Ever heard the whispers that sewing machine oil and tufting guns are a no-go? Get ready for the truth about why your tufting machine actually craves oil!
Your tufting machine relies on maintenance to keep it functioning properly, this includes regularly oiling your machine to keep it tufting smoothly. This guide debunks the rumours and tells you exactly what oils are actually safe to use with your tufting machine.
Why sewing machine oil is the best lubricant for tufting machines
Sewing machine oil is a refined mineral oil with a light viscosity. It is a lubricant designed to lessen the friction between the machine’s parts to prevent them from grinding on one another and wearing down. Its low viscosity makes it the perfect lubricant to keep your tufting machine running smoothly and it has the added benefit of also being clear and odourless - so no accidental stains or smells on your rugs!
Origins of the myth - sewing machine oil for your tufting gun
The myth that sewing machine oil shouldn’t be used on your tufting machine stems from a simple mix-up between two different lubricants - sewing machine oil and sewing machine grease.
Sewing Machine Grease - Gripping Lubricant
Grease is used on some sewing machines with metal gears, for example old vintage Singer models. Grease is an oil with a thickener added to it, it is a sticky, viscose lubricant which provides grip so the lubricant stays in place as the gears spin. Grease is not the same as sewing machine oil and it is not usually sold in haberdashery shops, this is because most modern sewing machines do not require this type of maintenance.
Sewing machine grease should not be used to lubricate a tufting machine.
Sewing Machine Oil - Slick Lubricant
The sewing machine oil sold in most haberdashery stores is not designed to act as a ‘gripper’ for a sewing machine’s gears. Traditionally sewing machine oil is applied in areas such as the needle bar, the bobbin case (the metal spool casing) as well as some other metal on metal bearings. This varies from machine to machine and some modern sewing machines do not require any oil. Sewing machine oil is refined mineral oil. It is a smooth, light viscosity lubricant which lessens the friction between the machine’s parts.
Sewing machine oil has the perfect properties to lubricate your tufting machine.
How can i tell the difference between a sewing machine oil and grease?
If you are ever in doubt as to whether you’ve got a sewing machine oil or a sewing machine grease, check the viscosity of your lubricant - at room temperature greases are usually solid while oils are usually liquid. If it is solid or it feels thick or tacky do not use it on your tufting gun!
What oils are safe to use with a tufting machine?
Here is our guide to what oil you can safely use on your AK tufting gun:
- Sewing machine oil - yes the perfect lubricant
- Grease - no, too thick and sticky
- 3-in-1 Oil - no, the solvents it contains evaporate over time leaving a sticky gummy residue that creates more friction and clogs up your machine
- WD-40 - no, does not provide adequate lubrication and leaves behind a crystalline residue
- Anything that smells like gasoline - no
- Motor oil - that’s for your car
- Olive oil - that’s for your food
- Butter - no 💀
How often should I oil my tufting machine?
This varies between models and you should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your tufting gun. For an authentic AK-I Cut Pile tufting gun, you can follow these instructions:
- Ensure your tufting machine is switched off and not plugged into the wall
- Every Week - add a drop of sewing machine oil to each linear bearing (the four main metal bars/rails) by applying behind and in front of the white squares. Also add a drop to the 4 rod end bearings, these are the rotating bearings at the ends of the upper and lower machine bars.
- Every Month - add a drop of sewing machine oil to each metal part that moves (you can manually twist the gear of your gun to identify which metal parts have movement).
- Once oiled you can plug in and turn on your machine. With your tufting gun far away from your body, press the trigger a few times to evenly distribute the oil.
- Add additional drops as needed until the machine runs smoothly.
Oiling your machine summary
Congratulations - you are now a qualified oiler! Remember to keep your tufting machine happy be sure to feed it the right oil every week.
Tuftbox recommends Hemline’s machine oil - it’s a fine quality machine oil that comes in a neat little bottle with a fine nozzle for precise application.
Happy Tufting!
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