Sewing machine "whining" and starts suddenly

**yenemy** · 08-22-2014, 15:58

So I'm wondering if this is a fixable issue with my sewing machine, or if I shouldn't have sold the old Singer I had

I have an entry level Pfaff Hobby sewing machine, and when I go to start a stitch by pressing lightly on the pedal, it starts to "whine" until I hit some threshold on the pedal, then it starts stitching like a bat out of hell. After it gets started, I can adjust the speed appropriately with the pedal, but it's just that sudden start that is bothering me... sometimes it will bang out five or six stitches before I can get it under control.

Thanks!

**sargevining** · 08-22-2014, 16:29

Well,

You could slap it and tell it to man the frik up----that might stop the whining.

**gmcttr** · 08-22-2014, 16:36

Have you thoroughly cleaned and oiled it to be sure it is turning freely?

**VictoriaGuy** · 08-22-2014, 16:40

Originally Posted by yenemy

I have an entry level Pfaff Hobby sewing machine,

Is this a new machine with warranty remaining or an older machine?

**yenemy** · 08-22-2014, 16:42

Originally Posted by VictoriaGuy

Is this a new machine with warranty remaining or an older machine?

It's an older machine... a hand-me-down.

**yenemy** · 08-22-2014, 17:27

Originally Posted by gmcttr

Have you thoroughly cleaned and oiled it to be sure it is turning freely?

I personally haven't, but my mom (the real sewing expert) said she did before she handed it down to me. Once the machine gets going I don't notice anything "sticky" or gummy about it, and when I hand-crank the wheel it turns fine. The whining sounds like an electrical buzz from the motor, you think maybe it's a sticky gear somewhere or something?

**gmcttr** · 08-22-2014, 17:41

If it needs oiled or there is hidden thread wrapped up in the bobbin area, it could take a larger effort for the motor to get it going. Oiling and cleaning is something that needs to be done on a regular basis if the machine is being used a fair amount or has sat idle for some time.

**Big Sweets** · 08-22-2014, 17:46

I think the problem might be in the foot pedal and I would open it up and clean it.

**VictoriaGuy** · 08-22-2014, 18:02

Originally Posted by gmcttr

If it needs oiled or there is hidden thread wrapped up in the bobbin area, it could take a larger effort for the motor to get it going. Oiling and cleaning is something that needs to be done on a regular basis if the machine is being used a fair amount or has sat idle for some time.

+1
I agree on that completely - a machine that's a 'bit gummy' will sew fine, but have difficulty getting started.
A lot of the 'newer' machines like the Pfaff Hobby don't specify many oiling points in the manual, but if you get a look at the innards there may be plastic gears with dried-up grease or other moving parts that haven't been oiled/lubricated recently. Once you have all the moving/sliding/rubbing surfaces cleaned and lubricated, I'd recommend taking the bobbin and needle out and running the machine full tilt for a while. I wouldn't leave it unattended, but a good book or small brick on the foot pedal will do the job. I'd put the machine on zig-zag for at least part of the run-in time.
(Don't forget to raise the presser foot....)

**miyanc** · 08-22-2014, 18:36

Originally Posted by McBlaster

I think the problem might be in the foot pedal and I would open it up and clean it.

My singer 15-91 does that. Gmcttr told me to get a new type of pedal, one that doesnt heat up. I just find the balance. If you press lightly on the pedal let the whine go for a few seconds it will start going slowly. Mine only does this if I let it rest. If I am sewing, start and stop adjust start again it doesnt continue. But if I stop for a few minutes its there again. Someday I will get a new style pedal.