Do you leave your sewing machine on?
03-19-2015, 05:16 PM
#61
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
As long as I am sewing, ironing, cutting, etc. and need my sewing machine, I leave it on, just like I leave my iron on when I'm piecing. I have an auto shutoff on my iron, so even if I forget to unplug it for a bit, the light will flash and let me know it's on when I've left the room. I usually don't turn my sewing machine off until I'm done for the day. Knock on wood, so far I have only had to replace the light bulb on my Janome 4000 once in over 15+ years
03-19-2015, 05:58 PM
#62
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
Thanks for this idea. I am forever forgetting to turn the machine off, but if I use the power strip, it will be much harder to forget. froggyintexas
This is me, too.
My machine faces the wall so it's hard to see if it's still on, and I've accidentally left it on overnight before. So now I have it and my gooseneck lamp plugged into a power strip and left switched on, and I use the power strip switch to turn everything on and off. So if I'm across the room, I can tell if the sewing machine is on because the lamp is also on - much harder to forget!
My machine faces the wall so it's hard to see if it's still on, and I've accidentally left it on overnight before. So now I have it and my gooseneck lamp plugged into a power strip and left switched on, and I use the power strip switch to turn everything on and off. So if I'm across the room, I can tell if the sewing machine is on because the lamp is also on - much harder to forget!
03-19-2015, 07:17 PM
#63
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Round Rock,Texas
Posts: 6,135
While you iron or piece, do you leave your sewing machine on? I argue with myself everyday over this question because I don't want my light bulb to burn out because I leave it on so often. One lady told me she leaves her sewing machine on all day.
With my old New Home wonderful sewing machine, there was an off/on switch for the light and I left my machine on year round with light off until I needed it. With my new sewing machine there is no way to turn off the light without turning off the entire sewing machine.
The reason why this is a big deal for me is because turning the machine on and off throughout the day causes that burst of electricity that is pretty hard on the light, and maybe even the machine itself. Haven't you ever had a light bulb blow out as soon as you turned it on --- because of the extra burst of electricity.
And along with this question, how long can I expect my machine light to last?
TIA
With my old New Home wonderful sewing machine, there was an off/on switch for the light and I left my machine on year round with light off until I needed it. With my new sewing machine there is no way to turn off the light without turning off the entire sewing machine.
The reason why this is a big deal for me is because turning the machine on and off throughout the day causes that burst of electricity that is pretty hard on the light, and maybe even the machine itself. Haven't you ever had a light bulb blow out as soon as you turned it on --- because of the extra burst of electricity.
And along with this question, how long can I expect my machine light to last?
TIA
Sharon in Texas
03-19-2015, 09:39 PM
#65
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Missouri
Posts: 2,485
I leave mine on from the time I start sewing until bedtime. Same for my iron. I sew off an on most day and never considered turning it off while I take breaks. I don't think it will hurt the light bulb to stay on. I've had a light in my bathroom on 24/7/365 for over six years and burned out the first bulb just recently.
03-20-2015, 03:48 AM
#66
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,061
I think your light bulb is much more likely to burn out when you turn it on the the surge of electricity hits it. Leave it on while you are working on your project and turn it off when you quit for the day. Besides, it's not that big a deal to replace a light bulb in most machines.
03-20-2015, 05:40 AM
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
I also worry about safety - I have a machine from the 40's I keep set up and it has no power switch - you press the pedal and it just goes, it's essentially always on as long as it's plugged in. So I have that one plugged into a power strip too, so I can shut off power entirely. I keep the pets out of my room but they get in sometimes, and last thing I need is a dog napping on a foot pedal and catching the house on fire or something. Or even just making it sew endlessly and wearing something out. Sometimes I'm sloppy and set things around that machine that could get caught up.
03-20-2015, 07:00 AM
#69
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 160
One of our guild members learned the hard way not to leave her machine plugged in even with a surge protector. A T storm came up suddenly and lightning hit the house and blew out her computer on the sewing machine. Since then I always unplug my machine. I do leave it on when I am home and using it. I unplug it as soon as I am done for the day. Watch the sky in spring and summer.
03-20-2015, 08:07 AM
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Delaware County, SW of Phila.
Posts: 610
Wow. Good thoughts. I never really gave it much attention but I turn mine on when I know I am going to be sewing and I always turn if off as soon as I am done. I have a brand new Baby Lock that has what they call "Stadium Lighting" which means it goes around the entire sewing surface. Much easier to see but my older BL is 7 years old and the bulb is still good.
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