Embroidery Machine Repair Procedures

What is a repair? 

Does it require replacing parts?  In many cases, when you are working to repair sewing machines and embroidery machines, a good cleaning and a few adjustments are all that are needed to make a machine work like new.  However, is that really a repair?

In a sense, it is just a matter of words.  A customer might think a quick fix is better than a complete job.  It might save dollars.  However, if we forget about words like cleaning, servicing, and adjusting and just call it all repair; the customer gets what they really want.  The technician stops mixing words.

Embroidery machines like other sewing machines are vulnerable to debris, lint, dust, grease, grime, gunk, dried out lubricants, encrusted lubricants, and gummy stuff.  It is essential that these be removed. 

The goal of embroidery machine repair is to restore a machine to like new operating contition.  The machine should be capable of sewing out embroidery designs without mechanical difficulties.

A common temptation for technicians is to just make a quick adjustment or even replace a part and leave the insides of the machine full of crap.  This is a no no.  Always do a thorough cleaning and proper lubrication job.  This will make the machine last much longer, work better, and cause far less frustration.
 
Think back to the initial test on the machine.  What clues did you get?  Have a good cleaning and adjusting done the trick? Or, were there problems that require replacing parts?  Trace down the issues.  Inspect each possible source of the problems.  Check for wear, chips, breakage, burn spots, loose connections, etc.

In those rare instances when a part must be replaced, be sure to fix only what is broken.  The most common items to replace are belts, gears, and circuit boards.  The first two of these are straight forward mechanical tasks.  Remove and replace the part.

Circuit boards and electrical components are often a bit threatening to the novice technician.  They require a bit more caution than a mechanical fix.  First, be sure to unplug the power cord before working on the electronics of a machine.  Indeed, always unplug the machine before removing covers.

Careful inspection of electrical, electronic, and computer parts is essential.  Look for burn spots, misconnections, pinched or twisted wires.  Often a little wiggle or press down on a loose connection is all that is really needed.

Make every connection right.  Unless the connection is true, the proper electrical flow is impossible.  A loose connection may cause intermittent problems, but when everything is working the way it should, the electronics make life really good.

Static electricity is a technicians enemy.  A single discharge can ruin a circuit board.  Some manufacturers require elaborate static prevention measures to protect their circuitry.  In the sewing machine repair shop, a static free mat is vital.  Bernina requires the addition of a wrist band protector.
When you are working on delicate electronic parts, special tools are often needed.  Non-metallic probes, screw drivers, and other tools can be a big help.  Your electronics supply house should have an ample supply of specialty tools, mats, and devices to make your work with electronics easier.
More advanced embroidery equipment and sewing machines will use plug n play components.  These are easily removed and replaced.

Diagnosis is an art, but a variety of resources can be helpful.  An official service manual, an authorized technician specializing in you brand, or the manufacturers technical support line may offer invaluable help.

Once you identify the problem component, carefully remove it and replace it with a new part.  In some cases, manufacturers will offer refurbished parts.  Once installed, thoroughly test out the machine to insure its proper performance.

Dr. David Trumble's Free 7 Steps To Peak Performance is yours now for sewing machine repair.
To purchase your next sewing machine or embroidery machine online go to http://www.sewingmachinemall.com  .