Quilterman

They usually go for $25.00 or less at any thrift store. If it breaks you can sell the foot control,attachments, and book
for that.

sadlenahan

I have this exact machine and I love, love, love it. It runs like a fine-tuned engine, and sews great. I got it about 1970 as a graduation gift from my parents. It is all heavy metal with gears and the drop-in cams to change the stitch type. I have kept it oiled and lubed so I don't know how yours will run if it hasn't been maintained. Good luck!

bkay

Great! I'm glad it continues to work. My 778 T&S still works, too. I don't use it much as it's a free-arm and I prefer a sewing machine in a cabinet. I have a model 600 T&S (originally called an autoreel), which has metal gears, although I don't plan to keep it. With changes in my life, I only have room for three machines in cabinets. I've chosen a 401, a 301 and will keep a 15-91 and a 201 and alternate them in a cabinet. Of course, I will keep my 778 in the closet where it's been most of it's life.

I think the plastic gears started with the 626. I've read that some of the 626 models have metal gears and some don't. Models after that usually have plastic gears. Of course, I'm repeating what I've read and do not have personal experience with the 626.
bk