Is getting a sewing machine cleaned and reconditioned worth it?

[mommy2serena]

I have been on the lookout for a good sewing machine, and I just found one for sale on craigslist not too far from me. She said it is a portable, I'm not sure what kind it is yet. It's FREE! BUT... This is part of the email...
**I have one portable left. However, you must know that it is quite dirty and
will need cleaning and probably reconditioning since it's been stored for 2-3
years. It was working when my Mom used it last but someone will have to see it
as inexpensive to go through if it costs a little since it started free. Just
wanted you to know. **
So what do you think? I know it's free, but should I bother or just look for one (the kind with the table attatched) at a yerd sale for like 50 bucks? How much is cleaning and reconditioning going to cost and where should I get it done? : Should I just keep looking? TIA!

[sabrinat]

Give me a bit more info...what is it? If it's an older all metal machine...yes, it's worth it and you could probably do it yourself...if it's plastic, not to be snobby, but probably not. What make and model is it? I'd say get it if it's free and if you don't end up going with it, offer back on craigslist or freecycle.

[mommy_e]

My local sewing shop (not a chain) charges $48.50 for a cleaning and tune-up. Parts are extra, but estimates are included in the cleaning charge. I would get it, research it and if you don't want to spend money on it, put it back out for free. You could also take it into a shop and ask them if it is worth fixing. Honestly, if it has just been stored, a cleaning may be all it needs.

[Mallori]

PP's had some good thoughts to consider.

In my experience, if it's a good machine, it's worth EVERY PENNY to have it professionally cleaned and reconditioned. Not only initially, but every so often.

I have my MIL's bernina that she is letting me use as she got a new one. I'm about to take it in to be checked and cleaned.

[magpie mamma]

I have an old singer, portable (but a metal beast)that I get cleaned and reconditioned and it is great, it does not do anything fancy but it is worth it, I spend about $40 - 50 to get it done.

[courtenay_e]

Frankly, I wouldn't worry about whether it has a table attached (actually, I think those are harder to sew on...), I'd worry more about what the machine is worth. What pp said about metal innards vs plastic ones is very true. I would take it, too, take it to the shop (I pay about $45 to get it cleaned and oiled, and if there are repairs to be made, they quote those at that time for free), and see what they say about whether they think it's worth it. At the very least, perhaps you could use it to trade in for something else! Just a thought.

[merihannon]

absolutely get it cleaned!A sewing machine is just like a car,they have to be maintained.My dad has been a sewing machine mechanic (berninas) for 20 years,you would not believe the funk he pulls out of them!

[art4babies]

yup - probably one worth it if it is a metal-geared machine. I am not sure, but I think they stopped making the metal-driven ones around 1975. If plastic, you will spend about 50 bucks on some prolonged frustration.