How to lubricate a bernette 80e - Bernina Activa 140

The manual for the Bernina Bernette 65 are available from the manufacturer here: https://www.bernina.com/getdoc/6d2754b8-af09-4edb-a6a6-7a4c57965b8d/bernette-55-65-80e-90e . The three dials, from left to right, are thread tension, stitch length, and stitch width (page 9, page 12 of the PDF). See page 24 (page 42 of th ePDF for the pictures of the appearance of the correct tension versus the incorrect top thread tension. For best tension testing, use different color top and bobbin threads. Do use the same thread type and needle appropriate for your fabric and use scrap from that same fabric. In general, if the top thread is visible on the under side of the stitched fabric, increase the tension (turn the dial to a higher number). If the bobbin thread is visible on the top of the fabric, reduce the tension (lower number). Make sure that the machine is properly threaded. (Make sure that the presser foot was up during threading and is raised when you adjust the tension dial.) Start with the tension at 4 and change the tension in small steps. (Do not turn the dial more by 0.5 before stitching a line to test the tension again. You want to avoid over-correcting.) When the tension is correct, the top and bobbin threads will meet between the two layers of fabric for a normal seam.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(These steps are the same for any sewing machine with user tension adjustments.)

https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-US/Out-of-Print-Manuals/bernette-manuals/Bernette-Sewing-Machines

https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Local-Resources/USA/OutOfPrintManuals/bernette-55-65-80e-90e

The bobbin spindle needs to be moved to the left in the slot to disengage the winding mechanism. (It may be easier to do this with the bobbin on the spindle. The bobbin and spindle should be moved to the right after putting the bobbin on for winding.)

The directions and pictures for winding the bobbin are on page 30-31 of the manual. The manual is available from Bernina on their support page for the out-of-print Bernette machine manuals: .http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-US/Out-of-Print-Manuals/bernette-manuals/Bernette-Sewing-Machines . The direct link to the Bernette 65 manual is here: http://www.bernina.com/getdoc/6d2754b8-af09-4edb-a6a6-7a4c57965b8d/bernette-55-65-80e-90e .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

There is little to no maintenance on this machine in general. The machine is fitted with oil impregnated sintered (powdered metal) bearings that are self lubricating. About 12 to 15% of the physical volume of such a porous bearing is oil. Adding additional oil will not absorb into the already oil saturated bearing, so adding oil will only create problems such as a messy oily machine and subsequent oil varnishing on parts.
However, the front cover on the needle bar end of the machine can be removed for lubricating the take-up lever and needle bar mechanisms. The balance of the machine should be left as is without oil. Periodic removal of lint with compressed air is advisable in the hook and bobbin case area.
Over the years, it has been found that over lubrication is more harmful than under lubricating Bernina machines.
http://www.sewtechnical.com/

sometimes you can put oil on an old cloth and sew through it a few times sometimes that carries exactly the right amount of oil to places u need it Unless you need a real lubrication. hope this helps u

contact bernina customer service

If it's old and has never been run, it will need a proper service fro the parts that have become immobile due to the lubricant "gumming up".

Off to the sewing machine shop for you!

There is also a tension adjustment on teh bobbin. It's just a little screw. Turn it about 1/4 to 1/2 turn and try again. Adjust as needed a little at a time.

Please don't use WD40 on your sewing machine, WD40 is an alcohol based cleaner and will do the opposite of lubricate. Take your machine to a certified Bernina Repair shop, they will have a look at the timing and lubricate all of your gears. Lubricant will dry out over time, grease turns to putty and oils turn to varnish after several years of non-service. Lint is attracted to moisture, moisture being those key areas of any machine. Lint acts like an oil wick and will draw out your lubricant from key areas. It then begins to attract dust and other nasty things over the years to become grit. Your motor begins to burn out due to stress trying to move all of these clocked gears, cams and shafts. Take your machine in!