I have a Juki TL98Q that I bought a few years ago on sale for $700. Has automatic threader and thread cutter. Does straight stitch and free motion. Metal and heavy duty and mechanical. It's a real work horse and is especially nice on the throat space. There's nothing to catch on the quilt. Those who have used a regular machine for quilting know what I'm talking about. The lever for the pressor foot and the thread all get caught on the quilt when shoving it through a small throat space. You already have a machine that has pretty stitches - I vote for a heavy duty one for thick seams and quilting.