thanks for the tips. i will check out the bobbin casing. however, just had the thing tuned up. meanwhile, i bought a used Pfaff 2170 - very good deal - and i have absolutely no complaints. guess i can get them both embroidering at the same time and really get productive!

for those who want an emb machine on a budget, i really recommend a used model. the 2170 is a good one. the new ones are sooooooo expensive. my babylock was used also. course with the price of the two i could have almost bought one new one! oh well, love to sew is my excuse.

I agree. I bought my Esante back in 1999 and it was used also. A lady going through divorce needed to sell it and she was going through our local fabric shop to do it. I got it for about 1/2 price and it runs like a charm. I just wish I'd had it when my kids were younger and I was making most of their clothes.