those machines that are sold at Wal-mart and other stores according to my sewing repair man they are throw a way machines meaning they can't be fix. as it would if you can get it fixed cost more than buying a new one. my dealer sells machines from $150.00 and up. to a few thousand. but i sew so much i tend to wear out the thread guides. but those are cheap to replace. i like the viking machines. go to a dealer and a lot of times they have trade in models for a very good deal.