Please don't buy a cheapie from WM or anywhere else. Stick with a vintage all metal machine or go with the Janome. The footplate shouldn't be a problem. I've had Janomes for the last 20 years and have never changed a footplate out. I've got an old Kenmore, an old Morse, a few Singer treadles, a 1970s Singer, a Janome 10001 and a Janome 9000. I bought a little Brother machine @ WM to carry to classes. It had the needle up/down and the automatic thread cutter. A good bargain I thought, until I tried to sew on it. The harp area was so small, I would have lucky to fit a quilted placemat under it! I think you will be VERY happy with the Janome or a vintage machine. JMHO!