Back on October 23, this group was helping me with a machine that just could not form stitches. This happened after I tried sewing some old, sticky Velcro.
Finally, after taking this groups advice, the first thing I did was clean the bottom mechanism thoroughly. Took it all apart and cleaned it out with Q-tips and MEK. (did not have any acetone on hand).
Did not look very dirty, BUT, the machine works like a charm now.
Thanks again all !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ivan Vegvary
Glad to see that it worked! It's amazing how the smallest accumulation of lint can gum things up. Another trouble spot that I've found is the upper thread tension discs - "flossing" them with a sheet of clean paper has always helped.
Happy sewing!
As a member of the group who responded, you're very welcome! It's funny how a thorough cleaning, a new needle and completely re-threading the machine often cures stitch problems. I'm happy for you that you have your machine is working well again. Just a note of caution, if you used some sort of solvent (I am not familiar with "MEK") to clean the bobbin area, make sure you lubricate it well, following the instructions in your manual.
MEK = methyl ethyl ketone, aka methyl acetone or 2-butanone. Extremely flammable as liquid or vapor, can cause a flash fire. CNS toxicant, skin irritant, absorbed through skin or by inhalation, very much not good stuff to ingest.
Hope you used it outdoors or in a fume hood. Vodka, everclear and/or rubbing alcohol work about as well for cleanup and are a whole lot less toxic. Might have to work on the goo a bit longer with ethanol or isopropanol, but you'd get there.
Kay
Ack!!!!! Scary stuff....
How bad is Goof Off®? I see on the label it contains: "Acetone, Xylene, Ethelbenzene, Butyl Carbitol, petroleum distillates and Toluene". Sounds like a pretty toxic mix as well.
Is Goo Gone® any nicer?
For cleaning your sewing machine? I think they're overkill (e.g they would probably dissolve paint and plastic), unless you are removing dried and gummy oil or adhesive residue on bare metal. I used them both for removing magic-marker stains, adhesives and the like; they're both good. I've used them for years, and am still alive, LOL!
Nah, just wondering, as a cleaning agent, how dangerous they are.
Me too! ;-)
Beverly
I prefer ethanol and elbow grease, but it's a lot better than MEK: Goo Gone:
MEK:
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