thanks Rodney....If I give it a good oiling, will that help the slow speed? it probably needs a really good cleaning, but I really don't feel I am adequate in knowledge to attempt that... it has a light blue foot pedal with it, so it probably needs a good replacement for that too....the wiring looks ok, I don't see any bear spots showing wires or anything..i haven't tried to thread it yet, kinda think the "how to" book would be good to have, when I try sewing on it..don't want to break anything........