The professional sewing machine repair technician is a rare and vital key to the world of sewing and quilting.
Today there are millions and millions of sewing machines in use here in the United States and across the world. These tools of creative expression may be used occasionally for emergency clothing repair or they may be used as vital tools of industry.
It is estimated that a new sewing machine is sold at the rate of 3 per 100 people. Another way to describe this is to say that 3% of the population buys a new sewing machine each year. That is a bunch of new sewing machines.
Notice, however, the sewing machine was introduced in 1846 a little over 150 years ago. Now, just try to imagine how many sewing machines have been made, sold, and are still in use today. Of course, not every machine is still in use, but I dare say there are millions upon millions.
Now what about those sewing machines? Each and everyone of those great tools of creative expression requires periodic maintenance and repair.
That is where the professional sewing machine technician comes in. Without him the only option is to buy another new one.
Now consider this, here in Central Texas, there are millions of people, but only a handful of capable, well trained, and skilled sewing machine repair technicians. They are few and far between. Why? If there is such a high demand, why are there so few?
One of the reasons why there are so few well trained, skilled, and experienced sewing machine repair technicians is because there is so little training available. If you invest thousands of dollars, you might purchase a sewing machine dealership. The manufacturer then might provide you will a few days of training on their current or most recent machines. There are a few technicians who will allow you to work along side them until you master the skills.
Your other option is to consider training through ecourses, books, and trial and error.
At www.FixSewingMachines.com we provide in depth sewing machine repair training to help you learn sewing machine repair for personal use, a hobby, a service activity, or even to open your own business. Check out the ecourses and begin with the free beginner's or user's course.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Generic Sewing Machine Repair
Generic sewing machine repair is simply the repair and maintenance of generic sewing machines. By generic we refer to sewing machine brands that are not actually backed by a brand specific manufacturer.
Major brands are those sewing lines that have enjoyed popularity and distinction, but also have a network of authorized dealers and a manufacturing company that stands behind that brand.
For example, the Singer Company owns and produces Singer Sewing Machines. Bernina is made and sold by Bernina. Brother machines are made and sold by Brother International. Janome is made and sold by Janome. These are major brand lines.
Generic brands include White, Necchi, Dressmaker, Simplicity, and Kenmore. While these may enjoy a degree of popularity as in the case of Kenmore. Sears sells Kenmore, but pays someone else to manufacture the machines. Sears does not manufacture its own sewing machines. White sewing machines have been bought and sold as a brand name repeatedly over the years as have the brand names of Dressmaker and Simplicity. Necchi was originally an Italian brand designed and manufactured in Italy, however, for many many years Allyn International based in Denver has owned the distribution rights to the Necchi line and they have been manufactured wherever.
In the case of the major brands, parts, manuals, and support are usually quite readily available. However, in the case of generic brands this may not be true. The challenge is not so much that parts are not available, it is a matter of figuring out where a particular machine originated to find the original manufacturer. Some models are easier than others. Sears has provided its own service department to keep track of these needs, but many generic machines end up being trashed because no one can find parts.
Generic machines also tend to be low end models rather than high end. They tend to be more limited and less complicated that comparable major brands. One of the hallmarks upon which generics have often been sold is their rugged durability. Necchi, for example, use to claim all metal parts to insure their dependability.
Generic sewing machine repair may cause a technician to rely of after market sources and their network of fellow technicians to provide service for these machines.
Major brands are those sewing lines that have enjoyed popularity and distinction, but also have a network of authorized dealers and a manufacturing company that stands behind that brand.
For example, the Singer Company owns and produces Singer Sewing Machines. Bernina is made and sold by Bernina. Brother machines are made and sold by Brother International. Janome is made and sold by Janome. These are major brand lines.
Generic brands include White, Necchi, Dressmaker, Simplicity, and Kenmore. While these may enjoy a degree of popularity as in the case of Kenmore. Sears sells Kenmore, but pays someone else to manufacture the machines. Sears does not manufacture its own sewing machines. White sewing machines have been bought and sold as a brand name repeatedly over the years as have the brand names of Dressmaker and Simplicity. Necchi was originally an Italian brand designed and manufactured in Italy, however, for many many years Allyn International based in Denver has owned the distribution rights to the Necchi line and they have been manufactured wherever.
