Deciding between two machines. (The struggle is real.)
12-16-2018, 12:44 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southeastern Massachusetts
Posts: 24
Deciding between two machines. (The struggle is real.)
I am having a difficult time deciding between two machines and have been researching both ad nauseum. One is the Janome Memory Craft 6500 and the other is the Juki F600.
A little background: I just started sewing recently - and now that I have recently retired, my time has opened up to pursue my hobbies. I have a vintage White 571 (circa 1970) and a Husqvarna Viking Jade 20. I plan to do some quilting and home décor. I doubt I will be sewing garments...but you never know. (Logically speaking, I don't need another machine....but they seem to be like potato chips, don't they?)
Both models I'm considering are in the same price range, have similar features and come with a nice array of accessories (extension table, quilting feet, etc.). Owner reviews are excellent (and passionate!) on both.
I am leaning a bit more toward the Janome 6500 because it's heavier duty and it would complement my other two machines in that respect. It doesn't have a Start/Stop feature but I am ok with that. However, I had tried a different Juki last year before choosing the Jade 20 and was impressed with the stitch quality and smoothness - which also seems to be present in the Janome - from what I have seen online.
If this were my only machine the free arm on the Juki might be a deciding factor - but I do have one on my Jade 20. So - it isn't a deal-breaker that the 6500 is a flat bed. The Juki seems to be a bit more user-friendly, but maybe that is because the YouTube reviews make it look so easy to operate. I did like the lower-end Juki model I tried last year. (If I hadn't already checked out the Jade 20 I would have bought it...but the Jade had me at "Hello.")
I don't expect anyone to make up my mind for me, but I might be missing a difference between them that I hadn't noticed before. Would love hearing from owners of each. Thank you in advance.
A little background: I just started sewing recently - and now that I have recently retired, my time has opened up to pursue my hobbies. I have a vintage White 571 (circa 1970) and a Husqvarna Viking Jade 20. I plan to do some quilting and home décor. I doubt I will be sewing garments...but you never know. (Logically speaking, I don't need another machine....but they seem to be like potato chips, don't they?)
Both models I'm considering are in the same price range, have similar features and come with a nice array of accessories (extension table, quilting feet, etc.). Owner reviews are excellent (and passionate!) on both.
I am leaning a bit more toward the Janome 6500 because it's heavier duty and it would complement my other two machines in that respect. It doesn't have a Start/Stop feature but I am ok with that. However, I had tried a different Juki last year before choosing the Jade 20 and was impressed with the stitch quality and smoothness - which also seems to be present in the Janome - from what I have seen online.
If this were my only machine the free arm on the Juki might be a deciding factor - but I do have one on my Jade 20. So - it isn't a deal-breaker that the 6500 is a flat bed. The Juki seems to be a bit more user-friendly, but maybe that is because the YouTube reviews make it look so easy to operate. I did like the lower-end Juki model I tried last year. (If I hadn't already checked out the Jade 20 I would have bought it...but the Jade had me at "Hello.")
I don't expect anyone to make up my mind for me, but I might be missing a difference between them that I hadn't noticed before. Would love hearing from owners of each. Thank you in advance.
12-16-2018, 12:55 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,946
I have both machines and my Janome sits on a shelf and is not used, and my Juki is my go to machine. I found the Janome bulky and not very user friendly or intuitive. I find the Juki to be very user friendly and very intuitive to use, 6 years later and I have never had a problem. If you can test drive both I would do so, machines really are such a personal choice, like a vehicle, choose what is going to give you what you want and need the most. Both have great reputations and are known to last, good luck and welcome to the board!
12-16-2018, 01:23 PM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southeastern Massachusetts
Posts: 24
Tallchick - that was one thing I considered. I don't have a big house but was hoping to keep one of my "portable" machines upstairs and the other downstairs. (The White is in a cabinet, currently upstairs...where it will probably stay. It weighs at least 40 lb.) The 6500 would not be the easier one to move around, for certain. It does come with a rolling tote as part of a package from SewVacDirect. The Juki has its own hard case, which is always a plus. Unfortunately, neither machine is available for me to try. We have one Juki dealer 40 miles away. I'm not sure I want to deal with them; they were kind of pushy last year; for some reason the owner rubbed me the wrong way. My other half did not get quite the same impression. They sell the F600 but do not have one in the store, so I would have to order it. I finally talked myself out of seriously considering the more expensive 2000QVP - which they do have on hand. For $300 more, its features were not essential for me.
