Dear Topaz,

My machine dosn't require oiling and I have to bring it to Pfaff dealer for cleaning and service except for removing thread and dust from time to time. As far as my serger I could clean it all myself but it just sits there and collects dust as I'm out of patience with threading the D--- thing. Maybe when I retire I'll get back into it again.

Geri

Well between my DH and myself we have cleaned both my serger and my regular machines. DH used "canned air" to blow a gentle stream through some tight spots....and other than that he has adjusted timing and things on them all. I do get them served "professionally" when there is a major problem but that has only happened once or twice in all these years. There are some great books on cleaning and repair...check out the local library....call and ask a librarian to pull a few books on "general maintenance of sewing machines". It will save time and they will be able to tell you what they have (or if they had to request anything). You should read what it says in the manual you got with the machine...just to see what they might warn you NOT to try. (OK I'm one for not following things to the letter sometimes). Good luck. Bud

I have an industrial, it's new, but I wanted to know everything about it...so I wrote to Brother and asked about getting the Technician manual. It was on CD, and they sent it for free!!! It has some incredible information on it, and now I can really trouble shoot any problems I may have..
My timing was screwed up and I was able to fix it myself!
Just a thought
Lisa

Machine manuals are usually specific on how to clean and maintain your machine between trips to the shop for regular maintenance--if you don't have a manual, get one. This includes removing the bobbin holder and cleaning and oiling if your machine requires that you oil it.

Nope! I am terrible about this...I take it into the shop every year (or two?) I have a difficult time dropping off my machine and knowing that it will be three weeks before I get it back...Ack! What if I have a brainstorm and 'need' to sew? I try to have a non-machine project going before I send it off ( embroidery or putting in a new flower bed!)

with five machines (sewing, embroidery, coverstitch and two sergers) I HAD to learn to take my machines apart and clean them. The manuals are good about telling you what to do and anything with a screw can be undone and looked at.

I love to tinker and I dont want my machines in the shop so I keep them very very clean and change needles frequently. Been sewing since I was a teen and never took a machine to the shop. maybe that's luck, maybe its part excellent home maintenance.
PS: NEVER BLOW INTO YOUR MACHINE. never ever ever. use a brush or canned air.

Here is a link that might be useful: my sewing room

Dayenu you said to never blow into my machine, so how do I clean the lint out? I have a serger and it is getting stick; no matter how hard I press down on the foot petal it will not sew. I have oiled it, but it still will not sew. Is there anything that I can do before it goes into the shop?

My husband and I do all maintenance / repairs on all of my machines. A manual is a good place to start and will provide you with the basics.

Using air to clean a machine won't hurt anything. I use a oil-free small air compressor and with the pressure adjustment set between 40 and 60 pounds. Canned air should not be used due to the moisture content which will play havoc on machine parts.

On some machines -- the more you use them, the less you need to oil. I know it doesn't sound right but owning machines for 35 + years, it is really true.

Books can be easily found either on line or at the library that will assist you.

Good luck.

Topaz, I have a set of tiny attachments for my vacuum cleaner - that's how I clean the lint out; that and the little brush that came with the machine. I also use tweezers to pull thread & lint out.

The manual says for you not to blow into the machine because the dampness in your breath can damage the computerized parts, and not to use canned air because it has too much pressure and can force the threads and lint farther into the machine.

Mine also says NEVER to oil it - it doesn't need it. I take it into the "spa" annually to be professionally cleaned and lubricated. It costs a lot, but the machine cost a lot, too, and it's like maintaining your car...regular maintenance costs a lot less that repairing something farther down the road!

msmeow explained what I mean, if you blow into your machinhe you are adding moisture which can corrode the inner workings.

Canned air is okay if you aim right and know what you are doing.

With a serger, one must get rid of the lint from the blades vert very often, maybe even while sewing a long seam. Lint is the enemy ( grin) use canned air or a brush to keep removing it from the loopers, blades etc.