I received my Janome for Christmas in 2011. A couple years ago I was having so much trouble feeding fabric through and began using my travel machine some instead. I was like you and checking on the feed dogs. I thought they needed adjustment. I finally decided they just need to be replaced after comparing it with my travel machine. It was inexpensive, since I ordered the part and my husband installed it. I was so surprised! It sewed like a new machine! I am sure that they had slowly worn down and wasn't noticed until it had gotten bad. I still find it hard to believe that fabric can wear down those metal teeth. I guess I sew a lot!