Sewing Machine Repair Classes    Repair Tools    Elna Parts    Bernina Parts
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Click here to see the class schedule: Sewing Machine Repair Classes

What should I expect to learn in this class?

NOTE: This is not a home-study, book or video. It is not an expensive apprentice type of instruction, requiring months of living expenses away from home. It is not a manufacturer type training course where the instructor provides each student with the same factory new machine that will not have the common malfunctions you will encounter in the real world with other makes and models.

My training course is the foundation of knowledge for all repairs. It is a basic training course where you will learn how to diagnose problems and how the various systems work and how to make the adjustments for each system.
It is also an intensive "hands-on" experience where you hone your skills while you practice the procedures learned in the first part of the class. You tell me what areas will be the most beneficial to you. Each student will be performing a different procedure, so you will have the opportunity to observe repairs on many different makes and models. Students may service 5 to 10 machines during the 5 day course, depending upon the complexity of repairs.

As the economy slows, more people choose to repair rather than buy new, so the demand for quality repair services increase. About 60% of our former students have opened a full time or part time business for extra income. This is a class where I have combined the information from attending over a dozen manufacturer training courses and over 50 years of experience.

All the "secrets" of the trade are revealed.


White Sewing Center
3972 Highway O
Middle Brook, Mo. 63656

Phone: 573-697-5841
Cell: 314-712-7811


Click here: for driving directions.

MAP

My class is similar to the type of "beginner" course offered by sewing machine manufacturers to new authorized sewing machine dealers. However, the class provided by manufacturers covers only a few of the latest models of machines sold by that manufacturer. That leaves the new student with no training on repairs of older models or other makes of machines. Manufacturers classes are taught by using expensive factory gauges manufactured for each model. It is very precision and works well if you are an authorized dealer so you can buy the gauges and you only plan to repair that one model of machine. Those classes are designed so the service technician learns how to use the gauge, but never understands how or why the gauge works.

Many people open their first machine, look at hundreds of parts and think "It's way too complicated and I will never be able to learn repairs." I know I did before I attended my first class in the early 60's. However, when you break the systems down to one area, such as the hook, there are only two adjustments to be concerned with.

Now, apply your knowledge of how those adjustments are made and it can be applied to all sewing machines since they all work the same way. You won't need to buy hundreds of service manuals and expensive gauges for every machine because you will understand how each system works and how to find the adjustment point to make that system perform as it should. You will also learn how to diagnose what the problem is before turning every screw trying to fix it and creating a major repair. My class is based on the concept of understanding how each system works and using your knowledge and logic to make adjustments. It is much more than cleaning, lubrication and tension adjustments. 

Did you ever notice how a sewing machine technician works on a sewing machine and never looks at the instruction book or service manual? Do you think they have a photographic memory and remember every page of thousands of manuals? Did they learn how to service sewing machines from video's or "how to" books?

No, they learned from an experienced factory service technician with "hands on" training, AFTER paying for a very expensive authorized dealership. Then, they learn how to service only the latest model of sewing machines sold by that manufacturer. When the service technician wants service training on another make, they must purchase another very expensive dealership. Of course, the manufacturers have little incentive to provide service training for older models since they only make money on sales of new machines. The knowledge base on these machines is becoming a lost art as the old timers retire or die off. You can fill that gap and provide a service to millions of people who cannot find a repair shop to service their old reliable sewing machines. My course is the knowledge I've gained through attending many dealer training courses and over 50 years of experience.

I have had several requests from people who wish to learn sewing machine repair. Many people have tried to learn through the usual blurry or out of focus video and book instruction, only to quit in frustration. Video or book instruction may teach how to repair one make and model, but when you go to a different machine, you're lost again. Hands on training will teach the basic procedures that may be applied to all sewing machines. You will learn the basic theory of how & why a sewing machine works. Without understanding this, you will always be frustrated by new problems or when repairing unfamiliar machines. I firmly believe the only way to learn sewing machine service is through "hands on" experience. When you learn the basic theory, sewing machine service can save money and be fun and profitable. You will also repair your own machine (or machines) during the course if you wish to bring one or more. If not, let me know and we will have a machine for you to practice repairs.



