Ok - Candace says the correct needles are shorter than average needles. Someone tried to raise the needle holder higher up the shaft and use regular needles. No wonder the bobbin case is so chewed up. I can see that someone fooled with the tension so Iris and I are going to have to do it again - maybe this time get the shaft straightened out. Iris - all that work was for practice. DH is such an enabler - he stopped up the 2 inch gap under the old door and put bubble wrap over it so we stay warmer out there. Then he put a door knob on the other door and insulated the holes. Then he found a heater. Then he found a piece of plywood for me to use on top of old sewing table legs - we swiped the top to put the 401g in the treadle.