I just didn't have the $ at the time to leave it with her for her to service it. Was hoping it was something I could do myself with cleaning and oiling it. ??

Packed with grease?

I'm assuming the gears need to be packed with grease-to reduce friction. The grease dries out after a while.

Hmmm maybe Billy will have an idea? I've heard of ball bearings needing to be packed, but not gears.

Maybe you could call around to other shops (doesn't have to be anyone local) and ask what it entails and how much it costs.

I think that's it. I needed the same thing done to my wheels on my old car.

What kind of machine?

What kind of grease do I use? It's a 1947 Kenmore. Is there somewhere that I can find how to do this correctly?

Can you post a pic?

Same as your car needs grease in areas to run efficiently.
My machine has a whitish grease in areas. Not too much, enough to help it function correctly. Unless you know what you are doing, it does take a special grease and NOT the one your car uses. Oil is different and not to be used where the grease is.
Since it is 1947 Kenmore, teh gears are more than likely metal not teh hard plastic so many have today. If not done correctlly, you could really gunk up your machine.
Google it and see what you come up with or better yet, go to the Vintage section here and find out. Billy had a slight relapse in health this weekend, so may not answer. Charlee will.

of just the machine? I can't post any pictures....don't know why. I have a thread and have the picture posted on there from before. It doesn't show the bottom of the machine though if that is what you are meaning. The picture is the bronze colored one further down on the page. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-125822-1.htm