Hi Rob, I have the Janome 8200, I have only had it for about 3 months, but I love it. It has a 12 inch throat (harp) space. I have quilted a queen/king quilt on it, and I am new at free motion. It is wonderful. Lots of room to use ruler also. With the high shaft for the feet, there is room to have a ruler behind the needle. Great machine.