I have had a Tin Lizzie for 2 years and have had only one serious problem. I fried a circuit board in the stitch regulator control box. Took machine into shop and they fixed it while I waited. I was lucky. I agree with Janetlmt -- call Ernie the owner of Tin Lizzie. He seems to be very helpful when problems arise, at least he has been to some of friends who have a Tin Lizzie. I hope you get it to working soon.