Do Brother Sewing Machines Need Oiling

Sewing Machines Drive Industrialization

Did you know that the first sewing machine was invented in 1707? The invention changed manufacturing forever, creating the industrial revolution. The first machine was hand operated and able to lock stitches.
It took a few hundred years, but by the 19th century, the sewing machine was a household name. Not only was it used for clothing, but quilts, sheets, and towels.
Nowadays, the most common type of sewing machine is the electric, motorized, brother sewing machine. It’s very precise, and if you want really clean seams and perfect curves, using a brother sewing machine is the way to go.

What Maintenance Needs to be Done?

Maintaining and repairing a brother sewing machine is typically proportional to the amount of use it gets. General maintenance should include: cleaning, oiling, replacing parts, and restringing the tension if it gets out of whack.
The two types of lubrication needed for a brother sewing machine are oil and grease. Clean any lint, dirt, or dust off the machine and add a few drops of oiling solution near the internal workings of the machine. This will help keep the stitches even as well as prevent them from tugging or breaking.
You should also lubricate the bobbin case and press it’s shank with lubricating grease. Applying lubricating grease to the screws helps loosen and manipulate any stuck parts.

Is Oil Necessary?

According to expert reviews, some brother sewing machine models don’t need oiling. Certain types of machines are lubricated at the factory, avoiding hard-to-reach points and making them almost maintenance free.
However, other manufacturers recommend oiling their machines. They also advise you to avoid over-oiling and to make sure not to leave any excess oil on the machine.
From experience, these machines appear to benefit from oiling to keep them in good condition and functioning better. Even if a machine doesn’t need oiling, when the sickle blade seizes up or stitches become irregular, it needs to be oiled.

Over Oiling Can Cause Problems

Though oiling a brother sewing machine is important to ensure its longevity, it’s important not to over oil it. Too much oil will attract shavings and build up around its internal parts, causing malfunctioning.
Too much oil is hazardous and may interfere with the way your brother sewing machine functions. Excess oil can easily be spotted because it causes the fabric to stick more than usual and next to no stitches will form.

How to Keep the Machine Lubricated

Late model machines don’t require much oiling and all that’s needed is to remove dirt and debris and use light machine oil. You should only put one or two drops of oil in each area when lubricating a brother sewing machine.
Be sure to turn off the machine before you add the oil, and never use any type of 3-in-1 oil on a brother sewing machine. Additionally, consider investing in regular maintenance to keep the machine in good working order.

The Pros and Cons of Oiling

When it comes to oiling a brother sewing machine, the pros outweigh the cons. Regularly oiling your machine ensures that it’ll stay in excellent condition and last longer than expected.
The cons are only applicable when the machine has been over oiled. It’s then that the machine can become damaged and unreliable. Despite this, oiling a brother sewing machine is a must to keep it functioning properly and in shape.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lubricating Grease

Lubricating grease is a necessary part of maintenance in order to keep a brother sewing machine in perfect condition. It helps keep the mechanisms working without overworking them.
The advantages of lubricating grease include reducing the machine’s stress and maintaining its accuracy. The cons include the mess of it and how it can pollute the internal components of the machine.
You need to be extra careful when using lubricating grease since it has the potential to build up and cause issues. Follow instructions and use lubricating grease sparingly to ensure your machine retains its optimal performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you need to oil a brother sewing machine to keep it functioning properly and in shape. Though it may seem like a mundane or unimportant task, the future performance of your machine depends on regular oiling and lubricating grease.
The key is to oil sparingly and to not overdo it. Make sure to read the instructions and follow them to achieve the best results. With the right amount of oil, you’ll see just how much of a difference it can make to your machine’s longevity.

Geoffrey Kirby is an experienced author and sewist who has been creating sewn projects for over 20 years. He has a passion for teaching beginners and inspiring more advanced sewists both online and through his writings. Outside of writing about sewing, Geoffrey loves to explore new techniques and styles of sewing that incorporate upcycling fabric remnants into sweet items with personality.

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