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12 
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
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Posted on: 5/7/10 7:57 PM ET
What types of things do I need to know?

The place I'm going is a very well respected store/service technician.

What do I need to take with me besides my machine & my wallet?

What questions should I ask/not ask?

How long is "too long" to wait to get it back from a basic tune up?

Sorry if these are super beginner questions, but hey, I'm a beginner!
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Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!
  
Member since 2/22/09
Posts: 198
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Posted on: 5/7/10 9:06 PM ET
In reply to tnrnchick74
Bring your machine, foot peddle, manual, and basic attachments.

Make a list of concerns/questions/complaints so that the tech can review things that are of concern. I've learned a lot about by machine by doing this. For example, I've metioned that the bobbin rattles and was told this rattle is normal for the model. Another example, I said that thread jumps out of the uptake lever when basting high speed and was told to try 1/2 speed motor setting.

I don't know what the average time in shop is but my experience is a couple of days.

Hope this helps.
  
Member since 6/24/06
Posts: 2472
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Posted on: 5/7/10 9:07 PM ET
Take foot control, power cord, bobbincase and leave a standard foot on machine. The foot controls vary from model to model and even more between manufactures. Tell them if it skips stitches, breaks needles, or loops and bunches underneath. A name label on machine and parts is also a good idea.

Keep at home all your extra feet, instruction book as those aren't needed by a tech and small things can easily be lost even in the car during transportation. The place I take my machine to has apr. 1 week turn around.
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Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900.
  
Member since 4/11/02
Posts: 10809
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Posted on: 5/7/10 9:16 PM ET
Different techs want you to leave different items with the machine, but whatever you bring, make sure it's written on your receipt.
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"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com
  
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
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Posted on: 5/8/10 7:08 AM ET
Thanks! It totally slipped my mind to label my items!!

The only problems I'm having with the new machine (the one my aunt left me) is that when you wind a bobbin in makes a horrible screeching sound (like a belt is trying to slip)...and sometimes when you start to sew it seems like its jerky (again like a belt is slipping).

BUT, it has never been serviced and my aunt sewed ALL THE TIME.

The serger I received HAS been serviced, but the sewing machine not so much.

i'm planning on taking a bobbin, foot pedal, and the usual foot I sew with.

thanks for your help!
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Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!
  
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
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Posted on: 5/8/10 7:35 PM ET
Well, "Bessie" is at the sewing machine spa...

I LOVE the sewing machine repair guy. And I drooled over a few Pfaff machines.

Should have her back in 1 week - reasonable rates.

He even wanted me to thread the machine and sew a bit/wind the bobbin a bit so he could hear what I'm trying to describe. I did; "Bessie" did like she always does. He thinks it is a belt - easy fix.

No hard selling (or really any selling) to get me to scrap my perfectly good machine. He was impressed that everything was labeled & I brought what he needed.

Claim ticket copy received - serial # written on the ticket as well as listing of all accessories provided.

He wants me to bring in a few scraps when I come to pick her up so I can test it out before we leave.

He even demo'd the Pfaff I was oogling over and did a small Peanuts design for my son.

Nice guy; nice store; very happy...

Thanks for your help!
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Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!
  
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 1578
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Posted on: 5/9/10 11:05 AM ET
Our local shop needs a week to service a machine. They do a thorough cleaning and oil what you can reach too and check and adjust a bunch of things too.

Be sure they write down any problems you are having such as the bobbin winding.

Costs about $100 plus parts.
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 871
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Posted on: 5/9/10 11:35 AM ET
and use some method to put your name and tele number on the pieces parts should they get separated from the machine...

I personally favor the Brother P-touch label maker.. but a sharpie will do the job as well.

Just a 2-cents worth here...
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... cleverly disguised as a responsible adult!
  
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
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Posted on: 5/9/10 3:50 PM ET
In reply to Nancy Rhodes
Quote: Nancy Rhodes
and use some method to put your name and tele number on the pieces parts should they get separated from the machine...



I personally favor the Brother P-touch label maker.. but a sharpie will do the job as well.



Just a 2-cents worth here...

Great minds think alike...brother label maker used!

AND he even put "thread and needle" onto my "parts" list. I brought a spool of cheap thread & the needle I had just used to finish some projects up. I found him very thorough!
-- Edited on 5/9/10 3:51 PM --
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Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!
  
Member since 5/16/08
Posts: 977
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Posted on: 5/9/10 7:33 PM ET
In reply to Nancy Rhodes
Quote: Nancy Rhodes
I personally favor the Brother P-touch label maker.. but a sharpie will do the job as well.


I use return address labels.
  
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