I have a Singer Heavy Duty machine as a "work Horse" Will sew through 6-8 layers of leateher if needed. It has 10 basic decorative stitches and a buttonhole stitch. No mother board to burn up. Thread up and down is by hand, and the thread cutter is on the side. Came with attachementsstippling foot etc. Three needle position, stitch length control, automatic threader,zipper foot,lower feed dogs, pressure foot adjustment, and some other features.
When my other other machines hesitate to go through thichness, this one will always do it.
Singer 4423 Heavy Duty runs around $200.00 and is a favorite for me.
Its not going to make little duck stitches, or flowers, but it is a reliable, and tough little machine.