It isn't hard to switch out the bobbins. I don't know if it can be done without taking the throat plate off (I haven't used my FMQ bobbin so I just take out the bobbin case if I'm cleaning).

one thing that is a great thing to have ,provided you dont put it to close to a computer machine is a long pencil thin Magnet. It helps pick up screws and pin that fall on the floor. when you are removing a screw let the magnet hold it . it helps when yo need help to replace feet . i usee mine a lot. I got mine at lowes, in the small tool secion. works wonders.

My Huskvarna has one also and I hate it. Will try leaving the screw out to see what happens.(I already have a screw loose, I think)

Note that the Blue Dot Bobbin(low tention) says that it is not to be used IF your machine has a thread trimmer. I thought that the 6600 had a thread trimmer.

Is there more than one? This one says it's for the 6600.
http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/...otion_Quilting

Just looked again and there are two different ones. Where did you see the info about the thread cutter?

I bought a Singer Slant-)-Matic 403 Special in 1960 Like it but have wanted a portable Just bought a 3160 QDC Janome. The first thing the teacher told us was to get a bigger screw which we did. I really do not like the flat screwdriver they furnish so use one of my own most of the time. I do wish they made all of them with a deeper throat. The dealer did say if I wanted to trade up I would have one year to do so getting the value I paid off another one. Many of you seem to have the 6600 one. I am really just a beginner quilter. It is adicting.

I use an offset screwdriver for my Janome faceplate, It works great. The screwdriver end is bent so it fits easily under the head part and is long enough to grasp easily.

Is that offset screwdriver have a handle coming out of the side instead of the top? And where did you get it? Thanks

I have an offset screwdriver too, that I used with my old machine. I bought it at walmart or home depot.

It is a bobbin holder which has a blue dot . It costs $30.00 and you can get it from your sewing machine dealer. It is awesome there is a different pull on the thread using this holder it was made for fmq. Yes buy it. You should not use it for regular sewing , just for fmq. Roz

I have a Janome 6500 and I am not sure about the screw you are talking about.

I would sure like to have the bobbin holder you are talking about.

I have two Janome's (have actually had 4 and have updated). I now own a 6600 and a MC1000 and love them both. I have a round flat screwdriver that is also great for arthritis. Absolutely wonderful - you will love it. Makes getting to those screws super easy. got it from Morko Products. [email protected] on line and order from there. Best small screwdriver for machines I have ever found and I also have short screwdrivers - this beats them all to pieces. From Amarillo....

I just bought a Janome 6600 and have found this forum excellent on getting opinions on anything. I haven't done much with my new one and it has beeninteresting getting info on what to expect. I don't have the blue bobbin holder yet guess i will have to look into it also like all the ideas on the screwdrivers. Thanks everyone.

I used my regular bobbin holder for doing FMQ - I have a 7700...so far I have had no issues. Anyone else with a 7700 find its better to use the blue bobbin case or the same??

I hate to admit, I'm not happy with the short screw driver either. So, I use one from my Singer and it works a lot better and easier!!!

I have the 7700 also, and read that the blue bobbin case wasn't needed for this machine- I think on the yahoo group. I have been using the regular bobbin case with no problems....

I have 3 Janome machines A 5024. a 6600 and a 10001. I love them all for the different reasons I bought them. I had a Lamair for over 30 years and don't find the screws on the Janomes any more difficult. Some day it may take a bit more fiddling but that's because of arthritis not the machine. Short screws or screwdrivers are not a worry compared to the thought of being without my babies.
I also have a Singer serger which can cause more frustration than the other three put together.
I thought about upgrading to a Baby Lock but decided the Singer will do a few more years yet.

I keep learning THINGS with all of you. You mean that I don't have to use a coin to unscrew the plate to clean? I have to look for those stubbies. God bless all of you wonderful women, oops, and guys. QuiltingJoanie

I also bought my 6600 online from Brubaker's. They are so nice and helpful. I buy all my accessories from them, too!

Sorry-I wasn't clear. I bought my accufeed feet and my FMQ bobbin case from Brubaker's. I bought my machine from a semi-local shop. But I've heard nothing but good about Brubaker's.

I found accessories for my 6600P much cheaper on ebay: The bobbin case is $26 with shipping included instead of $40+. I don't know if this link will work, but it is sewland on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...sPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

i buy my janome bobbins from sewland too..

what is the yahoo site i see refered to a lot on here?

I am trying to decide on a serger and leaning toward a Janome since all my other machines have never had a problem. Any suggestions from fellow Janome owners? Had recc.for two...204D and 7034D. I need to quit dithering before my DH forgets he promised to buy me one. ( :

I have had any number of Janomes. Right now, I have the Gem Gold in my RV, (I'm on vacation) and I have the 11,000 at home in my sewing room. I did have a Janome serger but I thought it was too complicated - I now have a Baby Lock and it is far more user friendly. But I haven't had a Janome serger in years, so they may have "uncomplicated" themselves in the meantime.

I recommend the Baby Lock serger for real sewing capabilities.

I use a dime.