I've had a Tin Lizzie 18 with stitch regulator, but the older model, for almost 3 years. I sew for myself, family, charity quilts. It is a wonderful, sturdy machine for a reasonable price. I have a few friends in the area who also have it and love it. It has a big enough throat space that I have been able to roll one long backing fabric, batting, and three tops to do "assembly line" quilting of 3 charity quilts at a time, so that is the equivalent of putting a king size quilt on the take-up bar! Worked fine. Rarely have tension issues, use King Tut, Coats and Clark, Bottom Line, whatever thread I have handy! Lizzie does have a drinking problem, however, needs oiling before every new quilt or after sitting alone in the dark for several days! Takes just a "wee drop" here and there, then she is ready to roll!