As for the 6500, the two local dealers both said they cannot get it for me as it's being phased out. It would have to be purchased online.
As for the 6500, the two local dealers both said they cannot get it for me as it's being phased out. It would have to be purchased online.
12-16-2018, 01:44 PM
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,728
Welcome to the QB!
First of all, I am not familiar with any of the Jukis, so cannot give you a comparison.
Before making your decision, I would nudge you to the Janome 6600 over the 6500.
As you already know the 6500 is an older machine. The 6600 is a bit newer model, but still order.
Both are good machines. However, the 6600 has a few more updates over the 6500.
I'm pretty sure it has the start/stop feature too! Sorry I forget what else.
When I bought my 6600, the dealer had shown me the 6500, knowing it was a step or two about my current machine. I asked, what would be my next step up, over the 6500, and of course, he showed me the 6600. Right away, I knew I wanted the 6600 because of the update differences. Stepping up again was to the 7700, but nope, it had far more than I wanted.
The 6600 is a workhorse and I still love that machine, even though I do not have it.
From all I know the 6500 is a workhorse too, but just not quite so sweet as the 6600, and if your dealer cannot get it for you, then I think you have your answer.
Nothing wrong with considering a used machine ... especially if your dealer will give you a 30 day warranty, so you can give it a good run and know all is good!
Another good Janome workhorse is the 1600 .... no fancy stitches is the drawback. I used it one time mine was in for servicing and TBH I quite liked it and would jump fast if I ever saw a super deal on it.
First of all, I am not familiar with any of the Jukis, so cannot give you a comparison.
Before making your decision, I would nudge you to the Janome 6600 over the 6500.
As you already know the 6500 is an older machine. The 6600 is a bit newer model, but still order.
Both are good machines. However, the 6600 has a few more updates over the 6500.
I'm pretty sure it has the start/stop feature too! Sorry I forget what else.
When I bought my 6600, the dealer had shown me the 6500, knowing it was a step or two about my current machine. I asked, what would be my next step up, over the 6500, and of course, he showed me the 6600. Right away, I knew I wanted the 6600 because of the update differences. Stepping up again was to the 7700, but nope, it had far more than I wanted.
The 6600 is a workhorse and I still love that machine, even though I do not have it.
From all I know the 6500 is a workhorse too, but just not quite so sweet as the 6600, and if your dealer cannot get it for you, then I think you have your answer.
Nothing wrong with considering a used machine ... especially if your dealer will give you a 30 day warranty, so you can give it a good run and know all is good!
Another good Janome workhorse is the 1600 .... no fancy stitches is the drawback. I used it one time mine was in for servicing and TBH I quite liked it and would jump fast if I ever saw a super deal on it.
Last edited by QuiltE; 12-16-2018 at 01:51 PM.
12-16-2018, 02:02 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Portland, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 413
I have never had a Janome but I do have a Juki. Although it is not the same machine as the one you are looking at, I have been really pleased with this machine. I bought mine from a city in another province which prevented my having any lessons but the machine is very easy to understand and my manual is great. I have found local dealers who can service the machine when needed. Good luck with your decision. It is not easy.
12-16-2018, 02:52 PM
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,946
Linmar, I do believe that the Janome has a larger throat space than the Juki, you didn’t mention if that would be a factor. But the Janome is a heavy machine and didn’t come with a case, I really dreaded hauling it out and setting it up, but since you will have a dedicated area for it you should be fine.
The Juki does come with a very nice case, I purchased my Juki from All Brands as a show model and they included a 10 year extended warranty on it as well, everything came in the original box and I was very happy with it. The extended warranty on it means the technician comes to my house to service it which is great!
I agree with Quilte, if your set on a Janome, go with the 6600, let us know which you decide on, it is difficult to choose!
The Juki does come with a very nice case, I purchased my Juki from All Brands as a show model and they included a 10 year extended warranty on it as well, everything came in the original box and I was very happy with it. The extended warranty on it means the technician comes to my house to service it which is great!
I agree with Quilte, if your set on a Janome, go with the 6600, let us know which you decide on, it is difficult to choose!
