I have an old Singer----not the same model---that is the ONLY one I use, having bought plastic machines through the years. I love mine so much because it is absolutely reliable! If something strange happens, I unthread the thread and rethread, unthread the bobbin and replace and.... problem solved. She did need a new pedal and motor a few years ago but hey, she turned 70 in April of this year so it was money well spent!!!! If it's not working, it's worth the $$$ to have a pro go over her with a fine-toothed comb to problem solve for you, clean and oil her. What a great find!!!!!