if you have a Viking dealer in your area maybe you should take your machine with you and drop in for an 'owners class' or call them & set up a time- you can tell them what problems you are having and they will help you find the reason and make it much better. these type 'classes' are generally free- they want you to be happy with your machine. I have had my Viking for 10 years now, and over the years I have 'stopped in' and learned what i'm doing wrong- or how to do something I had forgotten since the initial owners class. they are always very friendly, helpful and seem to know how to make anything work/better.