How to lubricate a sewing machine

Old household appliances centenarians are good at everything except speed. But it is compensated by enviable wear resistance - even if the owners were too lazy to serve it properly, let the equipment with a creak, but will continue to work. After lubrication again "as good as new." Modern high-speed electric trains can do more, work faster, and break if their components are not treated with oil in time. Consider which components and parts need lubrication and how they can be lubricated.

An important phase of operation is the maintenance of the sewing machine: cleaning and lubrication

REFERENCE. Old models with a mechanical drive (manual or foot) are reliable and easy to maintain.

A rather tight case does not allow the ubiquitous threads and dust to pass through, and special holes are provided for lubrication in the machine head - a couple of drops of oil are ready for each. To clean and process the lower nodes, you just need to flip it to the side - then everything becomes clear on an intuitive level.

There is no problem with the shuttle either - the bobbin with the holder is removed and forward. The only thing that owners of the "foot" and "manual" versions systematically forget is the lubrication of the drive units: the place where the handle rests on the flywheel or the pedal to the drawbar. But the appearance of a characteristic creaking will quickly orient the forgetful and even tell you where to lubricate your assistant. With electric models, things are a little more complicated.

How to lubricate a sewing machine

Modern technology differs from the old case, the location and complexity of the nodes. The operating instructions for electric sewing machines provide a whole chapter for maintenance. But often a useful book is lost or sometimes just not translated into Russian. In this case, a universal recommendation would be useful:

• the machine is disconnected from the network after bringing the needle to the starting (upper) position;
• all threads are removed and the shuttle is removed;
• fixing points of the end and upper panels of the body are determined;
• screws are unscrewed with a screwdriver (it is desirable to mark them in order to facilitate subsequent assembly);
• the case is removed and the nodes are carefully inspected.

The further order of work depends on the design features of the model. When carrying out them, they will come in handy: a piece of lint-free cloth, a stiff brush and a butterdish, or a disposable syringe with oil.

Where to lubricate a sewing machine

With the help of a material and a brush, it is necessary to eliminate all the dirt that can be reached. Then engine oil is applied to the moving units. During processing it is necessary to scroll the flywheel - this will ensure full lubrication.

REFERENCE. Plastic gears are not lubricated.

The next step will be cleaning from dirt:

• needle plate;
• denticles;
• paws;
• shuttle hub.

After eliminating residual lint and dust, the shuttle assembly is lubricated with a few drops of oil. The remaining elements are simply cleaned with a brush and wiped with a dry cloth. The final step is the reassembly of the sewing machine. Before starting operation, it is recommended to “drive” it over an unnecessary piece of material to eliminate grease residues.

How to lubricate a sewing machine

For these purposes, it is recommended to use household engine oil. It is quite liquid in order to penetrate tightly fitting nodes. The second advantage is that this substance does not dry out for a long time, which makes it suitable for lubrication before “preservation” (sending it for long-term storage). Well and most importantly - even if you overdo it a little, excesses that get on the fabric are easily removed.

REFERENCE. Seamstresses with experience, especially those who constantly use mechanics, can sometimes recommend kerosene or vegetable oil as an alternative. This option is permissible only in the form of a one-time promotion and only if the sewing machine is continuously operated with a mechanical drive (it’s not worth mocking at electric ones - they won’t stand it).

The use of these substances is an emergency measure in a situation where there is an urgent need for lubrication, and household oil is not at hand. The fact is that the plant is prone to drying, which when heated occurs much faster. Therefore, it is prohibited for use in electric sewing machines - at high speeds, the nodes heat up. In addition, this oil collects and retains dust very well. And it's not about the aesthetic side of the issue - dirt spoils the nodes, leading to their wear and tear. Kerosene is too liquid to provide a long-lasting effect. And after its use it is impossible to leave the sewing machine unattended - it will rust. When sent for long-term storage, it will completely fail. If the domestic engine oil has run out and for some reason it is not possible to buy it, the most reasonable option is to contact the car owner. In his garage, it is usually easy enough to find the coveted bottle marked SAE. The numbers following this designation indicate the viscosity of the oil.

REFERENCE. For a sewing machine, it is optimal to use SAE-10W or SAE15W - they are quite liquid. But even if the labeling is different from the recommended one, it will still be better than using "folk" vegetable oil or kerosene.

How often do you need to lubricate a sewing machine

There is no universal council on this subject, because much depends on the intensity of operation of the equipment. Usually an active user is guided by the operation of the machine - it itself “tells” about the need for lubrication with a tighter stroke or extraneous sounds.

For those who have just started to get acquainted with sewing, the manufacturer recommends a quarterly service. But if it is used daily and at full load, it is advisable to lubricate the machine monthly. In the same case, when the assistant turns on 1-2 times a week and works no more than a couple of hours, 2 lubrications per year will be sufficient.