Feline covered it very well. The Nolting is a mechanical machine, so an experienced sewing machine repair person should be able to service it for you. That being said, long arms are big & heavy so moving them is a consideration. I think that they made/make machines with smaller throats then 18", also so you need to check the actual size. Do not buy anything that you cannot try before you buy. I would bring some of the fabrics and wadding that you normally use and test it.