"To each their own" as the saying goes; I purchased my Gammill on a metal 14 foot table inWest Plains, Missouri new in May of 2000. I have never been sorry. My machine is not stitch regulated nor is it computerized, but I love it. In 18 plus years I needed to take it for service twice (the first time operator err; the second time to fix the light switch). I keep it oiled and cleaned and whatever maintenance it needs I am able to take care of it. Have never had a problem with tension, do mostly customer quilting on it with a lot of ruler work. As most of us can say I absolutely love my machine!