I had a 301 brought to me last month.  I was told that it didn’t run.  That’s all I’d been told.  Strangely when I plugged it in, it ran just fine.   I told the owner I’d tune it up and get it back to them.

I did a basic clean up on it, then I started oiling.  I started at the top the way I always do.  I worked my way to the faceplate and cleaned and oiled in there.  Then I turned the machine on its back and got ready to clean and oil the bottom of the machine.

As I rocked it on its back, I heard the sound of “pieces” moving around with the inertia I’d created.

Huh?

This is a first for me.  I’ve seen the odd needle or pin in there before but….

I pulled at least 8 buttons out, a needle tip and the case ?!?! for 4 needles with what looked like a bite mark from a dog in it.

My guess is that the machine had one of those lodged in a gear and it shook loose on the way to see me.