I have been experimenting with making my own bread. I finally just about got it, when I realized it was just way too much work. It takes a lot of hand kneading (unless you have a mixer with a hook) - 10-15 minutes worth. So I decided to checkout bread machines. I came across a highly recommended Panasonic SD-YD250. I have had it for about a week now and have found a recipe I like. I had a fresh loaf 2 days ago when a friend stopped over. I gave it to him as a gift. He had half eaten it before he left. This machine is that good.
Here is a link...
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-SD-YD250-Automatic-Bread-Dispenser/dp/B00005QFL0