Originally Posted by
Yakfoot
Most of these old machines need some lubrication. They may not have seen any in decades and the increased friction of a dry machine really loads the motor. On the older Singers the holes in the top of the machine are oil points, but don't squirt it in, only a drop or two. There will probably be a plate in the front which you can remove to reach the mechanical parts above the needle. Generally any metal to metal moving parts need a tad of oil and gears need a little grease. There will also be a plate on the bottom, often the entire bottom, which needs to be removed to reach important lube points there.