I originally purchased this machine to repair my work pants (I work construction so this was more cost effective than buying new pants all the time). I wanted something capable of regularly sewing through multiple layers of 12oz canvas. The machine rarely struggles and I have had zero issues for the three years I have owned it. Compared to the average user, I don't sew very often (about once a month) but this machine has a good variety of stitches and has yet to let me down.