I clean my machine thoroughly after each project. I don't tighten the screws so tight that I can't get them out again. Did that one time!! Everytime I change the bobbin, I brush out all the lint. I have four of these machines and I love everyone of them. Wish I had known that you wanted one. I think I saw the ad you bought from, is it a tan machine?

Yes, the long bed tan one. Do you use a special screw driver or something?? They're at such a weird angle it's really hard to get them in and out!

I just used a short one on the back screw. Front one was STUCK!! I had to have my brother loosen it up and I make sure to never tighten it that much. Did you get a manual with it?

Yes I have the manual. The two screws are the same length on my machine. If I tighten the front one the machine starts to make a noise. So, I have to keep it a few notches looser than the back one. I guess these machines have their quirks.

Yes they do, but I promise you will love it! Do you know how to drop the feed dogs?

My front screw was the one that was stuck tight. Just play with it and you will find the happy medium.

Yes, I read about that in the manual. Does the bobbin case have two parts to it? It looks like it, from what I've seen online.

Also, I read that reproduction cases are problematic? And that it's better to spend more for the original? It's almost like I should find another machine that has the bobbin case and switch between the two, if that's true.
:shock:

I think you should go with an original if possible. Mine all came with the originals, so I don't know about a new one. It is the same bobbin case as the featherweight. If you have of those, you can borrow. And just one piece.

Uses the same bobbins as the featherweight, too. Did it come with a walking foot? Or any other goodies?

I don't have a featherweight and I don't want one. I really can't see paying $50 for a bobbin when the machine only cost me $75. It looks like I will have to internally rationalize buying a second 301.