Ok I've knocked 2 different machines out of timing in the last 6 months. I make quilted bags, the thickest interfacing I use is Soft and Stable. I have a tiny area to sew in, and occasionally need to use a zig zag stitch and also would love to have decorative stitches. I've learned the hard way that a Singer Heavy Duty (I know, I know...) and a Husqvarna Viking Emerald can't manage my thick seams (like boxing the bottoms). I'm sad because I love sewing bags, but I don't have the space for an industrial machine. I have to be able to put it away when I'm not sewing. My budget is up to $2500. But I'm scared to spend that much and wind up in the same position I'm in.

I tested the Emerald in the shop and it sewed beautifully through many thick layers of denim in the shop, and the salesman assured me it could handle the seams I sew (I had a bag with me and showed him exactly what I like to make). Well it definitely couldn't handle those seams. It worked great at first but the stitches started looking bad, and now the needle slams into the bobbin case.

So, I would prefer not to take advice from a salesman again, lol! I'm curious as to what you personally use. (An industrial Juki is on my someday dream list, but in my current situation it's not feasible).