Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this detailed step-by-step guide, Chris walks you through the entire process of removing, cleaning, and oiling an 8-series sewing machine. Whether you're a technician or just maintaining your machine, this video covers everything from tool selection to fine-tuning your machine for optimal performance. Follow along as we go through cover removal, cleaning, oiling, and reassembly.
Key Points Covered:
Tools Needed:
T20 driver for most screws
T15 driver for specific parts of the machine
A small driver for removing the door on the front of the machine
Step-by-Step Cover Removal:
How to safely remove the door and covers, paying attention to sensors and circuit boards.
Ensuring you don't lose small parts like grommets or screws by using a magnet tray.
How to properly detach ribbon cables from the circuit board without causing damage.
Cleaning the Machine:
Once the machine is stripped down, inspect it for thread lock, debris, and carbon buildup in the motor.
Use air to blow out carbon from the motor for better performance.
Importance of using a brush to clean gears and the underside of the machine to avoid future timing issues.
Oiling the Machine:
Recommended oil: Mobile Velocite 6 spindle oil, as per Bernina's recommendation.
Key areas to oil include the upper shaft, take-up crank, needle bar, and bushings.
Ensure proper oiling of the knife mechanism and hook race to maintain smooth operations.
Reassembly Process:
How to carefully reattach the front and back covers, ensuring ribbon cables and plugs are correctly placed.
Replacing screws and ensuring the correct screws are used in the right locations.
The final steps include reinstalling the needle plate and checking the machine for proper functionality.
Testing and Calibration:
After reassembly, the machine is tested for proper stitching and motor calibration.
It's important to test functions like reverse cycle, thread cutter, and feed stepper motor to ensure everything is working as it should.
Final Cleaning and Polishing:
Clean the exterior of the machine using a rag sprayed with a mild cleaner like Windex or isopropyl alcohol to remove fingerprints or marks.
Use a plastic-based polish to shine up the machine, especially around the screen and high-contact areas.
Final Thoughts:
This detailed maintenance routine ensures your 8-series sewing machine stays in optimal working condition for longer.
Follow along and take the necessary steps to ensure your machine is thoroughly cleaned, oiled, and ready for peak performance.
In this detailed step-by-step guide, Chris walks you through the entire process of removing, cleaning, and oiling an 8-series sewing machine. Whether you're a technician or just maintaining your machine, this video covers everything from tool selection to fine-tuning your machine for optimal performance. Follow along as we go through cover removal, cleaning, oiling, and reassembly.
Key Points Covered:
Tools Needed:
T20 driver for most screws
T15 driver for specific parts of the machine
A small driver for removing the door on the front of the machine
Step-by-Step Cover Removal:
How to safely remove the door and covers, paying attention to sensors and circuit boards.
Ensuring you don't lose small parts like grommets or screws by using a magnet tray.
How to properly detach ribbon cables from the circuit board without causing damage.
Cleaning the Machine:
Once the machine is stripped down, inspect it for thread lock, debris, and carbon buildup in the motor.
Use air to blow out carbon from the motor for better performance.
Importance of using a brush to clean gears and the underside of the machine to avoid future timing issues.
Oiling the Machine:
Recommended oil: Mobile Velocite 6 spindle oil, as per Bernina's recommendation.
Key areas to oil include the upper shaft, take-up crank, needle bar, and bushings.
Ensure proper oiling of the knife mechanism and hook race to maintain smooth operations.
Reassembly Process:
How to carefully reattach the front and back covers, ensuring ribbon cables and plugs are correctly placed.
Replacing screws and ensuring the correct screws are used in the right locations.
The final steps include reinstalling the needle plate and checking the machine for proper functionality.
Testing and Calibration:
After reassembly, the machine is tested for proper stitching and motor calibration.
It's important to test functions like reverse cycle, thread cutter, and feed stepper motor to ensure everything is working as it should.
Final Cleaning and Polishing:
Clean the exterior of the machine using a rag sprayed with a mild cleaner like Windex or isopropyl alcohol to remove fingerprints or marks.
Use a plastic-based polish to shine up the machine, especially around the screen and high-contact areas.
Final Thoughts:
This detailed maintenance routine ensures your 8-series sewing machine stays in optimal working condition for longer.
Follow along and take the necessary steps to ensure your machine is thoroughly cleaned, oiled, and ready for peak performance.










