I have been using this machine for about 6 months now. I love it. It's a perfectly sufficient machine, so I'm not sure the trouble other reviewers have had. I originally thought the base looked pretty gnarled and cheap but I later learned that the brown is protective paper that peels off. It also came with a ton of parts. I'm only just now needing to restock. There is a bit of a learning curve with the back alignment but quick to get used to. The parts are a bit cheap but still sufficient. I've had a few of the pins pop off but I think that was from not using sufficient pressure when making them. My only real "complaint" if you want to call it that, is that i wish the base was actually heavier. Sometimes when I am pressing hard, the machine will lift a little. A heavier base would keep it steady without having to permanently attach it to the surface. Other than that, I am absolutely satisfied with my purchase. I have since bought the 1in and plan to purchase a larger size soon. I produce pins for sale and have yet to have any complaints from customers or from friends/family who have received them. I recommend, but caution new users to make sure they are using it right before reporting it as a bad product.
john krieger 
