NO QUESTION, HANDS DOWN JANOME 6600!!!! This is one work horse and my favorite of five. I have had it for five years and hubby last year said I could trade for the 7700. I didn't after looking at it and wanted to keep my known work horse. Does it all, have never had a problem. I want it to last forever...When I teach or show friends, they love it too. And not as expensive as a few others. I would suggest sitting down and trying some machines, including this one, and than make a decision according to price and ease. Good luck....C.

I use the janome 6600P, it is great and has both options you want, plus the knee lift, and stop/ start buttion, that eliminates the foot pedal, but it has that too, if you wish to use it. Plus the accufeed system, which is worth the price all by itself..

If money is an issue how about looking for a used Singer 301. Have heard good things about them.

If you're wanting a modern machine - Hands down, a Juki TL98Q

While it only does a straight stitch it has a 9" throat/harp space, knee control presser foot lever, power foot controller with power & thread cutter pedals (there is also a thread cutter button on the front neck of the machine below the stitch regulator), needle threader, needle up/down button and this machine sews absolutely beautifully and works like a horse.

It also has an extension table which can be easily put on or removed depending on your sewing needs and comes with a good assortment of accessories and presser feet.

If you're wanting a Vintage machine -

A Singer 301 - mine is fantastic - sews only a straight stitch but stitches beautifully and works like a charm.

A Singer 500 Rocketeer - this not only sews a straight stitch, it does Zig Zag and a myriad of decorative stitches using Cams.

Any Vintage Necchi (only the ones MADE IN ITALY though - stay away from the ones made in Japan - they're mostly plastic with plastic gears, are not reliable and are not built to last like the Italian all metal machines) They truly are work horses and sew beautifully. I love both my Necchi BU Nova and my Necchi Supernova Automatica.

Good luck in your search.

It took me a while to find my Rocketeer but she's in near mint condition and sews like a charm.

I love my old Bernina...it has never given me a bit of trouble. It is @ 35 years old and still going great!

Ditto! Love this machine.

I have a Singer Heavy Duty machine as a "work Horse" Will sew through 6-8 layers of leateher if needed. It has 10 basic decorative stitches and a buttonhole stitch. No mother board to burn up. Thread up and down is by hand, and the thread cutter is on the side. Came with attachementsstippling foot etc. Three needle position, stitch length control, automatic threader,zipper foot,lower feed dogs, pressure foot adjustment, and some other features.
When my other other machines hesitate to go through thichness, this one will always do it.
Singer 4423 Heavy Duty runs around $200.00 and is a favorite for me.
Its not going to make little duck stitches, or flowers, but it is a reliable, and tough little machine.

I agree, a great machine, fast & heavy duty.
Maire

I like the computerized sewing machines but the pc boards are always going out on them. I have found the Singer 401's don't take a regular belt. They have a steel cleted belt which lasts forever. They sew like a dream and have built in stitches, 3 needle positons, etc. I was given one of these by a friend. When I took it apart to oil it I was amazed at the construction.

Bernina. Mine is an embroidery unit. I simply can't say enough about it. It's just an awesome sewer. Use it for my quilt's too.

This is Karen from Georgia - the one with the injured machine. (will be ready to pick up after Atlanta Sewing gets the parts in). $170 to repair a GREAT machine that a compatible machine would now cost $6000 (maybe less). Ok, I purchased the new 3 series made by Bernina (380) a week ago. It was a floor model so and the only one they had - so I got a good discount on it. Ok, it's much lighter than the Activa 170 (and much cheaper)- so the 380 will go to retreats, etc. In my sewing of quilts, I have found that I am having trouble with the top thread breaking (380) when I am sewing over seams for putting together quilt squares. It seems to me it just doesn't have the power like my other machine. It may just be that it doesn't have the power that the 170 Activa does. I know you have one and I am wondering if you have had any problems like this - or is it due to some issues because it was a floor model. Sorry to run on, but I would really like your thoughts!

Unless the store abuses their machines I wouldn't think the trouble is due to it being a floor model. I bought a floor model Janome about 4 years ago and never have had a bit of trouble with it and got full warranty. The store I bought it from always stays with customers when they try out their machines. On the other hand there was a store that loaned their machines to customers when they took a classes. Wouldn't buy a floor model from them. Hope you get your problem straightened out soon.

me to :thumbup:

The more I sew, the more I'm convinced that computerized sewing machines, while capable of many things, just don't handle what my old Singers can. I saw the promos for the new Janome 12000 and wasn't impressed. I have the 11000 and like it. For straight sewing the Janome 1600 is a good machine. However, I just purchased an old Singer 401A and I'm in love with it. I also like my Featherweights for travel and taking to the trailer. I'm pretty much finished with spending the price of a used car on a sewing machine. It's not worth it to me anymore. I'm showing my age!:)

A Janome!

