I'm looking on line to check out different long arm (sit down) machines. I was interested in the HQ Sweet 16, but without a stitch regulator, which none seem to have, I can't justify the cost........... I have now come across the Janome 1600P-DBX with the table. It has an auto thread cutter, needle up/down, 9"x5" throat/work area (would like that to be larger), and high speed. My small work area is the biggist issue.

Does anyone have this machine and how do you like it? Open to an suggestions on other machines......Thank you

The Janome 1600P is the same machine as the Pfaff GrandQuilter Hobby 1200 and the Viking MegaQuilter. I have the Pfaff version on a Grace frame with the stitch regulator and it works real well. I've quilted a couple of quilts with it and never had a problem with tension, even with invisible thread. The only problem with it is the 9" throat. It's smaller than I now want, so I'm moving up to a Tin Lizzie 18" machine. But overall, it's a very nice machine.

Thanks for your info. I looked up the Phaff and site says it has Auto stitch control. Is that the same as a regulator even if I use it table top?

I love the HQ Sweet 16 and since I can't afford one anytime soon I'm hoping that by the time I can actually afford one it will have the stitch regulator...LOL :D

I'm not sure what the Auto Stitch control may be referring to. To my knowledge, only the Bernina has a stitch regulator that can be used on a tabletop. Other brands require a quilting frame.

But it is possible the other companies have come out with stitch regulators similar to the Bernina for their machines, which I am not yet familiar with. I am certainly by no means an expert.