Janome 6600, Pfaff Quilt Expression, or Elna 540?
 

So a month ago I posted about looking for a sewing machine and received great tips and advice in going out and looking for a machine. To recap -- I use my machine 95% of the time for quilting, I wanted a wider opening for quilting, an up/down needle, and if possible an extension table. From those comments I did have a reality check and upped what I would be willing to pay.

My local sewing shop which has such great people and free lessons has three different options for me. The one I am drooling over has more than I wanted on it, but it has such good reviews -- it is the Janome 6600. He is offering a used one to me for $899. It does have some blemishes on it by the plate.

The other used one he had was the Pfaff Quilter's Expression 2046 for $799. The reviews for this one have also been outstanding.

My third option doesn't have all that I want but it would be a good solid machine that I would be buying new. An Elna Expression 520 ($599) or the 540 ($799). It is now made by Janome but is a solid sewing machine instead of a quilting machine.

My main concern with the used machines are the computerized boards and their life span.

Yesterday was more of a walkthrough of what was available, he was working on one of them so next week I'll be able to test drive. Any additional help and advice would be appreciated. Thank You!

Look at your list of what you want and determine how important each is and what your must haves are. I have a Pfaff Performance 5.0 which I purchased because I wanted a larger throat opening for quilting but I also have a Pfaff Select 3 which I take to classes and use as a back up machine. It doesn't have up/down or thread cutter and has a much smaller throat opening (6.5" compared to 10") but for a class it is much lighter, the feature I miss the most is the needle up/down. I would ask the dealer what type of warranty he can offer on the used machines and that may help you decide. From experience if you don't buy a machine with the features you really you won't be happy and it sounds like the wider throat opening is a big priority you are looking for. Good luck in your search.

I don't know anything about the other machines, but I LOVE my Janome 6600. Its a great machine and I am very very very glad that I splurged made that purchase

I don't know the other machines, but I loved my 6600.
It was my first "good" machine and what got me seriously piecing .... and FMQing!

Here's my story .................

I outgrew the 6600, wanting more space for the quilting aspect.
Otherwise I loved it.
I lusted for the sitdown HQ-S16 but just could not justify the $$ for a quilting only machine.
I decided on the Bernina 820 ... bigger throat and BSR.
Basically the same $, but it would sew as well as quilt.
Seemed like a more prudent investment!!
Great machine ... but guess what?
I soon realized that while it has a bigger throat, there wasn't more height to allow for more bulk.
Strange enough, no one ever points that out ... always talk about the bigger throat.
And that is not the total solution.

I kept lusting for the S16 and ....... yes, a couple years later I bought the S16 (as well)!!!!!!!!!

In hindsight ....... the 6600 did everything I wanted/needed it to do except the quilting.
And would still do everything today and probably forever.
My better decision would have been to buy the S16 straight up and kept the 6600.
I would have had more $$ for fabric!!!

No regrets ... I made the best decision at the time, for what I knew.

Just sharing my story, in case it helps you ... or others .... making similar decisions!
All I can say, is to think it through ... and do your research!

I am a Bernina lover but have a Janome 8200. I looked at the 6600 and was sorely tempted. I have never heard a bad word about the 6600; it seems to be a workhorse machine. I'd vote for the 6600.

I have a Pfaff Expression 2.0 and I love it. I have made 144 full sized quilts on it and 54 wall hangings, and it is still going strong. I got it in 2009. I had it serviced the first 3 years, and then the shop went out of business. I clean it myself now...of course, not nearly as thoroughly as a dealer could. But it is still going strong. Of course, I don't know the life span of the computerized part...but mine still works well.

You will make the right decision for you though. Take some fabric and drive each one. I drove about seven machines, two different shops, before I decided on my Pfaff. But buy the one that makes you happiest!!

Dina

I have the Pfaff 2044 Quilt Expression, bought it used in 2011. It has been a great machine, user friendly for this sewing newbie. The things I miss is the adjustable foot pressure and the wider, taller throat area. I going to think there is not a lot of difference between the 2044 and 2046. I find my 2044 is sluggish when mitering corners, getting the numerous layers to pass smoothly under the foot is a struggle. I find I to pine for the 6600, the Pfaff 5.0 or the Janome 9400. I love the IDT on the Pfaff and fear it may have me spoiled. The 6600 is closer to my price range and love the user friendliness of the 9400. Decisions, decisions...

Love my Janome 6600!

Get the features you want. Don't worry about the $$$.

I am so use to Pfaffs IDT that it would be hard for me to get another brand. I have the Quilt Expression 4.0

Purchased my 6600 June 8 2008. the only thing I have ever had done is regular cleanings. Still going strong. I know nothing about Pfaff's but I think the extra feet, bobbins, accessories, etc. are more expensive than the Janome's. I have purchased a lot of extra "specialty" type feet for my 6600 and they are not expensive at all. Maybe looking into the accessory costs for all the machines you are considering will help in your decision.
Just something to consider....

Another vote for the 6600 here, I purchased mine used 6 years ago and love it! $899 is a good price for it used. I see them regularly for that on Craigslist here, and have been tempted it purchase another so my daughters can use it when we sew together.
The 6600 is wonderful for quilting and I have managed to quilt quilts up to 95x95 on it. It's a challenge when they are that big, but it is possible.

