I sewed on my old Elna for over 40 yrs. and it never was in a shop. I cleaned and oiled it myself and it never gave me any trouble. I sewed all my childrens clothes on it and then some for the grands and started quilting on it about 8 yrs. ago. At that time, I bought a computerized machine, a Kenmore 19606. The Elna is retired now, but still hauled out for certain things like sewing through decorator fabric and latch hook canvas to make a pillow that my grandaughter had hooked. Don't want to scare the Kenmore , which probably would have done the job but why push it.

I have a Babylock and the first maintenance for my Esante was 3 years. Ok, got words from my dealer but hadn't had any problems. Kept it nice and clean inside and out which he said was good. But he suggested about 1-1/2 years for the amount of sewing I do -- almost everyday.

I did notice a difference in how it worked after the tune-up. Only thing that had to be fixed was to replace the bobbin case that was cracked (too many broken needles caused it).

My personal experience in previous machines -- this is my first computerized machine. My mechanical machines were rarely serviced as long as I kept it clean out. There's more that can go wrong with computerized machines, I think.

I don't go by the one year rule, I take mine in when it seems to need it. I am only home for 6 months a year so it doesn't get used all the time but you can tell when it needs more than my cleaning out the bobbin area and applying oil as needed.

My repairman told me to bet the little vacumne tools and told me exactly what to do take apart to clean it, exactly where to oil, etc. Whenever I run into trouble I call him (always ask for him... there are four repairman there) and he starts asking questions....

Did you.....? Is the............? by the 5th or so question he has pin pointed my problem. Oh, I'm in love with my repairman. The last time I took in my machine he looked at a couple of thing, sold me a new bobbin case and gave me a couple of suggestions. No more problem. And he didn't charge! My husband was impressed, too.

I use my machine very hard and I need advice/help with it two or three times a year. So far, so good!

I don't do it yearly mainly because the cost has doubled over the last several years. I keep it clean and haven't had any problems.

I think you just about have to have a machine serviced atleast once a year to keep it in top notch condition and running for many years.

My Bernina 440 QE will tell me when it's time to go in for maintainance. It has a little symbol that lights up. I will bring mine in when it tells me to. I do have a backup machine. I couldn't stand to be without a machine for very long. If you only have the one machine, ask if they give loaners while yours is being serviced.

Where can you find the small vacuums everyone uses?

i have never had my machines in for service. knock on wood. i clean often and change needle regularly. so far no problem

Hm-- any idea how much checkups costs?

Have a simple singer - should I?