In the case of the major brands, parts, manuals, and support are usually quite readily available. However, in the case of generic brands this may not be true. The challenge is not so much that parts are not available, it is a matter of figuring out where a particular machine originated to find the original manufacturer. Some models are easier than others. Sears has provided its own service department to keep track of these needs, but many generic machines end up being trashed because no one can find parts.
Generic machines also tend to be low end models rather than high end. They tend to be more limited and less complicated that comparable major brands. One of the hallmarks upon which generics have often been sold is their rugged durability. Necchi, for example, use to claim all metal parts to insure their dependability.
Generic sewing machine repair may cause a technician to rely of after market sources and their network of fellow technicians to provide service for these machines.
Monday, October 26, 2009
What Does It Take To Learn Sewing Machine Repair?
On my website http://www.fixsewingmachines.com/, I offer a free beginner's course in sewing machine repair. It is entitled 7 Steps to Peak Performance For Your Sewing Machine.
The ecourse explains seven vital things every sewing machine user needs to know and understand in order to keep their sewing machine operating properly. I write about needles, threads, fabric, general maintenance, and care of the machine. It is designed for sewing machine users, not as a complete guide on repairing sewing machines. By following these basic lessons, a user can stretch the time between professional services, but more importantly they can keep their machine working hour after hour without problems. The ecourse actually comes from my nine hour beginning sewing machine course that has been taught in sewing machines stores for years at $150.
I have been amazed by the response to this free ecourse.
On one hand, I have received loads of emails from grateful readers.
One wrote, "We finished your 7 Steps about a week ago, and have followed your instructions. Now all four of our sewing machines are working great. You saved us big."
Another wrote, "My wife belongs to a church group where seventeen ladies sew quilts for the local hospital and nursing home. The ladies love to quilt, but their machines break down all the time. I subscribed to your ecourse to get just a little idea of how to take care of these machines. I am amazed at how much free information you gave me. I am no expert yet, but I will tell you every one of the machines is working much better now. Thanks."
Finally, another wrote, "Ok, I'm sold. I got your 7 Steps about three months ago and started following your instructions on my wife's sewing machines. Now I have a dozen of her friends who want me to fix their machines for them. I just ordered you Pro package so I could actually catch up with the details. Thanks."
On the other hand, I have had some really strange responses.
One lady wrote, "This has got to be a scam. Your ecourse does not teach me anything about repairing sewing machines just how to use it."
Anothe wrote, "I am really disappointed. I thought I was getting a book on how to fix my machine that is messing up right now. I still have to take it to a mechanic."
Over the past few years, I have had to thicken my skin because some people just seem to want everything for nothing. The ecourse is free. I don't charge the $150 charged in our stores, and I don't demand anything from the reader. Still, some people cannot be satisfied.
Enough of my whining. If you really want to learn sewing machine repair, I will gladly teach you. I offer a free beginner's course, a basic repair course (Secrets of Sewing Machine Repair), ecourses on Antique Sewing Machines; Sergers, Embroidery Machines, and a Pro package with over 25 ebooks. If you want to learn, check out my website at http://www.fixsewingmachines.com/.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Learn Sewing Machine Repair By Practicing
Recently, a customer asked me if they could learn how to repair sewing machines by reading a book.
My answers is yes and no.
From ecourses, ebooks, books, manuals, and other resources the reader can greatly short cut the learning curve. Following the step by step instruction provided in courses like My Magnificent Sewing Machine, Secrets of Sewing Machine Repair makes it quick and easy to learn proper procedures for servicing and repairing.
Books, manuals, and other resources are vital for efficiency. Trial and error always takes loads of time. You might eventually get it right, but it is so much faster when you have detailed instructions, drawings, and photos.
On the other hand, reading a book or manual alone will not make your an expert sewing machine repair technician.
Practice is essential. I encourage my students to collect sewing machines from wherever they can. Broken machines, working machines, machines from neighbors and friends to practice on is vital.
When I first started, I bought a bunch of junk sewing machines from an estate sale. I did not care whether they worked or not. I wanted to take them apart and learn how the machines worked.
The more machines you service, the more effective a sewing machine repair technician you will become.
The fastest way to learn sewing machine repair and become an expert is to combine the study of manuals and ecourses with the actual practice disassembling, cleaning, adjusting, repairing as many sewing machines as possible.
Check out the vital resources available at www.FixSewingMachines.com.
My answers is yes and no.
