I purchased a used HQ from a Craigslisting. I went to the home and the owner had it set up and showed me how to use it. It came with the table, bobbins etc. She had it set up with a test quilting piece where she showed me and I tried it out. The owner was upgrading to a newer one. It was a positive experience and I have had a lot of fun with it. I am self taught through videos etc. I am a novice but through our sewing group I quilt our charity quilts which is great practice. You just have to be knowlegable about the product and who you purchase it from.