Here are some service tips to help you save money and enjoy your machine.   These service tips should be done every 6 to 12 months.  Repair Centers charge any where from $29.95 to $69.95 to perform the below services/tune up depending and where you are living and other services/adjustments they are doing.  If you have done the services below and are still having a problem, expect to have a more advanced service/tune up done.

Please note that the instructions listed below are generic instructions and are not valid on all machines.  DO NOT go beyond what is in your instruction book.  If you do not feel comfortable in performing the instructions, please let your local service center perform this service for you.
Every 1 to 3 years, depending on how much you use your machine and the kind of use, you should have a more advanced service done on your machine by a service center.   

Please note that this page is still under construction.

Serger Service Tips

1.  De-lint as much as you can using a brush, vacuum, or canned air.   Pay close attention to the front area (blue oval area).    Lint acts as a oil wick and can dry up the oil in the machine.
2.  Oil the machine.   Check  your instruction book for oiling points.  Pay close attention to the oiling where the red arrows are pointing.  Those points are the main points where the machine can blind if not oiled properly.
3.  Check the looper tips.   If the tips do not feel smooth, use a very very fine abrasive paper that is used for car body repair (sand paper) and smooth the tips.
Making sure that the looper tips are nice and pointed.
4.  Check the cutting blades.   Use a piece of cotton fabric and have the serger cut it.   If the edge looks rough, replace the blades.
5.  Needles should be changed on a regular basis.   In most cases, use size 90/14.
6.  Use  GOOD thread.   Remember that the thread is forming the stitch.  If one thread is not consistent or if you have different brands of thread, you will spend a lot of time adjusting the tension to compensate for the inconsistent thread.

Sewing Machine Service Tips
Four things to save you money:
1.  Clean and oil (if needed) your machine as stated in your Instruction Book.
2.  Change your needle and make sure you have the right system type for your machine.   
Also insure that you are using the right size needle for what you are sewing on.
3.  Change your thread.  Poor quality thread can cause tension problems, puckering, and skipping.
4.  Recheck the threading of your machine.

Cleaning your machine:

• Unthread your machine and take out the needle and discard it.
  
• Take off your needle plate and other covers as recommend in your instruction book.
  
• Remove your bobbin case and your shuttle (hook) if possible.
  
• Using a stiff brush, vacuum, and a can of air, remove the lint from the machine.
  
• Pay attention to lint built up in the feed dog area and between the feed dog teeth.
  
• Oil as instructed by your instruction book.   Most newer machines do not require very much if any oiling by the owner/operator.  Manufacturers do assume that you will have advanced servicing done on a regular basis by a service center where proper oiling, lubrication, advanced cleaning, and adjustments will be done.
  

• Unthread your machine.   Make sure that your pressure foot lifter is UP.
  
• Take a piece of cotton fabric, folded, and rub the folded edge between the tension disks.
  
• Using a can of air, blow around and into the tension disks.
  
• With the pressure bar lifter still UP, rethread your machine.
  
• Always test sew a sample before starting a project.