For about a month, I was fighting with my primary sewing machine (a Kenmore). Tension wasn't right, it was eating my fabric, couldn't get a good balanced blanket stitch, etc. etc. I cleaned it regularly and oiled it regularly, and put new needles in it regularly, but it just didn't like me anymore. So after 30-35 years, I broke down and took it in for service. The tech knew I never had it in for service because while the bobbin chase and tension discs were clean, there was about 2" of packed lint in the bottom. When I asked how I cleaned that he said you don't -you have to take the whole cover off. Pretty tough when its bolted into a cabinet! Then he told me I had worn the feed dogs out and that's why it was eating the fabric and giving me a bad blanket stitch. Said he couldn't get new feed dogs (hard to find parts for it, its so old!), but was able to adjust them and raise them to get a better bite on the fabric. Imagine that, after using it almost daily for 30 years, I wore metal feed dogs out! Its sewing like a dream now and I wonder if it will last another 30 years. Those new push button, 300 + stitch machines that do everything but cook you dinner scare me!This message has been edited. Last edited by: mcpatches,
Posts: 5421 | Location: Midwest | Registered: Jan 19, 2004
Sounds like you have a great technician! I've been wondering about my Janome. I took it in for service but the stitches still don't seem quite right. There's no dealer around here, so I may have to bite the bullet and drive an hour or so to get it looked at at some point.
Wearing out feed dogs...that's new to me!
Lisa
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "I know how you turn a blanket into a quilt, Mom. You add some love to it." ~ J., 7/08, age 7 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posts: 8812 | Location: NY | Registered: Feb 25, 2006
My computerized Brother is sitting by the door waiting for a trip to the hospital. It will sew for 2-3 inches...then jump up and down in one spot. I give it a tug...it sews...then it doesn't.
I just had mine serviced by a great little Amish family shop about an hour away. You make an appointment, take it and four hours later take it home! It had been two years since last done.
I get my Viking cleaned every year, religiously. I think it is well worth the $100.00 I spend. I still clean it throughout the year. He also attaches a plastic snack bag to the machine when he returns it. It used to really be full but any more ther is not much in it. Guess I am getting better cleaning it in between.
Posts: 14548 | Location: Harford county, MD, zone 6 | Registered: May 10, 2003
Those old Kenmore's are real troopers....I think back then they were made by Singer - shen Singers were good.....mine went to a new home several years ago when I "gave up" sewing. That was before I started quilting.
Posts: 5957 | Location: Great Midwest | Registered: Oct 29, 2006
I too have a kenmore that is about 22 years old. it runs quite but tends to jump out of time. one tech told me there was not a cure for that. I try not to sew thick stuff because that seems to be what knocks it out. then it skipes stiches. I love that machine.
