Janeen, thank you, yes it's a 40 year old kenmore, all metal. I didnt know about sewing machine lubricant, thank you. Yes, my mom bought this machine when i was 11, and when i got married, she gave me her machine and bought herself a new one. I love this machine. But i can see from what you wrote i dont know much about taking care of it, so think i will look more into giving it a nice cleanup and oil it proper, thanks :)