Well, I feel foolish--went to a fellow guild members's downsizing sale (moving to retirement housing) and she had a 1971 Singer I thought I could clean up and give to my DD as her machine gives her fits (cheaper computerized, newer Singer
Well, in a hurry and didn't bother to take the time to plug it in and actually try it--so shelled out the $50 and took it home. cleaned it up, took cover off and oiled it, motor hummed but would not move despite being able to turn the wheel by hand. So took to my repair place and they called later and said the engine was shot and they had no source, although could look for a salvage--but would still be 35yrs old! So decided not to throw good $$ after bad and they took it in return for no charges on the diagnosing it, etc. Learned a lesson--so now I'm having her bring me the computerized one and I'll see if I can work on the bobbin tension (a drop in) which is the issue, I think.
since the seller had suggested I try it out and I didn't want to bother, I won't ask her to refund my $$. Sometimes my impatience is a problem!