Bernina 1001

I have a 1008 which is a later edition of that machine. Assuming they are similar, which is always dangerous, the only user oiling point, it says in the manual, is 1-2 drops of oil onto the rotary hook of the bobbin, after every 4 hours of use. I do take the body work off the back and front about once a year and give it a good cleaning and then grease or oil the various moving pivot points of the mechanism, though. This is what is normally thought of as servicing the machine. Other than oiling the bobbin hook, I think you should only need to get the fuzz out from under the needle plate area with one of those small vacuums attachments and it should keep on humming for years. They are truly simple, yet wonderful machines. They are the kind of machine that made Bernina famous, and I am glad they still make at least one like it, in their product line. I love their computer machines, but their mechanical ones are just so much fun to use.

John

John, Thank you for the oiling information. I had oiled a little inside the bobbin case but I haven't been brave enough to unscrew the back of the machine and I don't see any place to take off the front. My old Bernina 830 had parts which opened on hinges but this machine doesn't seem to have those.

Metbury

There are really no "places" to take off on the front, like there are at the rear. What I had to do to solve a problem on my particular machine was delve into the inner workings of the reverse lever on the stitch length regulator. I had to remove all the dials and lever knobs and then there are a couple of screws that hold the plate with the position markings on it. That allows for the removal of the markings plate and allows access to the mystery of the inner workings where I was able to solve the problem that was plaguing my reverse lever. While I had it apart, I took the opportunity to oil and grease all the moving pivot and friction bearing parts. This procedure was never intended to be done by the casual home user, and I am not recommending it unless you have an internal problem that can be rectified by delving into that area for solution. Taking off the back body work is a safe enough, and relatively straightforward procedure, that is well within the abilities of most people. You should not have any problem removing and reinstalling the panels to allow you to access the internal parts, on the back, that require periodic lubrication. Just be sure to clean out all the dust bunnies that hide in those recesses as they can detract from the smooth and silent operation of this wonderful machine.

John

John

John,

Thanks for that great information, I think I may take the back off and give it a good cleaning. Is the oil which came with the machine good enough or will I need a much thicker oil?

Metbury

I'm so glad you like your Bernina! I love my 1005...

This is the only manual I've found: bit on the pricey side, but probably worth it!

The best oil you could use is one that comes with the machine. It is a very light weight machine oil. If you see an area that has a rotating pivot point, that has a bearing surface, that should be a place that is oiled. Also, the needle bar, which is a round bar that travels horizontally under the needle plate and passes through 2 sleeves, or bearing surfaces. It goes back and forth as the machine is turned by hand. You could put a few drops on that bar where it passes through the support bearings. Any other rotating bearing ends of any rotating arms, can take a few drops of oil, also. Just don't deluge the whole area with oil, as it can start flying around and get on what you are sewing, especially in the upper area of the harp, which passes over the open area above where you are passing fabric. You will be fine. Just unplug the machine and turn the hand wheel to make the various parts move in order to see what you need to clean and oil. Don't run the machine, with the covers off. There are a lot of moving parts in there and they will bite.

John

Tomorrow will be machine cleaning and oiling day, much better than housework.

Thank you for the good advice John, without all your information I would not be prepared to tackle the job. Metbury

Kate, thank you for the link to the manual. I think I will hang fire for a while and keep my fingers crossed that the previous owner will find the manual which belongs to the machine. She swears it is only misplaced and not lost! Metbury

Metbury:

You can find the whole manual for this machine here:

URL ->

I hope this will help you. Please, download this and keep it in your computer.

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