I wanted to be able to machine quilt my tops...I saw the Juki 98Q at a quilt show but did not try it out.  I kept looking at them off and on for while, then I got serious and started doing research.  I joined a Juki group on yahoo and read and read and read the messages.  There were problems of course, but 99% were operator error.  Most times it was a simple solution that they had overlooked. I still had a hard time thinking about spending that much money on a straight-stitch only machine.  I finally took the plunge and bought one, never having even sewn a single stitch on one.  I LOVE that machine...it has the best foot pedal I have ever used.  Sure I can go FAST, but it is also very sensitive and I can go just as slow as I want. The needle threader did take some getting used to for me...but I was used to my Pfaff and it works sort of the opposite.  I have small-medium sized hands and never have any problems getting the bobbin out. I did break the take up spring first thing, but was able to replace it myself.  Also on yahoo groups, one the guys is a dealer/and can service them and I have 'seen' him walk others through timing their own machines without having to take it to be serviced. It is without a doubt the best investment I ever made for my quilting.  I just recently quilted a quilt that was 90 inch square quilt on it...I quilt at a desk that I have it lowered into. I have a Viking #1 and a Pfaff Tiptronic 1171, and I didn't think I would ever give up my Pfaff to put on the binding but the last two quilts I have used my Juki 98Q with the walking foot and it has did just fine. I see others on the group have some problems with tension/thread but so far, the only problem I have found is I can not free motion quilt with JP Coats thread...I can sew regular just fine with it. I do my piecing on this machine as well..

RoseofTN

Clinton, IN

a good all around straight stitch machine lots of power and speed. no added extras that arent needed. easy to use, sews through everything i lhave tried it on would reccomend it to anybody who likes to do basic sewing great for quilting and any straight stitching

lyndag

Wilmington, DE

I BOUGHT THIS MACHINE BECAUSE I WAS AT THE POINT IN MY LIFE WHERE I WANTED TO TRY SOMETHING NEW . MACHINE QUILTING WAS WHAT I WANTED TO DO. AFTER READING ABOUT THE TYPES OF QUILTING MACHINE AVAILABLE , THE PRICE RANGE OF THESE MACHINE. THE ADAPTABLILTY OF THESE MACHINE AND THE ABILITY TO MOVE THIS MACHINE WHEN NEEDED. I ALSO  TALKED TO SOME QUILTERS, A QUILT SHOP OWNER, A SEWING MACHINE REPAIR PERSON . ALL OF THE ABOVE WAS BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE SURE THAT THIS MACHINE COULD HANDLE THE JOB .  WHEN I BOUGHT THIS MACHINE AND STARTED USING IT I FOUND THAT EVERYTHING THAT IS STATED IN THE ADVERTISING WAS CORRECT AND I FEEL THAT THIS IS SUPERIOR QUALITY  

GRANMAJO

Sacramento, CA