Been there, done that. But I am just a sucker for a bargain.....However, I still have the one I bought, I think during the mid-sixties in South Carolina. It is an off-brand, but I can't remember what right now--maybe Good Housekeeping. Does all kinds of zig zag type stitches, but pretty noisy (and quiet is important to me); mostly my grandkids are allowed to use it now; and is two tons heavy. Taught me a lesson that has lasted all these years. I am into the vintage Singers now., and oh yeah. new Elnas.