12-16-2018, 03:32 PM
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,075
I test sewed on every Janome, Brother, Juki, Pfaff, and Bernina at the dealers here. Every model in the shops. After a few months I made my decision. I bought the Eversewn Sparrow 30. Save myself thousands of dollars and I'm pleased as punch with this machine. All the other machines are super nice and great machines but the Sparrow has all the features I wanted. I have a Brother, Janome, Bernina, and Featherweight so I know how it compares. That saved money looks pretty good in the bank. LOL
12-16-2018, 04:20 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 730
I have the Juki 2010 and also the DX7 which is similar to the F600 I think. I love them both, the DX for piecing and fancy bits, and the 2010 for quilting...as SuzieQ said, I found them very easy machines to "learn" on my own. But they are heavy.
12-16-2018, 04:39 PM
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Southeastern Massachusetts
Posts: 24
Welcome to the QB!
First of all, I am not familiar with any of the Jukis, so cannot give you a comparison.
Before making your decision, I would nudge you to the Janome 6600 over the 6500.
As you already know the 6500 is an older machine. The 6600 is a bit newer model, but still order.
Both are good machines. However, the 6600 has a few more updates over the 6500.
I'm pretty sure it has the start/stop feature too! Sorry I forget what else.
When I bought my 6600, the dealer had shown me the 6500, knowing it was a step or two about my current machine. I asked, what would be my next step up, over the 6500, and of course, he showed me the 6600. Right away, I knew I wanted the 6600 because of the update differences. Stepping up again was to the 7700, but nope, it had far more than I wanted.
The 6600 is a workhorse and I still love that machine, even though I do not have it.
From all I know the 6500 is a workhorse too, but just not quite so sweet as the 6600, and if your dealer cannot get it for you, then I think you have your answer.
Nothing wrong with considering a used machine ... especially if your dealer will give you a 30 day warranty, so you can give it a good run and know all is good!
Another good Janome workhorse is the 1600 .... no fancy stitches is the drawback. I used it one time mine was in for servicing and TBH I quite liked it and would jump fast if I ever saw a super deal on it.
First of all, I am not familiar with any of the Jukis, so cannot give you a comparison.
Before making your decision, I would nudge you to the Janome 6600 over the 6500.
As you already know the 6500 is an older machine. The 6600 is a bit newer model, but still order.
Both are good machines. However, the 6600 has a few more updates over the 6500.
I'm pretty sure it has the start/stop feature too! Sorry I forget what else.
When I bought my 6600, the dealer had shown me the 6500, knowing it was a step or two about my current machine. I asked, what would be my next step up, over the 6500, and of course, he showed me the 6600. Right away, I knew I wanted the 6600 because of the update differences. Stepping up again was to the 7700, but nope, it had far more than I wanted.
The 6600 is a workhorse and I still love that machine, even though I do not have it.
From all I know the 6500 is a workhorse too, but just not quite so sweet as the 6600, and if your dealer cannot get it for you, then I think you have your answer.
Nothing wrong with considering a used machine ... especially if your dealer will give you a 30 day warranty, so you can give it a good run and know all is good!
Another good Janome workhorse is the 1600 .... no fancy stitches is the drawback. I used it one time mine was in for servicing and TBH I quite liked it and would jump fast if I ever saw a super deal on it.
As a beginner sewist, I'm finding it hard to justify the additional expense. Were I more skilled, I certainly would dive on it. I'm hoping that if I can wait a bit longer, there might be a price drop with the new year. The other thought I had would be to get the Juki F600 and keep my eyes open for a used Janome so that I could experience both eventually. I have seen at least 3 locally in the past few months, but would prefer to buy new. OTOH, I have never seen a used F600 in my area.
12-16-2018, 04:42 PM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 9,299
I've never tried a Juki so can't speak to it. But I love, love, love my Janome 8200. I moved up to it from a small Janome DC 1050 when I figured out that I really wanted to make bigger quilts. The throat space was the deciding factor, it was intuitive to me, the needle up/down and thread cutter (one of my favorite features ever), as well as a really good rapport with the dealer, sealed the deal. I had compared the 6500 to the 6600 and, had throat space not been my deciding factor to upsize to the 8200, I would've gotten the 6600.
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