I just bought my TL 18DLS a couple weeks ago and have already put out 2 quilts after setting it up. It is smooth as glass and I love using it I have had no issues that were not my fault (forgetting to put the presser foot down) and the tension issues are so far non existent for me. I have tried all kinds of threads including serger thread with no issues. In my opinion you cant go wrong with TL.