Ok, I think the next machine I'll get is a Bernina, as I've heard so many good reviews about them, it has a little free arm, and is easier to find than a Singer 431 or 421, has a zig zag stitch, and I've had good experiences with them. I'll admit it took me a bit to get to this point of this, as I wasn't sure what I wanted.

I learned to sew on a flat bed Singer. I was taught to sew cuffs and such from the inside, took me a while to figure out how to use the free arm on my Bernina 1031.
Sharon in Texas

I know what you mean Margie07, it's hard to know a machine until you have had one for a while. I have to say, both the 50s/60s Berninas and the Supermatics have nice qualities worth having them. I can see why some have the Supermatic as their favorite vintage machine; when the rubber pulley issue is sorte out you have a very capable and dependable machine, with a more advance stitch patterns than any other 50s models. The cams are still quite sought after. (I think the Japanese came with a knock off cam mechanism maybe late 50s or a bit more into the 1960s). I lean towards my Bernina, but it might be because I know it much better. I like the idea of an all metal machine, much very sturdy and hard wearing. Singer 201 is the smoothest machine I've had. That said it was my Bernina 730 that made me revaluate plastic gear part; I have worked on a lot of different machines and it it still is a favorite. It's +50 years old, used for all kinds of projects and still going strong. I will probably add machines to my collection when I see something intersting that I like to get to know better, but I'm in no hurry to hunt for anything particular at the moment :- )