Expensive is the word, the new machines with all the built in features are not low price; wide zigzag, built in upper feed, auto thread cut, just isn't worth it for many, perhaps even most people. There's quite a lot of hobby projects where a sewing machine is an advantage, that's why I bother about mentioning the old cast iron models. The belt driven models are worth it too. Very few invest in a top model, or special model for quilting, industrial or anything like that. It's usually later on when the interst has had a chance to develp, even then some keep one of these in regular use. For less than almost any new machine you get an endlessly more capable one. I don't mind a red Featherweight too much either, but take one that's worn and beaten up, not still in nice condition.
Last edited by Mickey2; 04-05-2018 at 03:45 PM.