Go to Craigslist and find a pre 1975 machine with metal gears. I got one of mine on ebay and had a good shipper. I found a vintage Necchi at the Salvation Army resale store this week. Right now there is a 1960s turquoise and chrome machine in a blonde cabinet on our Craigslist for $60. You can pick up a vintage Singer for under $100 easily. These old girls were meant to sew. Skip the Featherweights. They are adorable, but not heavy duty, in addition to being out of my price range.