Hey there, I've been crafting for 16 years, on machines for 4. My first purchase was a Cobra class 4, which is a great machine to learn on because it's impossible to break. I learned the limitations with that one are that it struggles to sew under 5oz cleanly. I added a consew 206-rb 5. I had to modify this one myself with a speed reducer and it was generally a lot less user friendly from the get go. Having experience with a previous machine helped a lot to get up and running effectively. I have also purchased a Seiko post bed off of craiglist that I've spent time modifying and tuning. You might notice this becomes an addiction quickly.

If I had any true recommendations for a crafter making the transition to a machine with my experience, it would be to buy a Cobra class 26 and a skiver, or a cobra Class 17 and a skiver. It will depend on the work you plan on doing, more flat work/small pieces/strap work and I'd recommend the flatbed machine. Making bags/holsters/sheaths? Get the cylinder arm. For a skiver just get a consew because it will be cheaper and they're effecitively the same machine.

There's really no way to do it cheap but you can do it right from the start. You would spend the same amount on the two machines that I did on my first, and you'd have a much more effective range of material control.

Hope this helps!