The inside by the needle bar, etc was coated with very thick black dried up oily stuff - I got most of it off but it is still stuck - I'll have to focus on that area. There is a pin in the back that looks like when the lever bumps it should go up and down. I wonder if there is a spring in the shaft all gunked up. I'll have to take a look tomorrow. I'm still trying to get that shop re-arranged and better organized. (If my sister is reading this, she is rolling on the floor by now...) Glenn, I wish I could send that fine piece of furniture off to you to refinish - or do it myself - it is not mine. It is being 'stored' ggggrrrrrr...