I was first given the Bernina frame as a gift, and used a Bernina 440 to quilt on it. I did not like the limited throat space. I looked into a long arm, but the two things that kept me from purchasing was the trouble that people had with tension and I already had a wonderful frame. There were some mid arms that may have fit my frame, but had only a few more inches than an 820 and about the same cost, so I purchased an 820 and love it on my frame. I am happy with the space, and am saving my pennies to get the computer software that is now available. I do several quilts at a time, and then I take it off the frame. Ikept the 440 and piece on it in the meantime. Hope this helps