I am the proud owner of two Baby Locks. I have sewn on other machines, including the Janome, and I don't like any of them compared to mine. It is just a work horse. I have had very few problems with it. I like the features on the BL at lot more. Mine tells me when I am about to run out of bobbin thread, cuts automatically, is so easy to thread. I have had my big one for 6 years now and have never had a problem with it. I also love the embroidery unit that comes with it. Very easy to use.