My Brother is 5 yrs. old, so no warranty. This started about 4 months ago. Now I'm doing some STD with a lot of stopping & starting. The thread cutter would be so helpful right now. I'm really thinking I need a new machine. Any suggestions for an affordable machine. My must haves--larger throat space, auto threader & auto thread cutter. Oh and needle in right place for 1/4 inch.