Hi, I was having the same problem with my machines. I was so tired of going to the machine shop. So two months ago I went down and got my mother in laws machine (she died 4 years ago) I took it to the shop and asked for it to be cleaned and repaired if required. This machine is a singer model #AP649419. It is also more than 40 years old!!! It works like a charm!! From now on If I need a machine I will look for a OLD one. This one is a deluxe model, no electronics.....It puts on bindings, applique, tiny rolled hems, monagram, just to name a few things it does. So if you want a machine that WORKS ask the guy who runs the shop to look for a older model for you. Stress that it must be in excellent working order. No electronics to give out and no plastic parts. Good luck! :lol: