Metronome practice

Friends, do any of you play old- time music with a metronome on a regular basis?For a long time, I shunned the practice because, certainly, old-timers didn't take a metronome out to the porch with 'em when they played. Besides, when I tried practicing with a metronome, the metronome either sped-up or slowed-down.;)Stories, random thoughts, opinions on using a metronome are welcomed!-Robin