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Josh Chernoff's avatar

these are great tips with clear explanations. Since I work alot with older, vintage machines (1910-1970 era machines), I often find the noises that are hardest to diagnose aren't in and around the needle and bobbin area - they are often in the drive areas (belts, motor, etc) or metal-on-metal lubrication issues. It's often hard to discern exactly where the sound is coming from. I wonder if you have any tips, aside from the process of elimination you've described, to track down that irritating squeak or squawk or clicking sound coming from somewhere in the machine. I had an experienced tech tell me he will put the end of his screwdriver against different areas of the machine, run the machine and listen to the top of the handle of the screwdriver (apparently it transmits vibrations up the shaft of the screwdriver) and that this sometimes helps him microlocate the source of the sound. Curious if you or anyone in your shop has a similar method...

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Mary Ellen Clark's avatar

This is fantastic! Thank you so much for outlining these steps. I do some of the steps but in a haphazard order, so this is a much better way!

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Samina Mirza's avatar

Thank you! Excellent information.

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Karen Fox's avatar

Again, you have supplied us with valuable information. When noises occur, I am armed with the knowledge of what I need to check.

Thank you 😊

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Megan Shipley's avatar

My HD1000 Bernina machine is making a noise, and I'm procrastinating on taking it to a technician. I've cleaned it thoroughly; though, I will look for burrs after reading this article. The bobbin case thunks. I can wiggle it and get it to stop for a while, then it starts up again. Still sews ok. 😬

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