Thanks for the input on the Juki,,,now what about this one??? Its more my price range,,but would like to know about performance..
http://www.sewingmachineoutlet.com/j1600pdb.htm

haven't used this model, but have a smaller Janome and love it. I'll purchase them again if this one dies on me (but that will be a while based on performance)

On the 1600 machine, check to see what TYPE of needle you can use. If my memory is correct (and most of the time it isn't) you have to use the DBX needles.

Check into the Janome 6600P. Fantastic machine. I've had mine for about 4 years now and have never had to have it serviced! I use my machine DAILY and it sews like a charm every time no matter what I decide to use for fabric.

What is a DBX needle,or whatever you said? LOL!

I have this machine (the 1600P- very similar, mine is a 2 yrs old)) & I love it. It is a real workhorse. I just checked my manual & mine doesn't call for DBX needles- good thing because I haven't been using anything special! I love FMQ quilting on it & I think my skills have really improved with it. The foot is a closed one though- different from what I am used to with my Pfaff. My dealer said it does not have an open toed FMQ foot & I think I am going to buy an extra one & cut it open. I have seen your work on here & I know you do a lot of FMQ. Because it is an industrial type domestic machine, there are no snap-on attachments. Everything is done by screws- feet, needles, feed dog plate change out. The feed dogs do not drop, there is a thicker plate you put on to cover them. I do call it my "left handed" machine because screwing some of the stuff on is awkward & I have to use my left hand. Putting the bobbin in is awkward too- nothing awful, but you have to get used to it. I am sure you know it is a single stitch machine but it can sew FAST! I love the 9" bed space & this machine can sew through anything! I really love this machine, but I wanted to include the things that are different & a bit annoying too, to help you make your decision.

I have a Janome 9500 Memory Craft and I am pleased with it. I don't know about the 1600. They seem to be sturdy machines.

I use Janome 8000 Memory craft it can do just about anything..except dinner and dishes!!

I also have the Janome 1600P -- I do believe that one of the reasons I chose it over the DB was because the DB did require special needles.

I love my machine, but... It is more awkward to thread and the bobbin isn't as easy/accessible either. No snap on feet and am constantly changing the feet. Love the 1/4" foot.

But I would buy it again in a minute. I think it is a great machine for just straight stitching (piecing). No fancy stitches. It is just a workhorse.

I have a Janome 'SewPrecise" machine, I love it. It has some modern features, but not too many as to be hard to use! I have had it about 2 years. I do quilting, and am trying to learn Free Motion Quilting. The feed dogs DO drop down, it makes buttonholes, but I don't do clothing anymore, several decorative stitches, auto needle up when you stop, speed setting, easy bobbin change, and wind - visual bobbin - didn't break the bank to buy. I got it on line in fact, from Ken's Sewing.

Any tips on free motion?

If your heart is set on a different model, check with your LQS's and see if they have any used models. I had fallen in love with the MC6500 but couldn't justify the $$ especially since my HV was only 2 years old. When the Janome 6600 came out a bunch of folks traded in their 6500's and I bought one used. The store cleans and services them, mine is like new except for "used" look which doesn't bother me a bit. And it was a WHOLE lot cheaper!! Came with all the do-dads too, all I had to buy were extra bobbins.

Sue

I'm having problems getting the embroidery to be in the exact spot I want it and then moving the material to reposition for the next image. Do you have any suggestions?

I have the 1600P and use it on a frame. It takes regular needles and I have had very good luck with mine.

I saw this one this weekend and it seemed to deliver everything they promised. Currently I have a MQ4900 Janome, am looking at a Horizon 7700. Don't think I will ever get anything but a Janome.

I bought the 6600 and am seriously thinking I should have gone with the 1600. My 6600 is very tempermental. On my old Janome I could just sew--nothing to tweak. I was seduced by a lot of fancy gizmos that I'll likely never need. Make sure you ask yourself what you'll really use before you choose a model.

I've heard good things about that model, but I WOULD NOT BUY FROM sewing machine outlet. I ordered a chair from them, which they did not have, but immediately charged me for, and charged $30 more than my order total. A few days later, a rude character named Sammy called and tried to bully me into choosing something else. Folks on patternreview.com have also had problems with them. I'll try to post links to the threads about this.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-95063-1.htm link to my problem with Sewing Machine Outlet and Sammy

Here's another: pages 4-7 (I think, discuss peoples' negative experiences with Sammy and SMO, in relation to a sewing machine purchase. http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-...asses/board.pl