Hello, Mama Kass has just posted in the Guest Relations forum of AmayaUsers Discussion Boards under the title of Is it ok to ask very novice level questions?. This thread is located at http://www.amayausers.com/discussion/showthread.php?5737-Is-it-ok-to-ask-very-novice-level-questions Here is the message that has just been posted: *************** One thing that lots of us have found out the hard way... don't rely on your pop-up timers for routine maintenance. I strongly recommend more frequent lubrication of the hook basket and more frequent cleaning out of the area under the needle plate where the knife is, especially if you're working with linty fabrics. The magnetic hoops everyone is raving about are called the Mighty Hoop, and I would buy them in a New York minute if I could afford it. If you search on this topic you'll find lots of info. Several of us have had success with using spray adhesive (I like 3M's 505), but I only use it because I have to for certain applications. I wouldn't recommend it just to get out of hooping. If you do use it, then you need to do frequent hook washes to keep your bobbin and knife area clean. Here's a link on the topic: http://amayausers.com/discussion/showthread.php?1260-Opinions-needed-re-hook-wash&highlight=hook+wash I spent many evenings searching on various topics when I first found this site; there are so many knowledgeable and helpful people here. We even have a couple of techs who are so amazingly helpful and generous with their wisdom. *************** =========================================================== The AmayaUsers Mailing List Website: http://www.amayausers.com Discussion Board: http://www.amayausers.com/boards Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.amayausers.com/list ===========================================================