Originally Posted by
manicmike
CD, someone on the yahoo lists mentioned a few days ago that her vintage Singer (a 404) had a problem with the needle being slightly offset from the central position. This type of thing is a result of waiting until you notice evidence of some real wear before lubricating. A little
damage has already happened by the time you notice it needs lube. Over time this will cause noticeable wear such as the offset needle bar.
Tammi is guilty of it and so am I so no judgement here
I agree that waiting until a machine tells you may not be the best thing, but often times poor castings are the culprit of offset needles. That, or a slightly bent needle bar. I wouldn't say wear would be my first guess as to why a needle is off center by a few hairs.