I wasn't fond of the original foot pedal either until I learned that you sew with your heel on the button, not your toes. Billy told me that and since I've started using it the right way, I don't have any problems.

Oooh...I have been sewing with my toes or upper foot on the button...okay, I'll have to try the heel...thank you.

I have a black FW that was given to me by my mother. She bought it back in the 50's when her sisters husband was selling them and talked her into buying one. I used it at school in my sewing class in the 60's. Just a few years ago I gave it to my daughter. They are great little machines. My mom is now 91 years old and still wishes she could see well enough to sew. They are great machines for sure.

I love them all. I have a white, a tan and several black. I guess I am a collector. The best part is they are so easy to maintain and service. A little oil on all moving parts, a little lube in the motor and they are very happy. No high cost maintainance. They sew perfect stitches and are really dependable. Ruth

Dependable is the word..do you oil and lube your machine yourself or do you have it done? Just wondering...

Make sure you have a dependable repair person before you commit to a Featherweight (or at least someone who is handy with their hands and can follow instructions).

I love my Featherweight, but it drives me nuts to have to wait for a repair on it - there is only one person in my area who can handle the machine, and I've tried umpteen times to work on it myself.

I have The FW my Grandmother bought, not sure what year. It still has the table. Only had one thing done to it in 50+ years and that was the cord replaced. I keep it oil and lubed myself. Wouldn't trade it for the world. I did see one at a local repair shop ( needed a screw for another machine). He didn't have price on,. guess I'll call him and see what he wants for it.

I have The FW my Grandmother bought, not sure what year. It still has the table. Only had one thing done to it in 50+ years and that was the cord replaced. I keep it oil and lubed myself. Wouldn't trade it for the world. I did see one at a local repair shop ( needed a screw for another machine). He didn't have price on,. guess I'll call him and see what he wants for it.

I didn't know about using my heel----so tired it and have so much more control! Thanks!

Thanks for all the information. I just bought one for $50. that has a cabinet. Don't know the year. Where do I find that information? Is there any place I cna find an operation manuel?