You are lucky to have a shop thatl offers a deal like that!!!
QUOTE=dunster;5059312]When I bought my Bernina in 2006 it came with 1 year warranty from Bernina, but I paid about $260 for 4 additional years of support from the dealer. That covers getting it cleaned and tuned up as often as I want, plus any repairs, including parts. In 2011, when that maintenance agreement expired, I re-upped - 4 more years for the same price. DH thought it was foolish, but I knew better. I clean and oil my machine regularly, but for less than $5.50 per month I have complete peace of mind regarding my sewing machine, and every time we leave home for a few days the machine goes to the shop for a complete cleaning and check-up. Because it's pre-paid, I don't fret about the cost every time. Of course it helps that the shop where I bought the machine has an excellent reputation for service.[/QUOTE]

I took the housing off my Bernina 1260, cleaned and oiled it. It's out of warranty so it doesn't matter if I do the cleaning. I use to work with an ex industrial sewing machine technician. I would bring him used machines and he would show me how to take them apart and put back together. The computer machines I have taken the housing off have the computer part sealed, don't mess with that part. I even learned how to set the timing. It's not rocket science. Old vintage Singers are the best machines to have to rely on. If you have an old broken machine or see one at the thrift store for few dollars, buy it and take it apart.

When I bought my machine, even though I bought it off Craig's List and not at the dealer, they cleaned and oiled it. It had been sitting for 3 years, and in this desert dry air, the oil was pretty tacky. Otherwise the machine was spotless. I was also offered a 4 year extended warranty that would be just the same as if I'd bought the machine at their shop. It covered all parts and labor, all routine cleaning and oiling --- you can't get into these newer Janome's the way you used to do in order to clean/oil them -- and a routine clean/oil is $119, not including parts. If something goes wrong, they fix it, no questions asked. I also get free lessons for the next 4 years, including one-on-one lessons. Total cost, including the cleaning done that day was $350.00. Oh, Yes, and I also get 10% off anything I buy in the store, even sale items. I figured I could beat this deal. All I have to do is get it clean twice more, and it's paid for itself, never mind the lessons and discouts! And they're great! I've already had 3 one-on-one lessons, taking me through every stitch and alteration of the stitch in the sewing part of the machine. (it also does embroidery, but I need to get the sewing down first!) I ran into trouble with the tension, and took it back. They actually showed me how to adjust the bobbin tension, which is apparently a "no-no", but it sure did solve my problem. We worked on it for over an hour, until the tension was just perfect, and then she showed me how to adjust the tension and pressure for thicker fabrics and quilting so I wouldn't have to come back for that. Twice I adjusted to quilting tension and pressure, did some work, adjust back to sewing tension and pressure, did some work, adjust back to quilting and did some work, and ended up adjusting back to sewing tension and pressure because that was what I was doing. I was SO comfortable with the process when I left that I'm sure I can recognize and adjust my own tension in the future.

And it's all free! I was at another quilt shop, and they wanted anywhere from $60 to $130 for a single class, plus buy the book or pattern, plus bring your own supplies, materials, and machine. Do you have any idea what it's like to lug around a Janome MC 9700? They are not light machines, and I just broke a little toe on my right foot, so I'm limping and I just can't manage all that stuff. I want a hard sided carry-on built just for sewing machines -- found one on Amazon -- but it's just not in this month's budget. I think my toe needs to heal anyway. I broke it, so now it's taped to the next toe, and I'm wearing sandals a lot. LOL!

So I love my great deal, and when I go up there for lessons, they come right out and take the sewing machine right out of the car for me and set it up (because of my broken toe), and they're super nice. It's not as fancy as the other quilt shop, but far more intimate, and I'm actually making friends with the people who attend the classes. I think this is going to be a win-win for me.

Enough! Time to get off the Board. Cheers!

I can't believe the prices that everyone is being charged. My Janome dealer only charges $59.00 for a cleaning. I'm taking one of my machines in to be cleaned and when I get it back I will take another. I never have taken my little Janome 4000 in to be cleaned always done it myself but after 15yrs I think it's past time. I will be taking my embroidery machine in for it's 2 yr checkup too.

MIne only charges $59 as well. I have learned over the years after doing Military Transfers that where you live depends on the prices and what people are willing to pay.

My Janome is going in today for a servicing. I expect to pay around $150. It is the 10001 computerized and I can not clean it myself. Thats the cost of having this type of machine. Will let you know when I get it back in a couple of weeks.

You are very fortunate to have the money for this. My DH repairs and refurbishes antique sewing machines. He had a vintage Husqvarna machine that her ex husband had put glue all inside the works. He worked on it for two weeks (about 20 hours) and only charged her $75. Guess it depends on where you live and who does the repairs. Glad you got it repaired.

Ouch! I think I am to scared to take my machine in. It has been 4 years since it has been serviced.

You might want to check around with other quilters you know. I have been taking my Viking Rose to the dealer to be cleaned each year for around $80. This year, I asked around and found an independent repair shop that several of the quilters in my guild has used. My machine is 10 or so years old so I didn't feel as obligated to take it to the dealer. Well, he did a wonderful job and charged me $35!! Guess who gets my business in the future? :)