Professional Vintage Sewing Machine
Tune-Ups in Portland

My training as a Sewing Doc Academy apprentice technician means your vintage machine is serviced using proven, standardized techniques developed by industry experts. The academy’s comprehensive curriculum covers everything from basic maintenance to complex mechanical repairs, with special emphasis on vintage machine restoration. I follow their detailed service protocols and have access to ongoing support from master technicians, ensuring your machine receives professional-quality care. This combination of structured training and hands-on experience allows me to deliver reliable, thorough service while maintaining the high standards the academy is known for.

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What's Included in Every Tune-Up

  • Remove and clean needle plate, feed dogs, and bobbin area of all lint and debris
  • Deep clean hook race and remove old oil buildup
  • Clean tension discs and thread path completely
  • Remove lint from needle bar and presser bar areas
  • Clean all upper and lower mechanism cavities
  • Degrease and clean all gear assemblies
  • Clean motor housing and internal components (if applicable)
  • Remove debris from all crevices with compressed air
  • Clean bobbin winder mechanism
  • Wipe down all external surfaces with appropriate cleaners
  • Oil hook race and bobbin case area with proper grade sewing machine oil
  • Lubricate needle bar and presser bar bushings
  • Oil all connecting rod joints and linkages
  • Grease gears with appropriate sewing machine grease
  • Lubricate cam stack (zigzag machines)
  • Oil all pivot points and bearings
  • Lubricate handwheel shaft
  • Oil motor bearings (if serviceable)
  • Apply grease to appropriate worm gears
  • Ensure proper oil distribution without over-lubrication
  • Set hook timing to factory specifications
  • Adjust needle bar height for proper stitch formation
  • Set hook-to-needle clearance precisely
  • Center needle in needle plate hole
  • Calibrate feed timing with needle movement
  • Balance upper tension for various thread weights
  • Adjust bobbin case tension to specifications
  • Set presser foot pressure for optimal fabric feeding
  • Time thread take-up lever movement
  • Verify all timing relationships are synchronized
  • Test motor operation at all speeds
  • Check power cord for cracks, wear, or damage
  • Inspect internal wiring connections
  • Test foot pedal/controller operation and internal components
  • Check motor brushes for wear (if applicable)
  • Verify proper grounding
  • Test light bulb and socket connection
  • Inspect all electrical terminals for corrosion
  • Check capacitor condition (if present)
  • Ensure all electrical components meet safety standards
  • Remove and thoroughly clean hook assembly
  • Polish hook race to remove burrs
  • Check hook point for damage or wear
  • Verify proper hook-to-needle clearance
  • Ensure hook retaining finger position is correct
  • Check bobbin case fit and tension spring
  • Align hook driver precisely
  • Verify smooth hook rotation without binding
  • Test bobbin case ejection and insertion
  • Ensure proper thread pickup during sewing cycle
  • Polish chrome hand wheel and trim
  • Clean and shine needle plate
  • Polish presser foot and attachments
  • Restore shine to metal spool pins
  • Clean and polish face plate
  • Remove tarnish from brass or copper components
  • Buff out minor scratches where possible
  • Apply protective coating to prevent future tarnishing
  • Clean brand badges and model plates
  • Detail all visible metal components
  • Document initial stitch quality issues
  • Test on multiple fabric weights
  • Record any skipped stitches or tension problems
  • Note noise levels and unusual sounds
  • Check all stitch patterns (if applicable)
  • Light bulbs
  • Rubber motor belts
  • Bobbin winder tires
  • Motor brushes
  • Needle plates (if damaged)
  • Presser feet (if worn)
  • Tension springs
  • Gears (if worn or broken)
  • Electrical cords or plugs
  • Any other parts showing wear or damage

Service Options & Pricing

Base Tune Up

$100

Rush Service

+$40

Travel to Pick Up and Drop Off From Your Home

+$25

Standard Turnaround: 10-14 days

Schedule your Machine Service

    Service Type (check all that apply):
    Standard Tune-Up ($100)Rush Service (+$40)Multiple machinesJust need estimate

    Delivery Options (check all that apply):
    I'll drop off at workshopNeed pickup & drop off service (+$25)