Quote Originally Posted by Rilmoigan View Post
Just an FYI, but you are most likely aware, google the machine model and get the instructions for maintenance. It may need oiling, at the very least. If not now, definitely in the future.
+1
Often, not all the lube points for the 'every 50 years' lube are mentioned in the user info, so turn the machine over by hand and lightly lube whatever moves/rubs. Then run it (no bobbin or upper thread) wide open and see how it does.
Motor heating up?

Also, shining up the underside of the presser foot and the throat plate (and getting the feed dogs looking sharp and clean) will make sewing smoother.

Sometimes 'solid' sounding can be the result of gummy lubricant - kinda like the 'oil additives' folks use when selling beater cars...