I have one of the older cast iron models and would not swap it for the new aluminum machines. Used machines are available for upwards of $600 and the factory does an excellent tune up very reasonably. If you believe those "Free" accessories to be a $1000 value, you also believe in the tooth fairy. The machine is adequate for many chores, but I will withhold any raves about its capabilities. They claim up to 90 stitches a minute but fail to state how many minutes you could keep up that very tiring rate. Due to the fact that you have to hold and guide the material with one hand and operate the lever with the other, be content with half that figure at best----However---I will be one of the first to say that I would detest returning to hand stitching. Sandy