Howdy from Texas! It's great to have you here. Ask as many questions as you need. Someone is always ready to help. There are a lot of vintage machine owners on this board. If you could take a picture of your machine & let us know the model & serial number, it would be easier to help answer your questions concerning your machine. Do you have an instruction manual for the machine? Sometimes you can get one free to download online if you search around a bit.
We love pictures here & are looking forward to seeing just what you are making.