Machine Fridays - Oil and Your Machine

I have given this weeks post much thought because I've been taught that the machine we have at work never needs oiling. While most of your newer machines don't need to be oiled because of  them being a self oiling machine, there still are older machines out there that need oiling. I was out on the web doing some research when I came across a web page, done by one of our sister stores in the Arizona Phoenix area. Click here if you would like to see their web page.  While I was digging around their page, I came across some information on oiling your machine that I would like to share with you:


Every machine needs lubrication of some sort. There is no such thing as a non-oiler or machine that doesn't need service or lubrication. If you have a machine that you have been told is a non-oiler, it means that it probably has sintered bearings that hold the lubrication and can run a long time without being lubricated. However it is necessary to periodically have the machine serviced and the lubricant replenished. Most modern sewing machines are complex and not designed so that the consumer can take them apart and lubricate them. They will need to be taken to a properly trained service technician for lubrication and adjustment. 

This illustration is taken from an old Singer Manual

We recommend using only sewing machine oil, which can be purchased from about any sewing supply place, or in the case of newer machines, Tri-Flow, which is Teflon based lubricant. Tri-Flow can not be used on felt wicks. DO NOT use 3in1 oil or WD-40. WD-40 is Not a lubricant; it is break free/drying product. 3in1 has gunk in it which will gum up a sewing machine over a period of time. We know it says you can use it on sewing machines and all sorts of other products, but take our word it isn't a good product for your sewing machine and personally I wouldn't use it on anything. Also a note that just any oil is not appropriate, use the above mentioned sewing machine oil or Tri-Flow. We have seen machines come in nearly froze up after being oiled with everything from motor oil, baby oil, cooking oil and who knows what else... Also the correct amount of oil in the correct places is important, a little bit goes a long way. 

We sometimes see machines that are dripping with oil but still have a bind in them from not being oiled in the right spot. Too much oil is almost as bad as too little, drowning the machine probably will not fix the problem. You wouldn't want oil getting on your fabric as you sew or dripping out of the machine elsewhere. 

I would like to add the following:

Check your machine instruction booklet to determine the type of oil lubricant to use and where to
use them.  Do not oil the tension discs, the handwheel release or the belts and rubber rings on any machine.

It is a good practice to oil the machine after eight hours of use. Even if you do not use your machine often,
oil it occasionally to keep the oil from drying and gumming. If your machine does gum up it will cost you big bucks to get it serviced as it's labor intensive.

so go check it out...

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new blogs to read.. and build traffic on your site!

Until next time,