Yours looks good - the gear box on mine was packed with lint and thread in the grease. It seems to be a good machine otherwise. Yes it does ss, zz and a blind hem. I think you could put it on a treadle. Other than that hole, it seems to be a real well made machine. I don't know if duct tape would stick with the grease in there. It might go a while and then have to remember to put in new duct tape once in a while.