I've had my Avante for about a year and have had so much fun with it that my girlfriend bought the same set-up last week. Zero issues. I use every type of thread from metallic embroidery to industrial cones found at Goodwill for 99 cents. In my local long arm group those with Innova or Gammill are always having issues and schedule regular checkups with a traveling tech. This is my second Handiquilter (upgraded for the computer capabilities). I bought the first one used and it's now with its third owner. Never needed servicing - just a drop of oil with every bobbin change.