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Are The Days of The Sewing Machine Mechanic Numbered?

2K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  DanTwoLakes 
#1 ·
I was in my local sewing machine shop, which by the way, is one of the few left here in Brooklyn, and I was speaking to the owner. He's been in the business for over 40 years and feels that the days of the sewing machine mechanic are numbered in the USA. He told me that at one time, Bush Terminal, a local commercial factory location, had over 500 factories with sewing machines. Now day's it's down to 4. He was lucky enough to have service contract with most of them. He said that so many items are made overseas that the the days of the sewing machine mechanic here in the USA are numbered. I believe it because I myself have only been able to locate 2 here in Brooklyn, NY. There is one other spot for repairs - but I found out he only acts as a middle man and sends the work out to the local shop near me. Is it like this in the rest of the country as well? What's your opinion?
 
#2 · (Edited)
You should live out here in East Galoshes Corners Wisconsin. The closest shop to me, that I trust, is about 275 miles away. It's all a case of supply and demand. If there are machines to fix, there will be mechanics to fix them.

Not only are sewing machine mechanics going by the wayside, so are upholsterers. As they get older and retire, there is no one coming in to replace them. Upholsterers don't take in apprentices any more because they're afraid whoever they train will open up their own business and be their competition.
 
#3 ·
DanTwoLakes said:
You should live out here in East Galoshes Corners Wisconsin. The closest shop to me, that I trust, is about 275 miles away. It's all a case of supply and demand. If there are machines to fix, there will be mechanics to fix them.

Not only are sewing machine mechanics going by the wayside, so are upholsterers. As they get older and retire, there is no one coming in to replace them. Upholsterers don't take in apprentices any more because they're afraid whoever they train will open up their own business and be their competition.
There must be a million mechanics in China, Mexico and Central America.
 
#4 ·
Sewing mechainc

Coodeville said:
I was in my local sewing machine shop, which by the way, is one of the few left here in Brooklyn, and I was speaking to the owner. He's been in the business for over 40 years and feels that the days of the sewing machine mechanic are numbered in the USA. He told me that at one time, Bush Terminal, a local commercial factory location, had over 500 factories with sewing machines. Now day's it's down to 4. He was lucky enough to have service contract with most of them. He said that so many items are made overseas that the the days of the sewing machine mechanic here in the USA are numbered. I believe it because I myself have only been able to locate 2 here in Brooklyn, NY. There is one other spot for repairs - but I found out he only acts as a middle man and sends the work out to the local shop near me. Is it like this in the rest of the country as well? What's your opinion?
I have a few oldies from the late 20's and 30's, there places on line to get parts and if you build a rod engine a sewing machine is a walk in the park.

timing is the #1 problem with sewing machines :nono:
too much oil # 2 problem :nono:
and dust and dirt in the feed dogs :rolleyes:
 
#5 ·
1939P7 said:
I have a few oldies from the late 20's and 30's, there places on line to get parts and if you build a rod engine a sewing machine is a walk in the park.

timing is the #1 problem with sewing machines :nono:
too much oil # 2 problem :nono:
and dust and dirt in the feed dogs :rolleyes:
Where can I get parts for my Consew 225? I need a presser foot adjuster.
 
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