Oil Sewing Machines: The Basics
Being a sewer or a tailor means oiling your sewing machine. It is essential to the longevity of the sewing machine and allows it to function without any issues. Sewing machines should be oiled at least every few months, or more, depending on the type of machine and frequency of use. But how do you oil your sewing machine correctly?
Before you start oiling, it’s best to consult your machine’s manual and understand the model of your machine and the components that require oiling. As a general rule, all round, metallic parts should be oiled, but remember to also oil thread guides, arms and other vital components.
When oiling, use only a high quality, specialized machine oil because it contains anti-foaming, anti-bacterial and anti-rusting agents. Other oils, such as cooking oil, are unsuitable for sewing machines and can cause damage. Also, avoid applying too much oil – a few drops is usually enough to lubricate the parts.
Oiling Difficult To Reach Areas
When you are oiling your brother sewing machine, you may encounter difficulties when trying to reach certain areas, such as the bobbin case, tension disc and needle plate. You can use a narrow oil container or an oil-cloth to simplify the job. A wide-mouthed container might end up spilling oil everywhere and damage parts of the machine.
To clean off the accidental spills, use a lint-free cloth, dampened with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. This solution is perfect for removing oil and will evaporate faster than non-alcohol based liquids.
Machine Issues After Oiling
It’s not uncommon to experience sewing machine issues after oiling, especially when it is done incorrectly or without following the instructions. Machine skipping stitches or loops around the needle can be efficiently solved by inspecting and adjusting the bobbin tension. Other issues like loose stitches or thread bunching up may be due to a lack of oil, and can be solved by reapplying oil.
Depending on the age and use of your brother sewing machine, it might be necessary to have a professional cleaning and maintenance service once a year. An experienced technician will disassemble, clean, adjust and oil the critical components. The parts and the overall performance of the sewing machine can then benefit from a service life extension program.
Choosing the Right Oil
It is essential to use only high-grade machine oil when oiling your brother sewing machine. Low-grade oil may be cheaper but it lacks the anti-foaming and contaminants regulating agents. Moreover, it may be too thick or too thin to adequately lubricate the machine’s parts.
It is better to invest in the long-term reliability of your sewing machine and use only high quality oil. This will prevent frequent oiling sessions, costly repairs and even disasters like broken needles and burnt motor.
Proper Maintenance and Storage
To reduce the need for intensive oiling, proper maintenance and storage is necessary to keep your brother sewing machine function properly. This includes cleaning and wiping the machine with a dry cloth after every use, as well as keeping it stored in a dry and well-ventilated area.
Consult your machine’s manual for detailed instructions according to its specific model. If there is no manual, stick to the general rules like electrical parts should never be lubricated, parts should be slightly oiled from time to time and basic cleaning and storing.
Doubling Up on Cleaning Methods
If you are looking for an extra layer of protection for your brother sewing machine, clean it after every use with a cloth dampened in water and using a light soap. This method prevents thread and dirt particles gathering inside the machine and causing wear to the thread holders and other crucial components.
By regularly cleaning and oiling, you can experience improved results while sewing and make sure your machine delivers optimum performance. Poor maintenance, on the other hand, can lead to costly repairs or malfunctions, so make sure you take good care of your sewing machine.
Preventing Water Damage and Rust
Since most sewing machines use metal components, it is essential to protect them from water and rust. Before oiling, make sure the area and parts are free from moisture and any dirt particles as leaving water on the machine can eventually cause it to corrode.
Once the machine is clean and dry, you can use a mild oil to lubricate the parts. Avoid excessively spraying oil as this might damage sensitive electronics.
Minimizing Wear and Tear
When oiling a brother sewing machine, the goal is to reduce bearing and metal-on-metal contact that might cause wear and tear to the necessary parts. Using a proper oil or silicone spray helps reduce vibration and friction while sewing, contributing to the sewing machine’s longevity.
It is best to use oil specifically designed for machine lubrication. A good rule of thumb is to choose an oil with a viscosity between 3 and 10 csts, giving it excellent lubrication even under cold temperatures.
Reducing Needle Breaking and Wear
An often overlooked part of oiling a brother sewing machine is the needle. Needles, just like the machine’s internal parts, require a bit of oiling every now and then to ensure smooth sewing. Lubricating oil is necessary for smooth and easy stitches, as well as reducing needle breaking and wear.
The best way to lubricate your needle is to apply a few drops of oil to the flat side of the needle and then start sewing. The friction between the needle and the fabric will spread the oil over the entire surface and lubricate it properly.
Preventing Jammed Threads and Snags
Incorrect oiling can cause not only malfunction, but also jammed and snagged threads. To avoid this, oil the correct spots and use a lint-free cloth dampened in water and a bit of detergent to make sure all the machine’s components are effectively cleaned.
In the case of jams and snags, checking for tension and roller pressure might be necessary. If the machine is still in need of repairs, it’s best to take it to an authorized service center to make sure all parts are properly adjusted.
