Steve, thanks for the reality check and background on CSMs. That sounds more realistic than the rosy description I read. It appears that the quality and condition of the machine makes all the difference. I own an antique leather sewing machine and can definitely identify with the struggles of working with old technology that requires constant maintenance and fiddling! I have a similar 'drip tray' that we use under that machine to catch the oil that constantly makes its way through the parts. In one sense, it's a pain in the rear, but there's also something really neat and satisfying about working with old-world tools and equipment.

So, uh, are you going to be selling custom hose made on your machine (or a new model) any time soon?