by babash 11 Mar 2015

Learnt a good lesson this week. Don't get your machine serviced unless it isn't working. I have 2 Janome 300e machines and one was being a bit naughty and not liking to sew on the fast speed. I cleaned it out but still the same problem no matter what the design. As I used it such a lot before Christmas and a long time since anything was done to it. I decided to take it in and get a professional service. Thought might as well get both done so when the weather cools down and I get my energy back all will be working perfect.

Took a week to do collected them one the tension was just so bad bobbin thread showing through something bad and big loops coming up when I changed colours. The other one was clunking like a chaff cutter.
So back I go with them. Got them back 5 days later at last they seem to be working ok. Funny thing is both are identical machines one the thread tension is set at 4 the other 2 1/2. When I took them in they were both on 3. I took hoops with me when I took them in set up for a test run but all I got was a sample ABC on a piece cut 4 inches by 2 inches. Wonder if they have a drawer full of them. The one good thing is I have a 6 month warranty on the work. Luckily it is only a 30 minute drive away but it involved 4 trips.
So as I said if it ain't broke don't fix it.

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by stock 14 Mar 2015

my mechanic says every 1 million stitches, but, I get there too fast, I think I will wait till repair is needed, both going great, except the threader fell off the newist one , threading by hand is no fun, also I keep doing it to the wrong one, sometimes I think i am "frank spencers"clone....wendy

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by cfidl 13 Mar 2015

I had problems with my local service and went to the corporate office. When the estimate came back I knew I did not get the service I should have and had issue with the situation. Thankfully that was resolved, however the machine is acting up again, and I do not want to send it to Tennessee again and I do not want to take it to the local guy. Where is my magic wand when I need it.

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by lbrow 13 Mar 2015

I think the servicing time in between depends a lot on how often you use your machine. A machine that is used several hrs every day is going to need servicing more often than 1 that is used once or twice a week. My dealer/tech is like me getting old and I worry about who would replace him. I would be very particular about who touched my machine since he is the only one I have ever used with my machines. There are very few in my area and it is an hr. each way to take it to him. If I have problems he can sometimes tell me over the phone how to fix it. /Lillian

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by blueeyedblonde 13 Mar 2015

I always heard to have servicing done once a year, but when I got my new machine, the dealer said I wouldn't need to for a 1 1/2 - 2 years. He also said that would be fine and for me to do cleaning maintenance on it in between.

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by 02kar Moderator 12 Mar 2015

My machines do a lot of stitching so I do not wait until they break down. I take them in once a year for cleaning and maintenance. Only once did I have issues with a tech. And he was brand new to cleaning and maintaining. I'm so sorry you had issues.

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getEdited - SELECT
by marianb edited 12 Mar 2015

I know that clunking sound my 300e also makes a high pitch metal against metal sound, my repair guy said I had worn out the brass barrel that turns everything.. he had never seen that happen before. I know I do a lot of embroidery but didn't think it was that much. It still makes that sound sometimes but he can't find where it's coming from. But thanks for the giggle heard that chaff cutter saying for a long time.


Marian,Sydney

2 comments
Janus48 by Janus48 12 Mar 2015

I had a great mechanic years ago who rigged up a small funnel with some plastic tubing and he'd run that funnel over the engine and listen to the noise. He could tell what any noise was and where it came from. He's retired but these new "techies" could learn a lot from the old pros!!! Did you get your hoops back??

babash by babash 12 Mar 2015

Yes got everything back. Just annoyed they weren't used. They weren't set up when I collected everything so couldn't even do a test myself in the shop.

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by airyfairy 12 Mar 2015

I agree with you. When I was having problems with my machine the tension dial was on 3. When I fetched it and set it up the stitching was terrible - loops everywhere. The tension dial is now on 5. They told me that they had not touched the tension!!!

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by tfk 12 Mar 2015

Thanks for sharing your experience Barbara :)

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by nonna57 11 Mar 2015

Barbara, What is with the machine tecks. I took all 4 machines in, Ok 3 came back purring but the 350 e sounded like a rusty chaff cutter, All good now , Hope the weather is cooiling down. Especially when i get to brissy at Easter . Hopefully have a girls day ... see you then :)

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by sewist1 11 Mar 2015

Have to agree with your statement. The sewing machine tech at one of the dealer clubs I attend said the same thing. He took us through the basics of cleaning and care and told us unless there was a problem the servicing didn't have to be done as often as some like to tell us.

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