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seems as though you're encountering trouble while sewing little plans like stones, where the development becomes more diligently and afterward stalls out. This could be because of different factors, for example, needle issues, string strain, or machine support. Checking these angles could assist with further developing the sewing system.
How long has it been since being thoroughly cleaned and oiled? Usually, older mechanical machines will slow when the oil turns to glue and begins to bind the moving parts. Frequently, you will also notice that the motor appears to be straining to run the machine. If this is the problem, continued use could damage the motor.
Could be that since it has set for years without use or maintenance, the old oil has dried out and the motor is straining to run the machine without sufficient lubrication. Trying to run the machine in its present condition could damage the motor. Your machine very likely just needs a thorough oiling (1-2 drops of fresh good quality serger oil) every place that metal rubs on metal. (Sergers usually take a lighter-weight clear oil--different from what sewing machines would use.) You should probably throw out the oil that came with the machine. It is probably old and should not be used in your machine.
A serger requires much more frequent oiling (the moving parts behind the front door, ie the looper mechanics, etc.) than a sewing machine. In addition, about every year I take the bottom off my serger and lube the moving metal parts inside with Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube. It has a whole different sound after getting some TLC!
To keep your serger operating for years, be sure to regularly clean and apply a couple drops of lube as recommended in the owner's manual (maintenance section).
The needlebar position is off. You may want to take it for service.
Do you like this machine? You've used it for several years, know how to use it, etc. What does a general service cost? Perhaps $100-150. So where would you find a replacement machine for that amount? It is generally recommended that machines be serviced once a year, so you have saved enough over the years to afford a service call.
IMHO, I'd rather fix an older machine that I love than buy a new machine that doesn't work as well as the old one...
If your machine was serviced a year ago and you use it extensively, it is probably due for another service. Recommendations are once a year.
Consult your owner's manual. Sounds like it probably needs cleaning and oiling, especially since you said you use it a lot. They do need some periodic TLC to keep them operating well. Mechanical machines, especially, do need maintenance. (You wouldn't run your car without oil.) The fact that the motor is straining but things are not moving is a good indication that it needs some attention. Do NOT run the motor if the machine is frozen--you could burn up the motor or cause other damage!
Call your local service shop. Baby Locks in closets for years usually have this problem The manual recommends annual maintenance by a pro, and they will oil the internal lobes of the feed dog apparatus. It cannot be oiled from the outside, nor with covers off, but must be taken apart. If those lobes lose the oil and heat up you will feel "surging" then slowing repeatedly -- fast then slow then fast etc -- until the lobes over heat and sort of weld themselves to that small barrel looking case. So a Baby Lock can sew, then temporarily be sluggish then later slow till sluggish; and at worst, seem to be doing everything right BUT not advancing the cloth -- that's when the worst damage is done and professional repair is needed. In PA might cost $150 to fix. $70 in parts; $80 in labor (2012 prices) Been there, done that.
Hi, sounds like something in the head/needle bar area broke or came loose. I'm sure it could be repaired but I don't know if that is the best thing to do. No matter how good the tech is, the machine still has 20 years of use in the other areas. I would probably think about replacing it.
Please don't use WD40 on your sewing machine, WD40 is an alcohol based cleaner and will do the opposite of lubricate. Take your machine to a certified Bernina Repair shop, they will have a look at the timing and lubricate all of your gears. Lubricant will dry out over time, grease turns to putty and oils turn to varnish after several years of non-service. Lint is attracted to moisture, moisture being those key areas of any machine. Lint acts like an oil wick and will draw out your lubricant from key areas. It then begins to attract dust and other nasty things over the years to become grit. Your motor begins to burn out due to stress trying to move all of these clocked gears, cams and shafts. Take your machine in!
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