I just bought a vintage 50's Morse machine. It not only looks cool, but sews like a dream. It has buttons on the front to push for the feed dog position. I also have a Janome 10001. The automatic needle threader worked for about a month, and hasn't worked since, even after several trips to the shop. It does have the needle down feature and I like that and it embroiders beautifully. I use my grandmother's 1919 Singer treadle for tough stuff. It will be working long after I'm dead and gone. For tough stuff, go vintage!