Sewing Machine Repair

Somewhat. More like a grease. But it will keep rubber from rotting out as fast. I had an old VW bus with a very old belt. Used some of it on the belt and it made it plyable again. Lasted for several more years.

cool, thank you

no...belt dressing is not like oil, Don't put oil on your belt!!!

True about the newer less expensive machines, too many plastic parts.

I was doing a show in Dallas many years back. My Pfaff became unsteady and I could only stand there & watch as it rolled down from the escalator! Oh, not a pleasant site! But, the only thing that broke was the carry handle. I'm stickin to my Pfaff!

poodle. do you quilt? you mentioned show and dallas. thats one of the BIG quilt shows

No...no quilting. I used to construct the garments for the Mary Kay Conventions in Dallas.

I've been sewing for years...That's why I can repair nearly any machine.

i want to learn how to sew a shirt. but first the machine needs to work.
do you teach sewing?

Never oil. It will just slip and burn our the motor. Think of it like conditioner. But thicker.

Yes, I will teach sewing. I'm a good teacher too, I don't follow the norm...too many people teach with complication, therefore too many people give up sewing.

vt2vi, i like you analogy
poodle-sent you a pm

😉

Ohhh I hope you good people can help me. I am desperately seeking someone to fix my sewing machine. It's a mechanical Janome, sort of a basic model (525S) with mostly metal parts but those blasted plastic cams. I bought it new from one of those shady travelling salesmen that came through STX Sunshine Mall in 2006(?).

I was terrible about cleaning out the bobbin and feed dog areas, and then I stored the machine for two or three years. When I took it out it was seized up and I took it to James at Divi Divi Fabrics a couple of years ago. He serviced it and got the machine running again with the basic stitches and reverse, but all the secondary cams no longer worked. He wasn't totally sure why, and didn't know how to get parts for it.

I have been using the machine at least once a year to make a Halloween costume, for some industrial projects, and for clothing repairs, upcycling and alterations. We made it through this Halloween, but now the motor smells like it's burning out and there feels like there is some resistance in the bearings, they kind of make a whooshing sound when I spin the handwheel, maybe more than they used to? Anyone here (Poodle?) think they could help me out with that? I did get a copy of the service manual and an exploded parts list online, but there isn't any info in the manual about these kinds of issues. I took the case off to inspect the parts, and there's a little rust on one side of two of the horizontal shafts, but everything else looks pretty clean. The motor is definitely sparking a bit when it starts up, not sure how much of that is normal. The motor would be pretty easy to replace, if I can get the part.

I'm thinking of looking for a heavier, all metal vintage machine like a Singer, Pfaff or Bernina from the 50s, and taking better care of it, but any ideas on how to get this one fixed?

Help!! I just got a bunch of fabric and patterns and was SO itching to sew!!

Poodle, if you gave a class I would LOVE to attend! How do I find you? Could you help me troubleshoot this machine?

i never found anyone to fix mine. i bought a new lower cost sewing maching.

Oh man. That's not good news... I was thinking to check around with some of the local tailoring shops to see if they have someone who fixes their machines, but they are probably all sewing on the old vintage machines, not these new plastic consumer models.

There is a shop on STT called D&F Sewing Center in Barbel Plaza. I tried calling but the number's out of service... 774-2538. Anybody know the story with that place?

Check out Divi Divi Fabrics downtown. If anyone would now, they would.

I have a late model (early to mid 70's) Husqvarna Viking that I adore, but I have had it put away for years. Just got it out the other day and, not surprisingly, it needs some work. So I am glad to see this thread! I think I will go and hunt for the manual online and try and tackle it myself. There is really only one place that I would trust to fix it, and that is the place I bought it some 20 years ago, in Michigan. Hate to ship it off to them because I would be afraid of it getting broken during shipping. Not to mention it would probably cost a small fortune since it is so heavy. It's a tank of a machine and I specifically sought out this late model machine because the high school I attended used these machines and never had to replace them, even with the ton of use the regularly got. A quick check on ebay shows me that my machine has actually increased in value since I bought it used 20 years ago! So definitely worth fixing 🙂

Oh man. That's not good news... I was thinking to check around with some of the local tailoring shops to see if they have someone who fixes their machines, but they are probably all sewing on the old vintage machines, not these new plastic consumer models.

There is a shop on STT called D&F Sewing Center in Barbel Plaza. I tried calling but the number's out of service... 774-2538. Anybody know the story with that place?

I don't believe it is open any more.

I know it's not helpful right now, but I plan on moving down there and I repair sewing machines. In fact, I am curious how much demand there is for that service. I can work on domestic, industrial, new and old, though fixing the cheap $100 machines aren't really worth it as they won't stay fixed most of the time. Anyone have any idea what sort of volume I could expect and what the prices are to fix machines now? Thanks!

you would already have two, if you go to stx go to divi divi and leave your business cards even if you dont file business tax returns

Sounds good! 🙂 I talked to the fellow there at Divi Divi, he says he gets about 5 machines a week but I wanted to see what everyone here had to say about it. Thanks for your input...

I'm now doing repairs on STX for when you have a need. Here is my FB page, it's a public page, anyone may view it. I am also buying up used working/nonworking machines to fix up and sell, particularly the vintage, all metal machines if you or anyone is looking for a dependable tank of a machine. I am in Cathrine's Rest area. 830-643-4228

Chris

https://www.facebook.com/EisenmanMobileSewingMachineRepair

thank you for this update. i never did get anyone to fix my old machine-ended up buying a new one