You can use it for lighter weight materials. I have one and I just put in a smaller size needle for lighter weight fabrics and it works just fine. Now I do have a newer model with a servo motor, so if you're planning on buying a really old one with a clutch motor, I can't say 100% if that's the case.

If you're buying an old used one, maybe try it out first if possible.

I am looking into getting the ones that work on servo motor - either Brother Nexio series or Juki 9000C series. Based on the specifications of the Brother Nexio machine, the needle size runs from NM120-140 which is generally in the heavy weight fabrics. While I believe that needles can always be changed to best match the types of fabrics that I am sewing, my concern is on the possible compatibility issues in the performance of the heavy duty machine on lighter weight fabrics.

I have a Brother 7200 H, which is the previous model of the one you're considering and haven't had a problem with lighter weight fabrics as long as I use a smaller size needle.

The one I got came in one for lightweight fabrics, medium fabrics and heavy weight fabrics. I actually got the one for heavy weight fabrics, but it still sews the lighter weights just fine.

I think the one you're looking at is for medium weight fabrics, so you should be fine with lighter weight fabrics. You can use a smaller size needle if needed. I don't think you can use it for heavier weight fabrics tho.

alright, i guess that helps. thank you for your inputs!