I was having problems getting through four layers of denim with my current machine, so decided to try this one. Although rather sceptical at first, it has proved to be a very good investment. I have only had one jam, and this was because I hadn't fed the material far enough under the foot. There is a good range of feet, including one very big, spring-loaded presser, and the feed copes easily with four layers of denim, producing straight runs of even-length stitches. The reverse lever is wide and easy to use without slipping.
There 14 settings: 3 for button holes, 2 zigzag, 1 long straight, 2 short (one offset), 1 multi stitch zigzag and 5 hemming/decorative stitches. There is no separate stitch length control. Setup is the same as other machines, and the instructions are printed on the machine: for beginners and children, it's ideal. Tension setting is on the top and I didn't have to adjust it at all from "0" for the 2 to 4 layers of denim I sewed. I used some softer canvas fabric today and had to increase tension to +5. Even then, it wasn't enough on two layers of fabric. The machine is a bit top heavy with a hollow base, so it can move around a little on full speed. This does make it very lightweight and easily portable.
There is a slight issue with the fuse, though. Check this carefully: at 65W the 3A fuse supplied with the machine blew.
This is a superb machine for the price. If your sewing needs are basic and you need something that will cope with heavy duty fabric, this is an ideal first machine. I'd also say that it would be an excellent second machine for anyone who finds that their high-tech, multi-stitch machine just can't cope with denim! But it is a specialist machine, so I don't expect it to work so well with lighter weight fabrics.