I have a small Janome machine...got it a couple of years ago and I paid $149.99 and I have pieced about 20 + quilts on it and it's been a jewel.. I quilted a wall hanging on it...that is all the quilting I have tried...but it did a great job..it doesn't need oiling according to the manual..and I have only changed the needle one time...so I think that it is a winner...if I ever upgrade to a more $$ machine...I think I would go with a Janome again...All my quilts have turned out great...I have a friend with a small fabric shop and a longarm business...and I do a lot of her customers quilts on the longarm and I get to do mine free...great trade off for me...good luck in finding your perfect machine...