I'm chuckling here. I found the sewing manual to DH's Grandmother's treadle machine.
Page 1 cautions the user on quality oil, new needles, and good thread.
On Page 2.
A Few of the Simple Rules to Follow
1st Keep the machine Clean and Well Oiled
2nd Use the Best Quality of Thread and have the Right Size Needle For the Thread.
3rd Use Genuine Needles. Don not expect to do perfect work with poor needles.
4th Be Sure the machine is Properly Threaded. Better see threading instructions on page 9.
...there are 3 more, but you get the gist of it.
Guess some things never change!