thanks for the info misskira... it was a bit more then one drop. but it wasnt like a gushing amount either. and it was only on the screws on the outside where the manual said to oil. it did mention the lubricant. so its totally my fault there. i should have bought some when i just did my sewclassic order. rats. i havent run it since. (waiting on bobbins) and i do believe i dabbed some of it off with a soft cloth. hmmm...

Hi Becky....I highly recommend Dave McCullam's book "The Featherweight 221 and I". He explains everything so clearly and simply. Most of the info in it will also apply to a Singer 301 (you know you will eventually get on of those, too....heheheheh :D)

Here is the link to his website: http://www.featherweight221.com/fwrx/index.html

He has a great blog on there too.

I will be on a plane back to Long Island in a few short days. I'm with my sister right now in Orlando after we all spent a week of family time with our parents on Florida's west coast. I am happy to announce that as I was packing to leave, my mom gifted me with her originial Featherweight!! I was flabbergasted!!! (and teary-eyed)
My little 11 pound 'Beatrice' needs a bit of tlc as she occasionally skips a stitch, but still runs smoothly. When I get her back home, I'll treat her to a full cleaning, fresh oiling and a new needle.
I plan to keep her and pass one of my other FW's on to my daughter.

It's important to know what NOT to use...don't use WD40, don't use 3-in-1 oil. Only use sewing machine oil (Singer is fine) or Tri-Flow oil on metal to metal points (also found in the manual). Use lube(grease) on gears, and NEVER put oil in the motor.