my dad bought me a top-of-the-line necchi when i was 14 and i used it until i was 60. every day, garment and quilt making. the thing would not die. i used it for custom tailoring and bridal wear and it was the most reliable machine i ever owned and i have never owned fewer than two at a time. the brushes finally wore down to where they could no longer be fixed and then it was retired to our vacation house and put out to stud. sadly, it never reproduced.