I have three machines, oldest from 1950s is total metal, other two are plastic outside metal inside, only thing that counts. My Daughter has a Brother 1500, plastic body metal insides. All of these are straight stitch only. 9" throats.

Welcome to this wonderful board, lots of help here on everything.

Hi and thank you for your reply. I'm going to check around and see if I can find something metal. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to respond!

You've come to the right place for advice. I have two Janomes and love them both. I'm like you, don't want to pay for 89 stitches when all I want is a good straight stitch. I do prefer to work with a reliable dealer. Good Luck

The "old" Singers I have seen for sale here in my area her on the West coast run around $300.

If I was getting a new one, I'd get another Janome--I have 3. However, for quilting, piecing, etc. I use one of my vintage Singers. I have a 1951 model 15 (aka "the Beast") with a motor which sews through anything. I also have a 66, a 27 and a 128 treadle, which I love. DH laughs at me sometimes because he can't figure out why I have very expensive machines and he comes home to find me treadling away! Sometimes men just don't understand.