I have the Janome Horizon 7700 and love it. Yes I love the thread cutter and really miss it when I use my backup machine for classes. I also love the knee lifter. As for not using the foot pedal, I like using the pedal when in sit down at the table mode. I use my machine on a frame too, and then I have a Grace speed controller - button push with dial speed. Couldn't imagine having to kick a foot pedal across the floor then!