I bought this machine on eBay but the electrical cords had been removed. It is cabinet-style but I'm using it as a portable. I bought new connections and tried everything out. The light turns on, the motor hums but the wheel only moves about an inch by hand only.

clarkr120, January 2011

I found the same problem - well mine was completely seized up.Although mine is a different brand i took the top off that was held on with 2 screws so i could see all the inner workings.I then used a hairdryer on the hottest setting and aimed it at the mechanics.I kept jiggling the handwheel and blowdrying the workings for 15 minutes until completely free.Seems using the wrong oil or sitting for a period of time sometimes seizes this up.Works terrific now.Good luck.

Blondie, April 2011

No, nothing is stuck in the raceway. I have even removed the plates and examined and cleaned that area. The wheel does not turn freely at all. It only turns about an inch.

clarkr120, January 2011

Sounds like you may have a piece of thread stuck right in the raceway, force the balance wheel backwards and if there is anything stuck it should free itself off, I take it that when you free the stop motion and press on the foot control that the balance wheel turns quite freely.
Ken

ken, January 2011