From ecourses, ebooks, books, manuals, and other resources the reader can greatly short cut the learning curve. Following the step by step instruction provided in courses like My Magnificent Sewing Machine, Secrets of Sewing Machine Repair makes it quick and easy to learn proper procedures for servicing and repairing.
Books, manuals, and other resources are vital for efficiency. Trial and error always takes loads of time. You might eventually get it right, but it is so much faster when you have detailed instructions, drawings, and photos.
On the other hand, reading a book or manual alone will not make your an expert sewing machine repair technician.
Practice is essential. I encourage my students to collect sewing machines from wherever they can. Broken machines, working machines, machines from neighbors and friends to practice on is vital.
When I first started, I bought a bunch of junk sewing machines from an estate sale. I did not care whether they worked or not. I wanted to take them apart and learn how the machines worked.
The more machines you service, the more effective a sewing machine repair technician you will become.
The fastest way to learn sewing machine repair and become an expert is to combine the study of manuals and ecourses with the actual practice disassembling, cleaning, adjusting, repairing as many sewing machines as possible.
Check out the vital resources available at www.FixSewingMachines.com.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Metric Standards For Sewing Machine Repair
Do you remember about twenty years ago, when we were told that everyone was going to be required to use the metric system instead of the American SAE system of measurement?
I do. I did not like it then. I do not like it now. Maybe it is because I just can not get it straight. Instead of inches, feet, and yards, the metric system uses centipedes, milipedes or something like it. Anyway it always seemed to me like the whole system was some kind of worm that creeped along. Yet, the metric system is here to stay because everybody else in the world uses it.
It really is not that complicated. A meter is divided up into hundredths or centi. Or it is divided up into thousandths or mili. So just how is a milimeter? Or what about a centimeter? Or for that matter how long is a meter anyway?
I know how long an inch is. I know how long a foot is. I even know how long a yard is. I understand that a meter is a little longer than a yard and measures about 39 inches. It is still really hard to get my mind around these measurements.
So how does all of this relate to sewing machine repair? When we read the instruction in sewing machine repair guides or sewing machine repair books; we see things like the setting for the oscillating hook to needle clearance is suppose to be XX millimeters. Somehow we have to figure out what it all means.
When it comes right down to it, I guess I don't really have to be able to measure metrics with my eyes alone do I? I can use feeler gauges that are already marked for certain sizes.
For example, I can use a feeler gauge to slide in between the parts to measure the distance. The feeler gauge helps me make sure the settings are right.
So, instead of worrying too much about metric measurements; get a good set of feeler gauges and use them. I can save loads of frustration and guess work.
I do. I did not like it then. I do not like it now. Maybe it is because I just can not get it straight. Instead of inches, feet, and yards, the metric system uses centipedes, milipedes or something like it. Anyway it always seemed to me like the whole system was some kind of worm that creeped along. Yet, the metric system is here to stay because everybody else in the world uses it.
It really is not that complicated. A meter is divided up into hundredths or centi. Or it is divided up into thousandths or mili. So just how is a milimeter? Or what about a centimeter? Or for that matter how long is a meter anyway?
I know how long an inch is. I know how long a foot is. I even know how long a yard is. I understand that a meter is a little longer than a yard and measures about 39 inches. It is still really hard to get my mind around these measurements.
So how does all of this relate to sewing machine repair? When we read the instruction in sewing machine repair guides or sewing machine repair books; we see things like the setting for the oscillating hook to needle clearance is suppose to be XX millimeters. Somehow we have to figure out what it all means.
When it comes right down to it, I guess I don't really have to be able to measure metrics with my eyes alone do I? I can use feeler gauges that are already marked for certain sizes.
For example, I can use a feeler gauge to slide in between the parts to measure the distance. The feeler gauge helps me make sure the settings are right.
So, instead of worrying too much about metric measurements; get a good set of feeler gauges and use them. I can save loads of frustration and guess work.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Embroidery Machine Care
Is embroidery your passion?
Do you treasure your embroidery machine and thrill to the creative wonders you can perform with your embroidery machine?
Do you get goose bumps when you see those beautiful threads all embroidered from your embroidery sewing machine?
There are many brands of embroidery machines. There are machines designed for commercial use like those made by Tashima and Happy. There are smaller units made for home use by well knows sewing machine companies like Janome and Babylock.
