[BlindHandyMan] Repairing Your Sewing Machine

Ray Boyce Fri, 07 Sep 2007 22:19:13 -0700

Introduction
Sewing machines are heavy-duty appliances that can stand up to years of use. 
And when one stops working, often the machine just needs a good cleaning and
oiling, or replacement of a simple part like the drive belt.

Instructions

Cleaning and oiling the machine

Steps

Step One
Unfasten the top, bottom, side and handwheel covers, using a screwdriver.
Set the covers aside.

Step Two
Remove the plate that covers the thread bobbin. If it is screwed in place,
use a screwdriver. If it is held by a clip or magnet, use a small flathead
screwdriver
to pry up the plate.

Step Three
Thoroughly clean inside all the openings, using a vacuum with crevice
attachment. Remove any stubborn lint, and use tweezers to take out any
thread that
is wound around the parts.

Step Four
Clean the teeth on the gears, using the tip of a round toothpick to loosen
the grime. Vacuum to remove it.

Step Five
Lubricate all the moving parts. Use white lithium grease on the gears, and
sewing machine oil on the other parts.

Step Six
Reassemble the machine and plug it in.

Tightening or replacing the drive belt

Steps

Step One
Remove the top cover, bottom cover and handwheel cover, using a screwdriver
to take out the screws.

Step Two
Inspect the drive belt. If it is slack, use your screwdriver to loosen the
screws that hold the motor in place, then follow step 4, below, to increase
the
belt's tension. If the belt is cracked or broken, get a replacement from
your sewing machine supplier.

Step Three
Install the new belt. Loosen the motor-mounting screws, and shift the motor
toward the handwheel so you can slip the belt over the parts.

Step Four
Shift the motor away from the handwheel to increase the belt's tension, then
tighten the motor-mounting screws and check the tension. The belt should
flex
no more than 1/2 inch (12 mm). If it is too loose, increase the tension.

Step Five
Reinstall the covers and plug in the machine.
Overall Tips & Warnings
Over-oiling a sewing machine will encourage grime buildup and can lead to
premature part failure. Apply just one drop of oil to each location.
To keep your sewing machine operating smoothly, clean and oil it after every
8 to 10 hours of operation.
To avoid electric shock and prevent your fingers from getting jammed between
moving parts, always unplug your machine before working on it.

Overall Things You'll Need
Replacement Drive Belt
Small Flathead Screwdriver
Sewing Machine Oil
White Lithium Grease
Vacuum With Crevice Attachment
Round Toothpick
Tweezers
Below is a list of Sewing Aids from MaxiaidsI have included the URl at the
Bottom
INFILA Automatic Needle Threader
Item#: 5084333
Your Price: $2.95