When presented with an older mystery machine, a pretest is performed with a new needle, Sweet Stitches Thread and bobbin running a straight stitch at middle length and a full width zig zag. This test verifies that machine runs, is in time and can move the needle bar. on average, 1 in 10 older machines will fail one of these basic tests.

If a newer machine or a machine from a familiar source arrives, the pre test may be skipped and he will dive right into disassembly, cleaning and lubrication.

All of the necessary panels are removed from the machine, front, back, side and bottom panels as needed. Needle plate, bobbin holder and feed dogs are even removed on some models. It is usually at this stage that a picture of the machine is taken and stored with the workorder for future reference. The machine is cleaned with a stiff brush and a vacuum to remove dust and debris. Lint free cloth is used to remove excess and old grease and once everything is open and generally clean, compressed air is used to be certain all crevices are clear. (You should NEVER used compressed air on a machine with electronic boards - Rob does only when the machine is open so the debris and dust can escape)

Once clean, lubrication is performed bottom to top of the machine. Lubrication may be sewing machine oil or it may include grease, it all depends on the model of machine.

Once oiled, each of the panels are cleaned inside and out prior to replacing them on the machine. Once reassembled, a new needle, new thread and bobbin are installed to test the machine. Straight stitches at different lengths, zig zags and if equipped decorative stitches that require both forward and reverse are run along with a manual reverse test. As needed, tension will be adjusted and the bobbin winder will be tested.

Once all looks good, the details are recorded on the pickup slip and photos are taken of the completed machine, the pickup slip and the test stitches. All of the images are uploaded to our computer system so we can review them if ever we need.