Monday, March 23, 2009

Bubba needs help!

Well, Bubba is back home. But he isn't fixed. When I first sewed with him on Sunday morning, I thought everything was great. But as I kept sewing, the sound came back. I'm getting very discouraged and need help!

When we start sewing, all is fine, but if I sew for 30-45 minutes pretty constantly, the noise starts. It starts as the needle is almost to the completely down position and then stops as the needle gets about a third of the way to the up most position. It's sort of a wonking or waahing sound like there are 2 or more pieces that are rubbing against each other and there is no lubrication for the motion. It's not an extremely loud sound, but I also don't think that it is supposed to be happening.

And here is what I have done to try and correct it - I have been constantly cleaning the lint and loose threads out of the bottom of the machine from the bobbin area and under the face plate. I have removed the face plate to make sure that there isn't any lint or anything under it that I can't see when the bobbin is out. I have even taken the casing off of the top part of the machine to make sure that there is no lint there. I have had it cleaned and they said that they removed a burr from the bobbin case. But it didn't do anything for the noise.

I am not sure what else to do. I have emailed Brother to see what they say. I'm sure it's going to be "Take it to a Brother Dealer for service," but if I do that, then I don't have him for 3 weeks and I can not handle not being able to sew for 3 more weeks. And I wouldn't be able to count on having him back in time for retreat because of where he has to go and my working on Saturday's at the shop.

Does anyone have any ideas? Any suggestions? Had to deal with this issue? Have any experience with a Brother Innovis 450Q machine? At this point, I am up to just about anything!

9 comments:

Regina said...

Oh noooooo......

I wish I had the magic cure for Bubba.... fingers crossed that you find one!!!

Anonymous said...

I know a guy who is out of Middletown, he will come to your house and fix it for you. His number is 513-423-3801 (Browns Sewing Services). He charges $99, it is a little higher than you might pay elsewhere, but least you will not have to go without your machine.

Myra said...

I am sorry to hear you are still having "issues" with Bubba...

Does this noise come from the upper portion of the machine, or from down in the bobbin area?

Have you notice if it happens when the bobbin you are using is almost empty of thread?

Just putting that out there... Otherwise I haven't a clue...

EngrSandi said...

Does it matter which bobbin you use? In a recent quilt magazine (sorry, don't remember which one), there was an article about what your sewing machine repairman (how sexist!) won't tell you. Anyway, one of the tips was that a bent or nicked bobbin would cause various problems. I'd never considered it, but it makes some sense, especially if you've broken a needle - and who hasn't? I hope it's something as simple as this, I know how painful it can be to let your machine go away for a few weeks, especially right before a retreat! Good Luck!

ZONE F DG TEAM said...

I don't suspect throwing it from the housetop is an option....

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

I don't have any solutions, but I'm sending good vibes your way that he's up and running in perfect condition soon! Good luck, Jill!

Jen said...

I don't know...other than to say I'm super pissed along with you!!

Linda said...

Hey, Jill, I don't have advice on your machine, but I do have a spare that you're more than welcome to borrow for as long as you need it, including retreat time. It's a Brother as well. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but at least you could do piecing on it. Let me know, neighbor!

Moneik said...

I so feel for you! That's just not what should happen when you've had it to the dealer. I hope something works out for you. We need it to be in tip top piecing shape for the retreat.