Originally Posted by thepolyparrot

Well, you're starting with a good machine for it. :)

Have you thoroughly inspected the wiring and cords for stickiness and cracking or crumbling? Does the light seem to work properly when you plug it in?

With the machine unthreaded, and assuming that it is properly oiled and lubed, run the machine wide open for several minutes. Is the motor housing too hot to touch? How about the foot control? Any burning smells or a lot of smoke? (a little wisp of smoke is probably just dust burning off and usually nothing to worry about)

Does the motor run steadily and smoothly? If it's been a long time since the machine was used, you may hear it speed up and run faster as the fresh oil penetrates and breaks up gummy or hardened oil.