I bought this machine to replace perfectly operating 35 year old Brother machine. I was sold on the metal chassis because I want this machine to last 35 years. Right out of the box this machine was awesome. Set it up, wound a bobbi, threaded the machine (and yes, I used the automatic threader) and bam sewing in minutes!!! No problems, no tension iissues, just perfect stitches right from the start. if I would have know this I would have replaced my old machine years ago. Love iit!!!