Nilla

I'm not a LA owner yet, but I'm planning to be soon. I was told by 2 dealers that long arms aren't really meant to be taken off the frame and brought in to the shop, which is why they come to the home if service is needed. I probably won't get this quite right, but there was something about it being on a belt and the belt could stretch if you remove it?

momto5

The day I have to take my Gammill IN for servicing is the day I'll start looking for another brand of machine...it's too big, and I'm too old to play those kind of games. I see no reason to have to go through that if you have a good maintenance program for it at home and a reliable dealer to work through problems with you on the phone. (And yes, I understand that sometimes you just HAVE to take it in....but, no thanks! I guess I'd have to see if I can bribe my OSMG to come look at it if I can't fix it with dealer help.) Even the thought of having to take it in sends cold chills down my spine!

Michellesews

I've had mine since 2006, use it at least once or twice a week, keep it cleaned and oiled. I have never had it serviced. To do so would mean removing a 25# pole and hauling a 75# machine somewhere. I have nearly taken it apart before, due to a thread issue, and put it back together myself. I reset my timing myself and I can open portholes to gease the gears and look inside, and there is no lint in there. I really don't feel the need to take mine in at all. Hopefully I won't be sorry some day!

quilttiger

As a new owner of a Bailey machine (since 9/2012), I have yet to oil it since the DVD that came with it says to oil once a year. Since Colorado can be dry with low humidity at times, I will be keeping a close eye on this. So far it is doing great.

cedarvalleyquilts

Agree with this. We also have Nolting machines in our shop. Fortunately, we do live close to Hiawatha, but have never taken ours in for regular service, as the instructions above are sufficient, but it's nice to be close in case we should ever need to.

Christine

Geri B

I have an APQS and do as above. But every 3/4 yrs, I call make an appointment and take an overnite trip to factory so the techs there can really go over the machine head....I call it a spa day for machine, a fun day for me....quilt shop, antique shop, resale shop......they have done some things I would not know had to be done, like "bushings" one time, heavy grease type stuff put somewhere another time, check timing, etc.,but each trip they do mention how lint free it is, so I know I am doing my job. It is worth it and when "we" come home it is like cutting butter with a warm knife.......but I think these machines are more industrial than the ones made by dm makers and can be cleaned and oiled much easier by us.......JMHO

Bobbielinks

There's certainly no reason to take one of the big machines in for servicing when most of us are just a phone call away from great service. As for maintenance, my Gammill is made so I can open the top and side for cleaning. The bobbin case assembly easily comes out for cleaning. I keep it clean and oiled and it has given me great service for the past 12 years, over 1,000 quilts quilted, with no trip to the dealer. Had to edit because I forgot to mention that I have put in new switches, brushes and a fuse; but their online manual is a great help if you do not want to call the dealer.

feline fanatic

I have a 26" Innova and the only time I had my machine serviced is when the drive belt went. Then the manufacturer (in Texas) talked my husband through removing the gear assembly and bobbin race and send it back to the factory for a new belt. When it came back it was up to us to reinstall and time the machine. Most LA owners I have chatted with on line have all learned how to time their machines because most of us aren't capable of removing the machine from the carriage and hauling it somewhere. I think you Viking dealer is feeding you a load of garbage. She may have been doing this for a long time, but there is absolutely no reason to bring LA in for servicing frequently. They are built so the owner can adequately clean it, oil it and do routine maintenance, such as timing. My machine also makes it easy to remove the face plate and get at the needle bar. I routinely oil in there as well, though not required it is recommended.

I don't know about viking machines, but if they require you bring in for servicing that often, you may want to consider upgrading. Viking are mid arms so they are smaller and not as heavy as a LA so maybe they aren't made like the others to self service and maintain.

grann of 6

This is kinda old history now. But the end result was that the machine had to be returned to the factory for all new electronic boards and new mechanical bearings. HV covered all costs. But then just 2weeks ago the stitch regulator went crazy on me. So it is back in Tennessee for factory repairs. Mine is a longarm 18/8. I love it when it is working, but have lost confidence in it now, and am in the market for a new machine.

cmangosing12

I also have the Crown Jewell with the Creative Touch software. Do you have it? Did you know that the software is the same as APQS Quilt Path software? Also, I have the Pearl Frame and have attached the Hi-Rise hydraulic lift to it that comes from HQ. Not sure if it will work on the Momentum. Had that frame and returned it.