In this 5 day course you will learn how to:

1. Select the proper tools.

2. Clean a sewing machine.

3. Lubricate a sewing machine.

4. Thread any sewing machine without the instruction book.

5. Insert the needle correctly in any machine without the instruction book.

6. Adjust the hook timing.

7. Remove a burr from the hook.

8. Adjust the needle clearance.

9. Adjust the needle bar height.

10. Adjust the feed dog height.

11. Adjust the feed dog timing.

12. Adjust the bobbin case tension.

13. Adjust the upper tension.

14. Balance the upper & lower tensions.

15. Install & adjust the belt.

16. Remove burrs from the needle plate.

17. Adjust the check spring timing.

18. Adjust & clean the bobbin winder release knob.

19. Adjust pendulum timing.

20. Determine if a part can be saved or needs replaced.

21. Learn how to "save" many expensive parts.

22. A fast, easy way to locate binding problems.

23. Learn what the manufacturers and repair shops don't want you to know.

24. How to do one simple $400.00 repair job in one hour by replacing a 33 cent part.

25. How to use "logic" and the "thought process" to locate and adjust.

26. How and why a sewing machine works. This knowledge, combined with logic, will enable you to repair most any problem.

27. Solving many other unusual problems and tips normally only learned after years of experience.

And much more.

Each student will actually diagnose & repair one or more malfunctioning machine(s) during the class. Students now average 5 repairs each completed during the class.

You will also receive a free copy of my basic service manual.


Industrial sewing machine repair training

  Several people ask if this course will teach them to service industrial sewing machines. In most cases, the answer is yes. Most industrial machines are just a heavy duty sewing machine, designed to work many hours a day at high speed. Almost all of the mechanical service procedures are the same as the service procedures on household models. The main difference is an industrial machine is only a big, heavy duty version of a houshold machine.

  Some want training to repair circuit boards or program special purpose computer factory machines. I cannot help with programing the computer, diagnosing or electronic servicing of industrial circuit boards. I also cannot help with installing or setup of special attachments. My classes will cover mechanical service procedures that apply to both household and industrial machines.

  Situations where there may be slight differences in household and industrial models, such as heavy thread tension settings or walking foot adjustments may be covered upon request.


What the basic training course does not cover

Will I learn how to service household sergers and computer or embroidery machines?
The answer is yes and no.


Electronic service training and special electronic diagnostic equipment for computerized machines is only available from the manufacturer
to authorized dealers. Since it is unlikely you could buy the test equipment from the manufacturer, electronic service is somewhat limited. The basic mechanical service training procedures covered in my class will apply to mechanical service on all computerized machines. However, since most malfunctions in computer models are mechanical, understanding the basic service procedures will enable you to repair about 75% of the common problems on computerized sewing machines. Minor serger repair procedures can be covered in the basic class upon request. Service on any sewing machine requires a thorough understanding of basic mechanical repair procedures BEFORE moving to more complicated proceedures.
Many people save much more than the cost of the class in repairs they would have been dropped off at the local service center.I believe the best way to teach repair is for the students to choose what they want to learn. This could include major service, such as:

Replacing gears.
Replacing timing belts.
Replacing a cam stack.
Replacing the hook assembly.
Automatic stitch adjustments.
Automatic buttonhole adjustments.
Industrial machines.


And, almost any other procedure you wish to explore.

This approach worked well at our classes and our students have serviced machines from the 1860's antiques to modern computer models and industrial machines.


Contact me

Phone:

The best way to get a quick answer to your question.

The classes will be held at:
3972 Highway O
Middle Brook, Missouri 63656
9:00 AM. to 5:00 PM.

Business 573-697-5841 or cell 314-712-7811


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updated 03/08/22