You must make sure that no matter whose house it is at that it is covered for replacement value on the homeowners insurance policy. I bought one with the help of two of my daughters. My oldest daughter gets the machine after I'm gone. (There is no interest from the other two girls.) My oldest daughter Jodi split the cost of thread when I bought the machine. If it's empty, it's fair game. I have a Gammill L/A and haven't had a problem with maintenance. Make sure you purchase the best surge protector that you can afford (mine was $40.00 on sale with a $200,000 guarentee - 8 outlet Belkin SurgeMaster). Above all, protect your equipment.