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From: reptilegrrl
Date: 12-19-2006, 02:58 AM (1 of 4)
| I am pretty new to sewing and I just bought a used serger today (Baby Lock 5280E.) The lady who sold it to me had had it for five years and NEVER taken it to be serviced. I know it probably needs a tune-up. I called my local sewing machine shop and they said they charge $80 for a tune-up. What should I expect from this service? I know the machine needs cleaning, but what else should I make sure they do? I tried the machine and i don't think the blades need changing yet. |
User: reptilegrrl
Member since: 12-17-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 12-19-2006, 11:19 PM (2 of 4)
|
A tune-up should return the machine to as close to new as is feasible. Sometimes other work might need to be done first. "Tune-Up" meaning to "fine tune" the machine. Afterwards it should run as smooth and quietly as possible and the stitch be perfect. The machine should be spotless clean. On sewing machines I recommend more frequent servicing but sergers can often go 4 - 6 years between professional services if the operator keeps it clean and lubricated. Sergers are very simple machines with much fewer moving parts than most sewing machines. Generally speaking a sewing machine can have problems and continue to work delivering substandard performance. A serger on the other hand will ussually not perform (or keep breaking thread) if it has a problem Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: reptilegrrl
Date: 12-20-2006, 06:57 PM (3 of 4)
|
Thanks, Tom, that is good to know! I've been sitting here afraid to use the serger before it goes to the shop, because I don't want to be the one who pushes it over the edge. This is my first serger, and i am pretty new to sewing in general. About lubrication- I am not sure where I should do this. The owner's manual says that the machine should not need oiling for years, as it is made with oil-impregnated metals. But this machine is old and i am sure all those years have passed. There's no information in the manual about where I need to oil it after those "several years" have passed. :( It's a Baby Lock 5280E. |
User: reptilegrrl
Member since: 12-17-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: lendube
Date: 12-20-2006, 07:26 PM (4 of 4)
Good question! And good information, Tom. You are so handy to have around!  Does the same info regarding what to expect apply to sewing machines as well? Mine's had almost daily use since I got it 1 1/2 years ago and I'm guessing it's due. Thanks, Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
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