Hello: I have been reading your post about the 97-10. Just wanted to tell you that I have been using one since 1994. I have not found anything that it cant sew. Have used it to sew saddle bronc inside leathers( sole bend, high density polyethelen ,nylon webbing,and skirting leather all together) , single layer skirting ,and light headstalls. I use a 26 round point needle instead of the 27 chisle point. It seems to make a prettier stitch with the 26. The machine has been used to build 50+ saddles and hundreds of other items and the only thing I have ever done to it is keep it oiled. The one thing that I wish it had is a stirrup foot and plate. Well just wanted to let you know there is still at least one saddle maker that is still using the 97-10. Mike