Sewing machine maintenance?

[untonuggan]

Hi all, I'm new to the community! I learned to sew when I was in elementary school and my mom (wisely) channeled my Little House on the Prairie phase into quilting classes. I got a Brother sewing machine for Christmas back in the day, which I've used intermittently since then for projects such as altering jean length (I'm short); sewing curtains; making bags; etc.

I've decided I want to try to get more actively involved with sewing ever since I saw some Regency sewing patterns described in Jane Austen Knits magazine. I know, I am a dork.

Here is the question. The last time I used my Brother sewing machine it smelled kind of...weird. Metallic. I tried applying some sewing machine oil (after consulting the manual). That seemed to help for a little bit, but then the smell came back. Do I just need to oil it frequently, or should I take it in to a sewing machine shop for some maintenance? I have had this machine for almost 20 years and haven't done any maintenance, but it hasn't been getting very heavy use...then again, if a car doesn't get very much use it definitely needs extra maintenance.

Thoughts?

Comments

[staranise]

I am pretty deeply in love with my local independent sewing machine shop, which was able to provide all kinds of maintenance. I maintenance my own machines pretty thoroughly (six screws out and half the machine in pieces, me with a spare toothbrush...) but I still can't do as good a job as the pros can.

[untonuggan]

Yeah, and there is a ridiculously lovely shop near me. I'm just hoping to avoid prohibitory start-up costs. Then again, I could just go without buying yarn for a week...(*gasp*)

[sporky_rat]

I would suggest taking it just to make sure you're starting out with the best advantage. I totally know that feeling of 'why are you acting so weird, machine?' but yeah, go ahead and take it.

[pearl]

I agree - it's hard to figure out what the problem may be without being there ourselves, so it's probably best to let the professionals have a look.

But my older sewing machines (particularly the portable ones that sit in carrying cases for long periods) often have a musty metal/oil smell about them. Could it just be that leaving the machine with the cover off for a while could help?

[delladea]

Another vote for taking your machine in to someone local to have a look.

I'm not sure about the metallic smell. I have a '70s era Singer that will smell a bit metallic if I've been sewing for a long period of time (she's cleaned and oiled regularly). I wonder if it has something to do from sitting for a long time? Maybe rancid oil?

[ochibashigure]

I was thinking rancid oil or old oil buildup on the machine too.

OP Take it to get serviced. It probably just needs a good cleaning.