I've noticed that most of the time those old button holers have dried up oil. I probably would still have a Viking if it had made good consistent button holes - I sold it and got a Janome with built in button holes. I was never happy with it though... I sold it at a loss... No point in having one I don't use around. LOL... It wasn't until the last couple years I discovered buttonholers. My mom has had one for years with no instructions (do now). Nobody knew how it worked. Her's is one of the real old ones with lots of adjustments. Those old ones are very cool once you figure out how to use it.