I'm sure you will sort it out with a bit of trying and testing. If the manual is there it might say something about needle type. Some of these straight stitchers run surprisingly smooth and quiet. With a bit of cleaning, oiling and perhaps new feet under the base they improve a lot. My Singer 201 is my smoothest machine. If you manage to track down the model and maker it will be easier to find a box of accessories for it. These machine were often sold under various brands. The presser bar fitting looks a bit different than the basic side clamp.