I picke up my Touch and Sew today. The work order said, set timing, set tensions, lube and service. I guess that is standard no matter what the problem because I didnt ask for anything but the tension issues to be fixed. But it was probably due anyway, it has been over a yr. Budster, as far as their saying anything about the T&S in general, there was nothing. The man who worked on it just explained the tension dial and how the set screw works and that it probably was not set right and that is why the dial came right off. He said to keep it on #4. Like I said earlier, I ususally don't have to adjust the tension very often. So, I'm back in operation...hopefully for another 10 yrs. or "sew". Thanks all for your input. So many posters rave about their Berninas, Janomes, Brothers, etc. Are they not all they are cracked up to be? Do they require a lot of repairs? For those of you who own these machines, what is your biggest gripe about them?

Well! I've read this with great interest, since I just inabled my 626 Touch & Sew. Boy, do I feel foolish. It was a perfect-working machine, until I tried to sew too many layers of upholstery fabric...then I guess I threw the timing out of whack. Needle won't pick up the bobbin thread, needle doesn't go quite all the way down. Anyway, it doesn't sew and I'm sorry! I love this machine. My mother bought it new, however many yrs ago, and I've only gotten it from her several months ago...and now, I've inabled it. Whoa is I. The repairman says he won't just fix the timing; says the gears have to taken out, or something like that; says it'll cost $80, cause he has to "service" it also. Maybe it's worth that; I don't know. What I'd rather try first is to see if there's information available that will allow me to fix it myself. Anyone know where I can find such info; or if you think it's possible - or not - that I fix it myself? Thanks!

OMG! Artemis, if you decide you want to get rid of that machine (and it works), let me know. I bought one when I was still in HS & paid $18/mo. Mine had the cams for all the decorative stitches & I paid a whopping $300+ back then. I sewed on it practically every day. That is the best machine I've ever had. I could sew upholstery fabric without a problem. I burned up the foot pedal & decided to get a new machine. I wasn't pleased with it, but used it for a few years. One day I decided to have my Singer fixed. When I was sewing with it, my daughter came out of her room & said, "I remember that sound". After that, I had it fixed so many times that it couldn't be fixed anymore. I literally wore it out! I still have it tho. I saw on a website, but can't remember where, that people are actually collecting those machines. Those machines lasted so long & that's why Singer went to plastic machines so they would wear out. You'll love it. I had the buttonhole attachment that made wonderful buttonholes. I haven't been able to make a good buttonhole since then now that you have to zig zag for awhile & turn back, etc.

We are 2 active and messy cooks in the kitchen with 1 furry Jack Russell Terrier who sheds white hairs everywhere. We have unstained maple floors, finished in place with 3 coats of Swedish. I vacuum every few days with the flat soft brush attachment on my canister vac. I don't use the beater bar attachment, just the plain floor sweeper head that gets attached to the wand. It doesn't scratch, and I'm careful to check it each time before I use it to make sure no grit or dirt is stuck on it. That gets up most of the crumbs, hairs, and dust/dirt. It's the loose dirt that gets tracked in that you want to get rid of, as it can scratch the finish over time. About once a month I'll use the Bona wood floor product with the microfiber mop that comes with it. That gets up any accumulated grease that might settle down over time. We put large washable cotton area rugs (some decent ones are at IKEA) in front of the stove and the prep sink/island. I make sure to vacuum and wash them periodically, and lift them to vacuum underneath as that's where a lot of dirt will build up. The most important rug is the one in front of the rangetop, as cooking grease that vaporizes and splatters onto the floor around the stove can be the most destructive to the finish over 20 years of use. All spills are wiped up immediately, even droplets of water from wet dishes and hands. And all chairs and even the dining table legs have thick industrial strength felt pads under them (the super sturdy tan colored ones from HD). The pads are changed at least once a year, as they can build up grit which then scratches your floors as you move the chairs. And most importantly, all shoes are left at the front door. No high heels and dirt are allowed to track on the wood floors in the kitchen or great room. It's been 3 years since the renovation and they still look brand new. Wood floors can be a wonderful investment, but you have to take care of them. Wall to wall carpet can take a lot of abuse and hide a multitude of sins, but your wood floors will show how good a housekeeper you are, LOL.