Thanks to all for taking time to reply. I am reading everything and still thinking thinking. Yes that was meant twice! I will try out both the sweet sixteen and the simple 16, the newest one that comes with the 5' table. This is from a lqs and it is very close to me. If I do get it I will probably get the stitch regulator.

I have a Handiquilter Avante and love it. I've done a lot of quilts on it. My sister and one of my daughters come over to use it and have fun with it, too. Handiquilter is a good company.

I got a Sweet Sixteen about 3 weeks ago. So far, I love it. I have been practicing before quilting an actual project. I love that it doesn't take up a large space. At one time, I had a Janome 1600 on a 60" start-rite frame, but the actual quilting area really limited the size quilt I could put on it. I do mostly baby to single size quilts, but they are rarely the same size. I eventually moved up to a Grace frame set up for queen size, but it took up so much space and we were in the process of downsizing, so I got rid of it, and bought a DSM with a larger throat. Even with the bigger harp, it was a royal pain to push some quilts through it. I thought the Sweet Sixteen was the perfect solution for the type of quilting I want to do, and now I can quit stockpiling quilt tops, and actually get to quilting.

It is a wonderful machine, easy to learn no problems

I had my Sweet Sixteen sit down upgraded to a standup with the Studio frame and love it! Would love to get rid of the stitch regulator to some one but unable to post on board here for some reason Handiquilter is the Best!

I also have a sitdown (due to medical conditions) Sweet Sixteen and love it!! While I haven't used it enough, it is very simple to use and just awesome! I didn't want the stitch regulator, but it may work differently on the Simply Sixteen. Definately take a look. They always say to buy the very best you can afford. Check out how you load the quilt etc. Good luck- Mine is 1 year old today...the dealer drove it up to my house!!
Oh, there is also a Sixteen club (blog) you can join...

I would make sure the dealer will give lessons. If possible I would ask for the name of someone who bought one and call about how it turned out. Not all dealers deliver what they say they will do.

I have the Sweet 16, stand up model, and really like it. I do have the stitch regulator and wouldn't be without it. I had one issue with it after having it for 6 - 7 years. The company repaired it at no cost.

My Sweet 16 is almost a year old (February) and I love it !! Very easy to use....if you practice enough to get your stitches consistent, most people end up not really needing the stitch regulator. My dealer also drove my new machine to my house and set it up, no charge. HQ support people are very good, even called me to make sure setup went well. I haven't actually had to use the support people for any problems with my machine.
I agree with someone else's comment above - DO get the overlay. I also splurged on both extension table sides. LOVE the amount of space you get with those. Watch HQ site, as sometimes these side extensions go on sale.
Good luck !

I just got a used one that is all in pieces. Should I consider getting a new bed and carriage trolley? If so, would the bed go on top of the table? Or in place of the rails that are stuck to the table? The carriage rails have a bit of pitting and damage. SVAL