I recently inherited a Singer Stylist 418 and it all works fine but the presser foot won't lower. When I move the lever up or down, the foot just stays up. Before I turned the machine on for the first time I cleaned and oiled it. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with it, how I might fix it, and if I have to have someone else fix it, how much repairs typically cost? THis is my first sewing machine and I am dying to use it!
Thanks!

Erin, January 2008

Hello Erin,
One of my favourite machines, No problem, all that has happened is the presser bar is dry and stuck, happened quite a lot, put the presser foot up and spray some WD40 so it trickles down the top of the presser bar, lowere the presser bar lever, put the pressure dial on 0 or 1 and physicall lift the presser bar up and down a few times to help the WD40 get through, pressure dial on about 4 or 5. any problems e-mail me
Ken

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, January 2008