When I traveled with my sewing machine- I packed diapers (as I had a little one at the time) around it. When it went through security they had to open it and examine it. It still got broke in the process. I thought I had it packed really well.
Have you thought about shipping it home verses the airplane?
I would pack it really well and I would not check it. I've seen bags and boxes tossed onto the belt that brings them into the plane. I would buy insurance on it.