miriam, I'm not sure about the sew-classic one being metal. I'm don't know where I picked that idea up.

Candace, if you're asking me, my one from April is not noisy. I will using it a lot soon. I have a quilt and two runners to do this week.

Yes, I cleaned it and oiled and greased it when I got it. I downloaded the manual and printed the page for the oiling. It will have to wait until next year, but I will take it out again. I did take the bottom off, don't remember if I took the top off. I may scarce for while but will try what has been suggested. I have also purchased the walking foot and hopping foot and want to play with those. I am currently piecing with the plastic ?little foot with a 1/4 on one side.

Shortbed 3 inches...longbed 61/2

I have the cheap plastic FM foot from Sew Classic and love it...no noisey clicking sound...do you have on correct...Also I have to remove two pieces to use it...cutter and one of the thread loops...maybe that's the noise it's making, rubbing against a part that should be removed?
If anyone is interested I just purchase a "gidget" folding sewing table and the 301 shortbed fits in it perfectly...well made table no vibrations.

I am also new here. However, to explain long arm quilting machine. Long arm quilting machines are the big kids, google Noltings of which I have 2 for my business, but Gammill, Innova, Handi Quilter aka HQ-16. The throat size is 16 to 30 inches in length. Mid-size long arm machine are from about 12 to 18 inches. Then the home or domistic machines on a frame, like Grace frames. All the big kids take time, effort, space (tables can and are up to 14 feet) oh and did I say money. Hope this helps, a bit of understanding of Long Arm quilting machines. I have both 301 two-tone and a 401 plus a fw. Love them all. I use the 301 the most in quilting. As its a straight stitch and that's all it does.

Here's a great website dedicated to EVERYTHING 301. A great resource. http://singer301.com/technical/default.html

Thanks Candice...great site & info

I have a beautiful black long bed 301 that's pretty mint that I'm pondering selling. Just sits in the closet. I sew pretty regularly on my two-tone one that's in a cabinet, so I don't really need this black one. What should I do? I have a hard time parting with these wonderful machines!

I'm in same situation. Use my 301A tri colored in cabinet but my 301 black sits...I decided to buy a "gidget" table to store under the couch in the LR and store the 301 in a cabinet also in LR so that when I want to sew at night while watchingTV I have an easy quick setup...All my other machines are setup in my gst rm upstairs and who wants to bring stuff including a machine up and down stairs every night...Now it's all within reach...Another tip I read from others they have their diff machines set up for diff jobs...i.e. one for only zig zag, buttonholes, straight stitch etc...
You maybe could use two one for reg straight sewing and the other only for FM'ing...Just a thought so you can feel good abt keeping both

I found an absolute flawless 301 for my hubby for Christmas, she sews like a dream!