Thanks for the information you are able to share Iceblossom! That's more than I've been finding elsewhere! I tend to be one of those that tries to really make a list of what it is I want/want to do, and then research the heck out of every machine on the market. I really like the idea of a vintage machine, but in the same breath there area a LOT of neat options offered on some of the newer machines... My main concern is whether or not they have the plastic gears and are prone to breakage -- well, that and if they can handle the thinner cottons and silks that I tend to work with normally.