I add oil to my 401 when I change the bobbin and needle. Purrs like a kitten. Gave it another maintenance lube and oil and cleaning. When I first got my 401, I watched a lot of You Tube videos and listened/watched what they did to make it almost silent. After I get done maintaining my machines (also 2662), they purr like sleepy kittens. Did some altering/mending on my 2662. DH came into the room wondered where I was because it was so quiet. After oiling I use and old cloth to catch any excess oil I may have missed. Would rather do that then go straight to piecing and have any on my piecing.