This is without a doubt the best sewing machine I have ever owned and I have owned a few.  The set up, which I had watched on YouTube several times to prepare myself, and which was clearly outlined on the instruction pamphlet, was easy!  I managed to "self thread" the needle in the first go.  Positioning the bobbin is very innovative: Just drop it in and pull the thread up.  I was able to start sewing immediately and only needed to adjust the tension just a little bit a few times.  This is a speedy, heavy duty machine, which easily sews through several layers of fabric, which I, as a quilter, appreciate a lot.  I am impressed with the resources available on line to get acquainted with all aspects of this sewing machine.  I am very glad I decided to buy it.  Thank you, Singer!  I know it was not easy to ship it out to me in the middle of a blizzard, and it arrived just in time for me to finish a major project. I highly recommend this machine to anyone!