I have a 7 year old Brother NX-200 that's been having some problems lately. Thread is getting caught and wrapping around some of the innards (crank shaft maybe?). I took off the plastic end piece and saw the thread myself, but I couldn't get to it. Now I'm thinking it may be worth my while to just go ahead and take the whole plastic case apart--getting it repaired will cost about 1/3 what I paid for it. Has anyone tried taking apart and cleaning a newer machine?

I've taken apart my grandma's old kenmore, but I had her trusty manual to guide me. This Brother is mostly plastic and a little intimidating, and there's nothing about this in the manual.

And if it all goes wrong, do you have any recommendations for a good machine under $400 that I can save for? I find I don't use most of the fancy stitches, but I love the one step button holer and ability to sew without the foot pedal. I quilt and make purses, mostly, but I like to make shirts and skirts now and then.