Back in the 70's I purchased my first real machine...............Elgin SU62. These machines are made in metal and not plastic excluding the cams. This machine took a beating from moving from state to state, no cleaning or oiling that I can remember and it still worked like a champ. I finally sold it when I bought my Viking D1 in 2000 thinking I wouldn't need two machines. That was the biggest mistake I made and tried to buy it back for twice the money the lady paid me. She wouldn't take me up on my offer so she must have realized what a gem she had too. The machine never gave me any problems whatsoever the entire time I had it. I basically made clothes with it including one wedding dress. Hadn't gotten into quilting till later. Still wish I had that machine today.