Also have the Janome 6600 and love it. I do all my own quilting with it also.

Kris P, Lucky you! I have been watching CL for a few years now for a 6600 and have only seen one.

It’s nice to know that the 6600 still holds it’s value. When I purchased the 8900 the plan was to sell the 6600 but everyone (including QB members) talked me out of it. It is a workhorse and I’m glad I kept it, I still use it more than my 8900.

I also think Pfaff is a great machine, I have an older model at my summer home which I use for piecing. Good luck with your decision. I’m sure test driving them will help you choose.

I had a Janome 6600, upgraded to a 6700. I love both. The 6700 has a button on the front to bush to remove the needle plate, easier than unscrewing. Plus it has several needle plates. I like the large throat space on both these machines. And found that if I put the top thread guide horizontally, I can use the metallic thread, sliver thread without a separate stand. Find the machine that works best for you.

Thanks everyone for the input -- and Kris P for letting me know the price is sound. A lot of the reviews I was reading when researching was soon after it was purchased. I wanted to hear from people who have used the machines for a while. I feel I will lean towards the Janome since I already have one and I loved the extension table that was included.

I'm hoping I enjoy the test drive because I am ready to buy! I have two quilts that need to be quilted and I know I can't switch machines part way through the project and I can't imagine anything more frustrating than having a new machine that I can't use!

Again thanks so much for the replies -- this community is wonderful!

I am not familiar withe Pfaff or Elna machines but I have a Janome 6600 and really have found it outstanding for my quilting needs. It has a 9" throat and I do mostly 50" to 60" quilts-Love it!

I love the Pfaff machines, and the IDT is so convenient. No need to buy walking feet. I have the Pfaff Performance 5.0, and it is a great machine. Pfaff now has come out with the newest model, the 5.2. The wide throat is a must for I do FMQ.

[QUOTE=IrishMom;8035855]So a month ago I posted about looking for a sewing machine and received great tips and advice in going out and looking for a machine. To recap -- I use my machine 95% of the time for quilting, I wanted a wider opening for quilting, an up/down needle, and if possible an extension table. From those comments I did have a reality check and upped what I would be willing to pay.

My local sewing shop which has such great people and free lessons has three different options for me. The one I am drooling over has more than I wanted on it, but it has such good reviews -- it is the Janome 6600. He is offering a used one to me for $899. It does have some blemishes on it by the plate.

The other used one he had was the Pfaff Quilter's Expression 2046 for $799. The reviews for this one have also been outstanding.

My third option doesn't have all that I want but it would be a good solid machine that I would be buying new. An Elna Expression 520 ($599) or the 540 ($799). It is now made by Janome but is a solid sewing machine instead of a quilting machine.

My main concern with the used machines are the computerized boards and their life span.

Yesterday was more of a walkthrough of what was available, he was working on one of them so next week I'll be able to test drive. Any additional help and advice would be appreciated. Thank You![/QUOTE


I really would not let concerns re: computer boards keep me from getting the one that I wanted! I have one that is nearing 20 years old, and have not had one second of trouble with it (altho I am religious about routine maintenance).....Ask him about some type of warranty (my shop provides 6 months warranty on used machines they sell).............Good luck with your decision, and ENJOY whichever machine you ultimately purchase.
]

I own a Pfaff 2046 and absolutely love it for piecing. I have the quilting foot and I love the accuracy I get with this machine and the help of the IDT foot. It's a workhorse.

I recently bought a Janome 8900 to use for FMQ. I did not like the Pfaff for FMQ but I'm sure it could be used for that. The harp is smaller on the Pfaff and I wanted something a little larger. Like the Janome for the FMQ. The Janome is a bigger machine and not as easy to transport.

Hope you enjoy your new machine.

Another vote for Pfaff. I have the Expression 4.2 and love the large throat and IDT.

Another vote for the Janome 6600!! We've been together for 7 years--countless hours of quilting--and not one single problem. I've quilted queen- and king-sized quilts on it.

Such good information from Board Members. Such a huge decision. I have a Pfaff that I use once in a while. It is a work horse but could never get the FMQ right with it. The one other thing about the Pfaff that is different from most machines is its SLANTED FRONT. This feature did not make it fit the acrylic extension that I purchased. Not sure if they have changed this feature on the new machines. I now have a Brothers INNOV-is 2000. Love it! I also have a Brothers machine that I purchased in 1959 that still works.

I am a proud owner of a Janome 6600. My daughter is now sewing and using it more and more. When I heard they were discontinuing the 6600, I promptly began my search for a used 6600 for daughter. Almost every shop I called laughed at me! Nobody trades those in! I was told. I did find a good deal on a new one. Which will be MINE!

I found trying to learn FMQ a challenge with my 2044. (Could be an element of FMQ is not my favorite thing to do.)
I find straight line grids on small throws, baby quilts is the most I am willing to push through the small harp space.
Please note: I paid $400 in 2011 for my used Pfaff, manual, hard top cover, 5-6 feet, quilting bar and a buttonholer and a few spare items in the shelf/drawer thingy.