If it's all metal or mostly metal, and from that era, it probably is, then it's worth fixing. If it's plastic, then it's a throw away. But also depends on the model. Do you know what brand it is? Personally, even if I were to get a new one, I would not throw that one away and it probably just needs a new petal. Not a big deal to replace.

You probably just need a new pedal.
Colleen

your foot pedal sounds like it may need to be repaired or replaced, the contacts are not working right, find the name of your machine, and it's serial number usually on a metal plate in the back or someplace out of the way, see if the pedal has a number too. call a sewing machine repair place, tell them what is going on and if they will check it out or find a replacement part, if the machine is not used much, you probably could use a good tune up
hope it is nothing more then a few things, Rene

Thanks all.

It's a Kenmore "Model 33" from c. 1967 (I did some digging). The manual's cover emphasizes that it can do a zigzag stitch! Very high tech. I'm going to take it into a shop this weekend and see what they think. They estimated over the phone that they could probably replace the pedal for a reasonable amount and I'll get an estimate for a tuneup as well. I guess it isn't as severe as I thought it was.

I really don't know if it was ever a good machine--my grandmother didn't sew much. But looking into all the sewing machines out there now is overwhelming. If my machine can't be saved, I'm going to need a ton of advice.

Thanks!

The oldie machines were goodies, esp. if they're mostly metal. You may want to search on ebay for a replacement pedal.

Mary

My first machine, a Singer Fashion Mate from 1969, did the very same thing some time in the late 80's and - the foot pedal made a popping noise from time to time. I took it to a sewing machine repair shop and got a new pedal - also had the machine tuned up while it was there. Ran well after that and still runs fine.

I would first try to get a new pedal and get the machine tuned up, oiled, etc. Then see whether or not you need a new machine. It's amazing how well a newly tuned up and oiled machine can run!

Teresa

I agree with the rest, keep the machine, get it tuned, and get a new foot pedal--popping and you could have a short in the cord because the cord is that old, could be hazardous so I wouldn't run it until you get it fixed. That was probably what was wrong with my 1963 Lady Kenmore purchased new, and you just made me realize that may have been the problem after 30 years of pedal to the metal--it and the blonde formica cabinet went to the dumpster during a move.

Also, if you are running the pedal on carpet, put it on a hard surface such as a cutting board (I have plenty of them, so it works for me). I fried a $65 Singer foot control because I had it on carpet (it would start up, run and speed would slowly die). I now always have a board under the foot controller...I have mostly carpet.

You are lucky you have the instruction manual...some aren't that lucky. Sears still parts and the extra feet for your machine, if you don't have those, for around $29 excluding the ruffler...the original box had the ruffler included, or you can buy any after-market low bar foot that screws on or has an adapter. You can go into Searsparts.com and look your machine up to see what parts and feet are available. Your whole model number should be on the electrical plate on the back and in your manual.