with some reservation I sprung for one of these direct drive machines, at chris's suggestion. I've used it for about 10 days now. by the time I was half way through my first outline, I couldn't imagine lining with anything else. these direct drives are the answer for anyone that thinks a rotary doesn't have enough power to line on stomachs and other fleshy areas. I have a half dozen of the priciest and most well reviewed rotary liners in the forum. they don't touch this machine. I also heartily recommend chris's linear machines. they make a beautiful line, too. please feel to read my review in the machine review section of the rotary forum.