In the arena of home embroidery machines, there are stand alone embroidery machines and there are combination or combo embroidery machines. These combo machines are world class sewing machines with exotic embroidery features added.
Commercial units are embroidery only devices controlled by computers. These units may be operated alone or networked together with the computer. While stand alone home machines may have one, four, or six needles; commercial units may have 12, 14, 16, or more needles.
Computer generated designs are used by the computer to control the embroidery head. The signals control the movement of the needle and hoop to produce the design one stitch at a time. Groups of stitches sew through one needle. This constitutes one threaded color. Then the next needle threaded with the next color sews its portion of the design.
At first glance, the embroidery machine can look really complicated. It is wondrous what they can do. Machines with multiple needles can be a bit foreboding for the user and the novice technician.
Another look at the embroidery machine, reveals that it is essentially a single stitch sewing machine with a moving hoop assembly. Each time another needle assembly engages, it forms another single stitch sewing machine.
Treat your embroidery machine as if it were a single stitch sewing machine at least as far as caring and servicing it goes. Your professional sewing machine repair technician is also the right person to manage more complicated embroidery machine repairs.
Neglect is the number one cause of embroidery machine failure. The user must take responsibility for the care and maintenance of their machine. It must be kept clean and well lubricated. Dirt, lint, and gunk must be removed. Old dried out crystallized lubricants must be removed. Otherwise neglect will eventually lead to machine failure.
There are three crucial areas of the concern to the user. The bobbin area, the needle bar area (for each needle), and the hoop assembly are those three key areas.
User service consists of cleaning these three areas every three to four hours of sewing. To loosen dirt and crusty deposits, you can use a probe or small brush. To remove loosened gunk, you can use an air compressor, canned air, or a specially equipped vacuum. When you have cleaned an area, lubricate the area with high quality sewing machine oil.
Replace needles frequently. Regular embroidery needles are good for about four hours of use, but titanium embroidery needles usually last three to five times as long. Dull, bent, and worn needles do not perform as they should.
If you diligently do your own embroidery machine maintenance, your machine will last for years and work well stitch after stitch, month after month. About every 10,000,000 stitches you should have a professional technician perform a complete service on your embroidery machine.
If you are having difficulty with your machine, always depend on your professional embroidery machine technician.
Find out more on sewing machine repair and download David Trumble's free beginner's course 7 Steps To Peak Performance For Your Sewing Machine. He offers a complete curriculum of sewing machine repair manuals, tips, tricks, and supports.
Do you treasure your embroidery machine and thrill to the creative wonders you can perform with your embroidery machine?
Do you get goose bumps when you see those beautiful threads all embroidered from your embroidery sewing machine?
There are many brands of embroidery machines. There are machines designed for commercial use like those made by Tashima and Happy. There are smaller units made for home use by well knows sewing machine companies like Janome and Babylock.
In the arena of home embroidery machines, there are stand alone embroidery machines and there are combination or combo embroidery machines. These combo machines are world class sewing machines with exotic embroidery features added.
Commercial units are embroidery only devices controlled by computers. These units may be operated alone or networked together with the computer. While stand alone home machines may have one, four, or six needles; commercial units may have 12, 14, 16, or more needles.
Computer generated designs are used by the computer to control the embroidery head. The signals control the movement of the needle and hoop to produce the design one stitch at a time. Groups of stitches sew through one needle. This constitutes one threaded color. Then the next needle threaded with the next color sews its portion of the design.
At first glance, the embroidery machine can look really complicated. It is wondrous what they can do. Machines with multiple needles can be a bit foreboding for the user and the novice technician.
Another look at the embroidery machine, reveals that it is essentially a single stitch sewing machine with a moving hoop assembly. Each time another needle assembly engages, it forms another single stitch sewing machine.
Treat your embroidery machine as if it were a single stitch sewing machine at least as far as caring and servicing it goes. Your professional sewing machine repair technician is also the right person to manage more complicated embroidery machine repairs.
Neglect is the number one cause of embroidery machine failure. The user must take responsibility for the care and maintenance of their machine. It must be kept clean and well lubricated. Dirt, lint, and gunk must be removed. Old dried out crystallized lubricants must be removed. Otherwise neglect will eventually lead to machine failure.
There are three crucial areas of the concern to the user. The bobbin area, the needle bar area (for each needle), and the hoop assembly are those three key areas.
