I guess that I never sewed very fast on my Bernina so the speed of my Featherweight has never bothered me. My daughter gave me the Featherweight to take to quilting classes; but I use that machine every day for piecing. I love, love, love my Featherweight! My Bernina is now used only for quilting, machine appliqué, sewing on binding, machine embroidery, and heirloom sewing. When I first got the Featherweight, I did not enjoy servicing it. Because I use it so much, Thursday is my day to change the needle, clean, oil, and grease the Featherweight. Because I have done it so much, servicing now is a breeze and I love the way it sews on Friday. I cannot imagine piecing without my Featherweight.