I have the Brother 1500 and it's perfect for machine quilting. I had it serviced recently after years of use. Not much to go wrong with it. Keep it oiled and it's good to go. The repair guy said parts were always available and easy to replace. A brand new one with all feet and extension table is under $800 and many times much less. My only con I have for it is the manual is lousy. There is a 1500 yahoo group that has the repair manual on file for download and every question you may have, answered on the forum.

I'm sorry, I put the wrong model yesterday////does anyone know anything about janome 6500 for free motion quilting? Any problems?

I've had the Janome 6500, a good machine but I traded up to a 6600 Janome because I wanted a bigger harp space for FMQ - a 9" harp (throat) space versus a 6" harp space. Love it and I quilt up to and including queen size quilts.

I have the Janome 6200 memory craft 11 in. harp and love it. I bought it from a dealer on e-bay for $1,500.+ a very few more $.Less that $1,600. Love it. Have done 6-8 quilts on it. King and queen size. Love it.

I have the Janome 6500P, it has a 9 inch throat space. While it is great for baby and lap quilts it is hard for anything larger. Wish I has settled for less fancy stitches and settled for one with a simple straight stitch and a zigzag with a larger throat space.