New machines supposedly don't need oiling but since I keep my machines forever, I've found they do need a bit. I was having problems with my Artista 180 which supposedly I didn't have to oil (except for the bobbin area). I have had it serviced occasionally. It doesn't get used everyday like it used to so I don't take it in often. One day the needle wouldn't move all the down. It moved side to side but not up and down. I finally went ahead and opened the face and looked at it. I oiled the needle bar and each junction with other metal, turned the hand wheel a few times and left it. The next day it worked fine. I'm hesitant to do much to my Artistas but from now on I will do that. I put a drop of oil in the bobbin area every time I change the bobbin in all my machines. It seems to keep them running smooth and quiet.