Not speaking to the problem, but comment on the Juki: I watched a UTube video the other day on how to sew piping onto something in one step. It showed only the word Juki on the side of the machine and the sewing being done with the zipper foot as the demonstrator sewed. I had the sound on and oh my gosh, I could hardly believe my ears. There was no sewing sound...just the smoothest, fastest sewing I have ever seen. I don't know what model Juki it was but I want one! Even with a small feed dog issue you have an outstanding machine to enjoy.