Oh! I forgot. I have also read frequently that this machine takes "non-standard" needles, I.e., you can't use the ubiquitous 15x1 needle in it. There was one needle in the machine, and the greatest difference was the shaft diameter. I put a 15x1 needle in a vise and filed it down, and it looped and caught the hook perfectly. So, I am happy to say I can still use the high quality Schmetz and Singer needles I do with my other machines.