Jim Chandler wrote:
did you change the foot
plate to the wide hole when you were selecting other than straight
stitch? I've done the same thing a couple of times when in a hurry and,
as you said, smashed the needle.

Jim Chandler

No, the wide hole is standard.
It could be that the mechanical timing is out, but I doubt it and have
lost interest in this machine anyway.
Makes me think: should I avoid CNC metalworking machinery?