I bought a Singer 14U234 30 yrs ago and have never had a problem with it. I use it for clothing. Get one w/3-4 thread, differential, and free arm. Learn how to thread it. Make notes on the tension until you understand how to change it. Then experiment on scraps. I took some lessons on how to make a t-shirt and then worked on my own. Have fun, you can make a top in less than 45 minutes!!