 years, since its all computer driven I don't try to open anything up. My other machines are antiques and I do them all myself.

Sharon in Texas

I have my machines serviced every single year.

I have 2 Bernini's and take them in once a year for service/check ups. Have never had a problem but they are an expensive machine so....

My Bernina is supposed to tell me when it needs service. I don't know how often (does it do it by stitch count? maybe.) Anyway, it's been years since it was in and I have no idea how to tell when it needs it. It is working perfectly, so I don't know when -- or if -- it needs attention.

with my mechanicals, I mostly do my own maintenance and only take in if problems. With my computerized, I get them maintenanced about every couple of years. With the long arm,I get tech out when there's a problem . I'm of the school of thought that regular home maintenance is super important, ditto, getting to really know your machine and it's sounds because it will tell you when something i wrong.

I have never had a machine service since I been sewing, I have the small vacuum kit that I hook up to my regular vacuum and do the inside and I keep my machine clean especially if I am sewing something that produce lint.