My main sewing machine is a Bernina 440qee, however I wanted a long bed for machine quilting. I found a Brother 1500s for about $600 at all stitch.com. It has a big bed, thread cutter and needle up/down. It is only a straight stitch, or free motion but I don't need decorative stitches or fancy stitches as I have my bernina for that. The stitch quality is good and it is easy to use. The only thing I would change is I would have bought the next model up for a speed control. It has a heavy motor so it can sew easily through heavy layers. I have quilted about ten full size quilts on it and the extra room inside the harp is very nice and makes a big difference. It is a good companion to my Bernina.

All the F&R machines I have heard of are vintage. Is F&R still making machines?

As to the original question, I don't think any of the current machines could be considered a 'no-frills workhorse'. All of them are plastic, most have computers, and most that I have tried lack the power of my vintage machines. (My youngest machine is a 6570 Viking, circa 1979.) After working FT as a computer person, I will NOT have one in my sewing machine. My opinions, of course.

Good luck on your search. I hope you find a machine that pleases you.

My qestions have all been answered regarding the B380. I will keep you updated.

I go with all the folks who mentioned Jukis. I love, love, love my Juki 98Q. Although it only has straight stitch, it just can't be beat and it is wonderful for FMQ.

i love my brother 9000 igot it at walmart for 99.00 last years model it does every thing i love it suzieQ

Did I write this?
I just got my Janome 6600P as well .. and I keep trying to make the machine go with the knee lifter too!!! Flashbacks to the old black Singer cabinet machine I learned on as a kid with the knee pedal instead of a foot pedal. When I got my first machine as an adult, I swore I'd never learn how to run it with a foot pedal .... and now, talk about confusion! :lol:

Proof positive ... Old habits die hard!!!!!!!
All in good time, I'll learn again. Right?

I bought a Pq1500 has enough frills for me with the harp size, needle up down and cutter and the $600 from allbrands didn't break the bank.

Love my Brother PQ1500s

Happy with my Janome 1600 DBX, but for a true workhorse (sewing heavier fabric), I bring out my old Singer 15-91.

How heavy is this machine??? Is it to heavy to be carrying to retreats and other quilt activities??? Thanks??

Tammy, my knee lifter had a set screw. I readjusted it so it "leans" more to the left; easier to use this way.

LoriAnn

Janome 6600 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ditto no prob with FW. I love my Bernina.v

Bernia, Bernia, Benia. The only machine. Mine is over 30 years old and I love it as much as a member of my family.

MN gal

I have a Brother NX650 Quilting machine than I just love, user friendly, needle up/down, needle threader(love it!), 3 Alphabets, auto button holes, stitch design saver, Feed dog adjustment, 3 speed controls, huge table, bobbin thread cutter, dual thread cutter, and a regular thread cutter on the front, take your pick! I paid right at $1000 on sale, but worth every dime to me.

Never heard of these machines. Will google! Thanks!

Hey everyone this is my 1st post. I am so excited. I shopped and shopped for the machine I really wanted and it is ordered. I have to wait a week for it. So happy a lot of you love your Janome 6600!!!!!

Well, spoke to Jack @ ASC yesterday. I was in such a hurry when I purchased my B380, I didn't have time to have it cleaned and service. As far as the power of the machine, it has the same motor (and power) as my Artista. I do also have the same hook mechanism, and got some ideas about the thread breaking. It does have a slight difference in for the threading (front) that is different. Jack said I could come on in and he would service it and make any adjustments that might need to be made. I am waiting to do that whenever I pick up my Artista. Will continue to keep everyone updated and sure appreciate your support. Sure would like to have a Koala quilt furniture - in fact - I would love to have my own sewing suite using that furniture. Not a possiblity - so don't focus on it often, LOL

IMHO the "modern workhorse" has to be the Janome 6600P - heavy duty, all metal construction, thread cutter, needle up/down, speed control, knee lift, large harp sewing area, dual-feed fabric control and offers more stitches than other high-speed machines do ... it will do anything you ask it to ! :)

[quote=Quilt Mom]The Janome 6600P comes awfully close, it's heavy duty, metal construction - it's solid, weighs 26 lbs and sews through denim and canvas as well as it does cottons. I made new canvas cushions for patio chairs and some boat bags. About the only thing I haven't tried to sew on yet is leather ! :)

Love my Bernina!

the 15-91machine is rather heavy. If transporting, go with a Singer 301 machine, in my opinion. They are the sister machine for the featherweight (cheaper too) and can handle quite a workload.

The Janome 3160 is 12 pounds, has some of the same features as the 6600 -- including some fancy stitches. I use mine mainly for class, though it has been sneaking into the living room a bit lately since the sewing room is downstairs. It has a great stitch and a thread cutter.

Excited for you ! But not sure, what did you decide on ??

I bought a singer from Sears back in 1973, and it is still working great, with only a tune up once back in 1980... A oil job last year and it is working great...
but I am reading about all the other brands, on this site. taking notes so I will know what to get IF mine dies........