Have you been greasing your sewing machine the wrong way all this time? Properly lubricating a sewing machine is essential to keeping it running smoothly for many years. The right grease in the right places cuts friction, reducing noise and wear. It also keeps metal gears from grinding while protecting them from corrosion. However, apply too much or too little grease, or use the wrong type, and you could gum up the works or allow too much friction. This article will cover everything you need to properly grease your sewing machine.
Overview of Sewing Machine Lubrication
Why Grease a Sewing Machine? Regular lubrication keeps your sewing machine running well by reducing friction on key moving parts. Built-up friction causes excess noise, jams, breakage issues and can shorten the machine’s lifespan. The right lubricants cushion metal gears and parts, keeping them working freely without overheating. This makes your stitches smooth and consistent.
What Parts to Grease? The main areas needing periodic lubrication are the motor, gears, bobbin case area and any metal moving joints. Vintage sewing machines also have oiling ports that lubricate the inner mechanism.
What Grease Should You Use for a Sewing Machine?
Sew Retro Grease TM This specially formulated grease was created to lubricate vintage and antique sewing machines. It utilizes modern lubricating qualities optimized for metal gears found in old Singer Featherweights, Whites and other classic machines.
Key Properties to Look for in Grease
- Long-lasting lubrication for friction-prone metal parts
- Won’t attract dirt and lint like oil often does
- Stays flexible through a wide temperature range
- Non-drying formula maintains lubrication
- Protects against corrosion in storage
How to Apply Grease to Your Sewing Machine
Important Areas to Lubricate Motor Port – This is where the belt attaches from the motor pulley to the handwheel. Regular lubrication here prevents squeaking and belt slippage. Gears – Look for exposed gear teeth and apply grease lightly. Don’t miss the internal gears connecting to the handwheel. Bobbin Area – The bobbin case and race should turn smoothly. Apply just enough grease to maintain freedom of movement.
Tips for Cleaning Out Old Grease and Oil
- Carefully wipe away old built-up grease with a lint-free cloth before applying fresh lubricant.
- Use a specialized port cleaning tool to thoroughly swab out any oil residue without leaving cotton fibers behind.
Specific Use Cases
Vintage Sewing Machines The specially calibrated thickness and lubricating qualities of Sew Retro GreaseTM make it ideal for the original metal gears found in vintage Singer, Featherweight and White rotary machines. It’s fully tested for use in old 222K motors.
Embroidery Machines Modern embroidery machines utilize more precise nylon gears. Look for a low-friction polyurea or lithium grease optimized for these applications. Test any grease on an inconspicuous nylon gear first.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Much Grease
It’s easy to overapply grease, but this attracts harmful dirt and lint over time. Use the minimum needed to protect moving joints. Wipe away all excess.
Using Standard Greases While thicker greases last awhile, they can gum up delicate sewing machine parts not designed for heavy lubrication. Avoid standard wheel bearing or chassis grease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of greasing my sewing machine?
Regular greasing keeps your machine running smoothly, reducing noise, wear, and potential breakage issues. It cushions metal parts and prevents corrosion.
How often should I grease the machine?
Grease any exposed gears, pulleys, or bearings every 3-6 months. Oil ports on vintage machines should be oiled every 1-2 months.
What areas of the machine need greasing?
Focus on lubricating the motor, handwheel gears, bobbin case area, belts, and any other metal moving parts. Refer to your manual.
What’s the best grease to use?
Look for specialty greases made for sewing machines, like Sew Retro GreaseTM. Avoid thick multipurpose greases.
Can I use too much grease?
Yes, excess grease attracts lint and dirt over time, potentially gumming up mechanisms. Use the minimum needed.
How do I clean out old built-up grease?
Carefully wipe away residue with a lint-free cloth. Use a specialized port cleaning tool for oiling cavities.
Conclusion
By properly lubricating with specialized, lightweight sewing machine greases, you’ll enjoy benefits like:
- Less friction and noise
- Smoother, consistent operation
- Longer machine lifespan
- Protection for internal metal gears and shafts
Following the tips in this article will keep your treasured sewing machine running like new. We covered proper lubrication points, specialty grease types for sewing applications and common mistakes to avoid. Do you have any of your own sewing machine greasing tips or mishap stories? Please share in the comments!
***
Main image: Freepik
