My kids have wanted to what Dad does though not any more. They have been able to operate my machines without doing themselves injury from the time they were 4 years old. Anand The grabber was put in front of the needles as a requirement by OSHA for safety purposes. This is according to our trainer when we got our first machine. Also realize that each time there is a change in the machine design it requires retooling and could cost several thousands of dollars that in turn is added to our cost. That is why they do several at the time they bring out a new model instead of making changes in each production order. Alan and Margaret Jannuzzi Wishes in Stitches Embroidery 4502 W Buffalo, Chandler Az. 85226 480-216-3163