If all you want to do is straight stitches then think about the Viking Mega quilter. They don't sell them any more but sometimes the LQS still carries them. I've never had to adjust the tension and it's also good for quilting. I have 3 Vikings and they all do a really good job. I have the same problem with my Kenmore made by Janome, it does a great job, not finicky on what kind of thread I use, never have to adjust the tension, a great dependable machine, Except, it doesn't like going over seams. I have to give it a little tug to nudge the fabric along. Others on here have the same machine that I have and have the same problem.