User service consists of cleaning these three areas every three to four hours of sewing. To loosen dirt and crusty deposits, you can use a probe or small brush. To remove loosened gunk, you can use an air compressor, canned air, or a specially equipped vacuum. When you have cleaned an area, lubricate the area with high quality sewing machine oil.
Replace needles frequently. Regular embroidery needles are good for about four hours of use, but titanium embroidery needles usually last three to five times as long. Dull, bent, and worn needles do not perform as they should.
If you diligently do your own embroidery machine maintenance, your machine will last for years and work well stitch after stitch, month after month. About every 10,000,000 stitches you should have a professional technician perform a complete service on your embroidery machine.
If you are having difficulty with your machine, always depend on your professional embroidery machine technician.
Find out more on sewing machine repair and download David Trumble's free beginner's course 7 Steps To Peak Performance For Your Sewing Machine. He offers a complete curriculum of sewing machine repair manuals, tips, tricks, and supports.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Three Sewing Machine Repair Enthusiasts
There are essentially three groups of people interested in sewing machine repair: the user, the hobbiest, and the pro.
The user is interested in sewing machine repair because they want to keep their sewing machine operating at peak performance.
Most users will take their machine to a regional or local sewing machine repair service center and trust the technician to fix and maintain their machine. Typically this will cost between $99 and $150 regardless of the age or value of the sewing machine.
Many sewing machine users want diy sewing machine repair. They are the self sufficient, mechanically inclined, do it yourselfers who want to know how to fix and maintain their own sewing machines. For about $40 the do it yourself sewing machine repair enthusiast can purchase sewing machine repair manuals to help them work on their sewing machine.
The sewing machine repair hobbiest is the second group of sewing machine repair enthusiasts. These are tinkerers who pick up old sewing machines at garage sales, auctions, even out of the dumpster just for fun. They take them home, clean them up, and try to get them working again. These hobbiests need much broader resources in terms of manuals and courses to learn the ins and outs of sewing machine repair. They will want a solid general repair course that teaches the secrets of sewing machine repair. Then they will want a course that zeroes in on antique sewing machine repair. They might even want resources for sergers and embroidery machine repair. All of these are available and very helpful for the hobbiest at http://www.fixsewingmachines.com.
Then we have the Pro. These are a special bread of pioneers who boldly master sewing machine repair so they can help others and get paid for doing it. These are the technicians and the small business owners to tackle the thousands of sewing machine makes and models. The resources needed by the Pro are much broader. They include all the sewing machine repair manuals, trainings, and supports; but they also include a broad range of professional and business resources. The independent sewing machine repair technician may even want to pursue certifications. Now these resources are also available.
There are three sewing machine repair enthusiast groups, but they all share a passion for quality sewing machine repair.
The user is interested in sewing machine repair because they want to keep their sewing machine operating at peak performance.
Most users will take their machine to a regional or local sewing machine repair service center and trust the technician to fix and maintain their machine. Typically this will cost between $99 and $150 regardless of the age or value of the sewing machine.
Many sewing machine users want diy sewing machine repair. They are the self sufficient, mechanically inclined, do it yourselfers who want to know how to fix and maintain their own sewing machines. For about $40 the do it yourself sewing machine repair enthusiast can purchase sewing machine repair manuals to help them work on their sewing machine.
The sewing machine repair hobbiest is the second group of sewing machine repair enthusiasts. These are tinkerers who pick up old sewing machines at garage sales, auctions, even out of the dumpster just for fun. They take them home, clean them up, and try to get them working again. These hobbiests need much broader resources in terms of manuals and courses to learn the ins and outs of sewing machine repair. They will want a solid general repair course that teaches the secrets of sewing machine repair. Then they will want a course that zeroes in on antique sewing machine repair. They might even want resources for sergers and embroidery machine repair. All of these are available and very helpful for the hobbiest at http://www.fixsewingmachines.com.
Then we have the Pro. These are a special bread of pioneers who boldly master sewing machine repair so they can help others and get paid for doing it. These are the technicians and the small business owners to tackle the thousands of sewing machine makes and models. The resources needed by the Pro are much broader. They include all the sewing machine repair manuals, trainings, and supports; but they also include a broad range of professional and business resources. The independent sewing machine repair technician may even want to pursue certifications. Now these resources are also available.
There are three sewing machine repair enthusiast groups, but they all share a passion for quality sewing machine repair.
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