I am looking for a Leather sewing machine, but not sure where to start or what brands are reputable for a novice to start sewing. I read about a Juki-256 on this forum, and went to an auction for one. It was about 4 years old, and being used I was hoping for a "deal". Just did not expect that particular crowd to bid that item up as fast and as high as it went..finally sold for $1050, and talked to owner and she only paid $1100 for it new. So having lost that, I saw a 4618 post machine by Highlead with top and bottom driven roller head on special at the Springfield Leather Company. I thought I was supposed to look for a walking foot for it to be good for leather, so I am looking for input as to what type of beginner-intermediate sewing machine I should look for. I have seen the Cobra 4's and they are wonderful, but I do not sew saddles so that is probably too much for starting out.