I consider a 1979 machine to a medium old sewing machine. I have 2 that are older and 2 that are newer. If you don't have a manual, contact Singer by telephone and ask them to send a manual. If they say they don't have one, ask them to copy the one they have on file and send you the copy. They will probably send it electronically if you prefer. I had to get a manual sent like this once when the company had no copies left, just the company copy they had on file. They did it without a charge.