I have used a stylus (just pointed down toward the table) and laser. I prefer the laser. I can get on the line better than just the stylus. I looked into the grooved boards (diff manufacturers) and they were too pricey for me as an add on. I was not a duck to water with pantos. For me, its harder to follow someone else's line (as in panto), than to make a line of my own. As I have gotten better control of my machine, the pantos look good. (I'm my pickiest critic!). I still love freemotion and if I can teach myself a shape freehand, I will.