all the above posts give great advice. I would only add that a high quality machine, made for "industrial" usage will hold up and be a great buy as a used machine--many of these older machines are sought after by current long arm owners wishing to add robotics and expand their business--so yes, used is good! That being said, I would look at Gammill, APQS, Nolting, Innova, HandiQuilter if you are going the used route as they all seem to be very durable and have a good market.