There was one thing I did not mention -- the bobbin area needs to be cleaned OFTEN!!! I'm sure you know to not use "canned air". I have learned to keep a soft brush nearby the sewing machines. If I have put a tiny tiny drop of machine oil on the brush it really gets after the lint and it is not necessary to put the oil on often, it sort of absorbs into the bursh. The sewing maching repair man and store owner is really really REALLY NASTY if a person brings in her machine with a build up of lint. He does not have any people skills, but he is smart enough to hire people who do. I try to be smart also --- no matter what is wrong with my machine, I am DOUBLE sure to clean it well before I take it to him!!!