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.
Today, sewing machines range from simple mechanical sewing machines to high end computerized ones capable of exotic embroidery and creativity.
Secrets Of Sewing Machine Repair:
Every home needs at least one even if it is only used for mending and quick alterations. Yet, it offers so much more.
But is in one appliance that requires periodic service. There are some common problems that can make sewing very frustrating unless you understand how to do your own maintenance. Neglect and abuse make sewing a chore, but properly maintaining your equipment gives you years of satisfaction.
It is a machine that depends on you to properly use it. If you mess up, it will too. You may have used your machine for thirty years without a problem, but if you miss-thread; use the wrong or a dull needle; or make some other user error; your machine will mess up. So, when it messes up. Redo your set up. Replace the needle. Rethread. Double check.
Servicing:
The most expensive sewing machine is the one stored in the closet for months at a time. It may not seem logical, but this machine becomes increasingly expensive the longer it is stored. While in storage, it can do no creative work. While in storage, it collects dust. The oils and other lubricants gradually breakdown. In order to put it back into optimum service, it will require cleaning, oiling, and adjusting. Also protect it from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temaperatures.
When you are using your machine, you need to service it every few hours to keep it operating properly.
The first area to clean is the bobbin area. Lint and debris collect here. Remove the needle plate, covers, bobbin, bobbin carrier, and hook if front loaded. Use a probe, small brush, and forced air to clean out the area. Then apply one drop of oil to the hook race. Reassemble. Do this every five hours of sewing.
Clean the needle bar area every half dozen hours. This is the area where you find you needle bar, tension assembly, and presser foot assembly. Remove the cover. Clean away all debris. Look for and eliminate all stray threads. Be sure to clean between the tension discs. These are located inside the upper tension assembly. Apply one drop of oil wherever metal parts move, connect, or contact each other. Use only good quality sewing machine oil. Avoid household oils because they contain contaminants.
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.
A professional technician will follow a detailed checklist of forty to sixty items to insure complete and thorough maintenance. The process consists of removing all covers; cleaning away all debris; inspecting for wear and damage; replacing worn or broken parts; lubricating the machine; adjusting timings, balances, tensions; and reassembling the machine. Once reassembled, the technician performs a thorough sewing test to insure that everything is working properly. Training and experience are needed to properly complete this tune up, but with help you could do your own or most of it.
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.
You can keep your equipment operating in good condition year after year. This will save money, time, and frustration. Even more, you can learn to do more advanced repairs for fun or even as a business.
Do you consider yourself to be handy with tools?? 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. Check out his free beginner course.