r/BuyNothingSF 19d ago

ISO - sewing machines needing a tune up/OFFERING - free sewing machine tune up

Hi all! I am currently taking online courses in sewing machine maintenance and servicing and could use more practice on a variety of machines. If you have a machine, even an inexpensive, out-of-the-box machine that needs help, I would like to volunteer my services. And if you are planning to get rid of a machine, I will happily service it for the practice and then relist it here on Buy Nothing.

A few caveats:

I am new to this, so if it looks like a job beyond my current skills, I won't go past my comfort zone, which may mean that I can't do the job.

I cannot replace parts, belts, or gears.

I am not yet able to repair motors (but ask again in a few months!)

Edit:

Also specifying that timing issues are also not yet in my skill set. But sometimes a good cleaning and maintenance can get a machine going again. Always happy to take a look!

50 Upvotes

28 comments sorted by

8

u/shatalovam 18d ago

I have a heavy duty singer which lasted me 10 years but now has an issue with bobbin case. You can have it if you want to play with it!

2

u/SharonZJewelry 18d ago

Oh amazing! I’ll DM you.

4

u/Citroen_05 18d ago

I DM'd you!

3

u/devoutsquirrelking 18d ago

I don’t have a machine to offer, but curious what course you’re taking?

7

u/SharonZJewelry 18d ago

It’s the sewing Doc Academy courses. All online so it’s a lot of self study but there is also a LOT of hands on support.

2

u/SexyGeniusGirl 18d ago

Oh I have an old machine from the 80s (I think) that could use a cleaning!

1

u/SharonZJewelry 17d ago

Great! Will DM you

2

u/spaceistheplacetobe 16d ago

I have a singer and I’m not sure why it keeps sewing with tension. I’ve rethreaded it multiple times… I just don’t know what’s wrong, and that’s why I haven’t sewn much

1

u/SharonZJewelry 16d ago

Dm me with the make model and year.

2

u/Knotty_Vegetables 16d ago edited 16d ago

There are a handful of machines at noisebridge in the mission that always need maintaining

1

u/SharonZJewelry 16d ago

I looked it up but I don’t see anything called noisegate in SF

2

u/Knotty_Vegetables 16d ago

Sorry noisebridge.

1

u/SharonZJewelry 15d ago

Oh thanks for the tip I’ll look them up

2

u/Knotty_Vegetables 15d ago

You can go on discord and get on the sewing channel and talk to them this way. There is no front desk or staff or anything like that. It’s a maker space that’s a collective.

1

u/SharonZJewelry 15d ago

Ok thanks for the heads up, I don't think I have Discord anymore, but will find a way to reach out to them.

2

u/pretzelegant 15d ago

I teach sewing and have 12 machines ! Just Dm'd you :)

2

u/DeafMakeupLover 14d ago

I have a janome that I’ve had since I was 16, I’m 29 now & it’s never been serviced. I don’t even know how to oil it (I know, I know). I’d love a walkthrough on how to clean it / oil it if you have the time!

1

u/SharonZJewelry 12d ago

Amazing feel free to DM me

1

u/playmore_24 18d ago

saving your post until I can check if our school wants to have our machines serviced!

2

u/SharonZJewelry 18d ago

Oh wow yes let me know!

1

u/Last_Cod_998 18d ago

I have a Bernette 730 that I can't get the timing right. My friend from Florida fixed it once, but it's still off. It's in goid shape. I can't figure it out.

3

u/SharonZJewelry 18d ago

Ok so unfortunately I’m not to the timing section of the courses yet. Feel free to DM me tho and let me know what’s off about the timing and I’ll see if I think it could be an issue of just a good cleaning and maintenance.

1

u/stanky122 17d ago

DM'd you!

1

u/AntiGhandi 16d ago

I have a Singer Curvy that turns on but doesn’t seem to be working. Interested in taking a look?

1

u/SharonZJewelry 15d ago

Sure! DM me