In 1846, a revolutionary invention transformed the production of clothing and other textile applications. That invention is known as the sewing machine. Endless hours of hand stitching were transformed into hours of ease and creativity.
The modern computerized sewing machine is in many ways very different from the original hand crank and treadle machines of ages past. Yet even now the majority of machines in use are mechanical ones very similar to their predecessors.
Repairing Sewing Machines:
Many people believe their machine is a vital household appliance which they cannot do without. It is a creative tool that transforms lives and homes.
Neglect and improper maintenance can turn a quality high performing tool into a boat anchor. The more you learn about servicing your own machine, the more you will get out of it.
Often problems with your machine are the result of user error in threading, adjustments, or materials used. If you find a problem, the first thing you need to do is replace the needle with a new one that matches your fabric and project. Second, rethread the upper thread double checking to make sure your thread seats properly in your tension discs. Third, double check your bobbin.
Abuse:
An infrequently used machine continues to collect dust while the oils deteriorate becoming crystallized or sticky. Over time, a perfectly functional machine can become useless. Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight can also be a problem.
When you are using your machine, you need to service it every few hours to keep it operating properly.
Clean your bobbin area every four to five hours of use and every time you prepare a machine that has been in storage. Remove bobbin area covers, needle plate, and bobbin carrier. Clean away all debris with brush, vacuum, and canned air. Put one drop of oil on the race in which the hook moves.
Next you need to clean the area above the needle where you find the needle bar assembly, presser bar, and upper tension. Use brush, forced air, or probe as needed to remove all debris. Once clean, oil all the metal to metal contacts with a single drop of oil. Use only pure clean oil. Repeat this process at least once a week.
About every six months to one year, your machine should be thoroughly cleaned and adjusted. You may want to have a professional do this, but usually you can do this yourself. To learn more about how to do this as well as more extensive repairs you might want to take a training course.
In my sew and quilt stores, I employ five professional technicians to give customers quality service on their equipment. Each repairman follows a detailed step by step checklist to insure complete and thorough service. These steps include, external inspection, hand wheel test, sewing test, parabola test, disassembly, cleaning, chemical cleaning, lubricating, parts replacement, timings adjustments, balance adjustments, tension adjustments, reassembly, and complete final testing. This process takes about two hours to complete for each machine, but once completed the machine operates like new. With training most users can learn to perform their own full service.
The assistance of a trained professional or technical support through a training program may be very helpful when undertaking more advanced repairs. Often replacing parts can be a challenge if proper procedures are not followed. Gear replacement, drive shaft replacement, cams and hook assembly issues are among the more challenging repairs that may be required from time to time.
Learning to maintain your sewing machine can save you hundreds of dollars and loads of heartache. When you maintain it in good condition; it will last longer, perform better, and require less professional repair. Now you can service your own or even learn to repair machines for fun or profit.
The modern computerized sewing machine is in many ways very different from the original hand crank and treadle machines of ages past. Yet even now the majority of machines in use are mechanical ones very similar to their predecessors.
Repairing Sewing Machines:
Many people believe their machine is a vital household appliance which they cannot do without. It is a creative tool that transforms lives and homes.
Neglect and improper maintenance can turn a quality high performing tool into a boat anchor. The more you learn about servicing your own machine, the more you will get out of it.
Often problems with your machine are the result of user error in threading, adjustments, or materials used. If you find a problem, the first thing you need to do is replace the needle with a new one that matches your fabric and project. Second, rethread the upper thread double checking to make sure your thread seats properly in your tension discs. Third, double check your bobbin.
Abuse:
An infrequently used machine continues to collect dust while the oils deteriorate becoming crystallized or sticky. Over time, a perfectly functional machine can become useless. Exposure to extreme temperatures, moisture, and direct sunlight can also be a problem.
When you are using your machine, you need to service it every few hours to keep it operating properly.
Clean your bobbin area every four to five hours of use and every time you prepare a machine that has been in storage. Remove bobbin area covers, needle plate, and bobbin carrier. Clean away all debris with brush, vacuum, and canned air. Put one drop of oil on the race in which the hook moves.
Next you need to clean the area above the needle where you find the needle bar assembly, presser bar, and upper tension. Use brush, forced air, or probe as needed to remove all debris. Once clean, oil all the metal to metal contacts with a single drop of oil. Use only pure clean oil. Repeat this process at least once a week.
About every six months to one year, your machine should be thoroughly cleaned and adjusted. You may want to have a professional do this, but usually you can do this yourself. To learn more about how to do this as well as more extensive repairs you might want to take a training course.
In my sew and quilt stores, I employ five professional technicians to give customers quality service on their equipment. Each repairman follows a detailed step by step checklist to insure complete and thorough service. These steps include, external inspection, hand wheel test, sewing test, parabola test, disassembly, cleaning, chemical cleaning, lubricating, parts replacement, timings adjustments, balance adjustments, tension adjustments, reassembly, and complete final testing. This process takes about two hours to complete for each machine, but once completed the machine operates like new. With training most users can learn to perform their own full service.
The assistance of a trained professional or technical support through a training program may be very helpful when undertaking more advanced repairs. Often replacing parts can be a challenge if proper procedures are not followed. Gear replacement, drive shaft replacement, cams and hook assembly issues are among the more challenging repairs that may be required from time to time.
Learning to maintain your sewing machine can save you hundreds of dollars and loads of heartache. When you maintain it in good condition; it will last longer, perform better, and require less professional repair. Now you can service your own or even learn to repair machines for fun or profit.
About the Author:
Are you an avid sewer?? Just maybe you should consider how you could repair sewing machines for fun or profit? Learning sewing machine repair is easy when you follow the principles taught by Dr. David Trumble in his extensive courses and resources. His free beginner course will give you a fast start.
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