The Singer 404s are excellent machines - they were used in home ec classes. They are VERY simple to use. For a beginner, I love teaching on them. The bobbin is drop in - no case to fool with or lose. The bobbin is easy to wind. The needle threads front to back. The needle strikes in the very front of the machine where it can be easily seen. The machine is gear driven - it will mend your jeans or sew a quilt. The gears are all metal. Some of the slant-o-matic feet/attachments will work. It does not zig zag unless you find an attachment - it will do button holes with the right attachment. It is precision built machine and your sewing will reflect that. Use it proudly.