Janome 8200 pros and cons
 

I am thinking of upgrading my 6600 for an 8200. Any good tips for or against it. Thanks

Love mine. Nice large throat has made FMQ soooo much easier! Love that I can see my bobbin, so I am not doing as much air-sewing! Auto threader and cutter are great. Quiet machine. Nothing will top my old Bernina 920, but I am very happy with this Janome. Do you have specific questions?

I have the 8900 which is identical to the 8200 except with more stitches (which I never use). I'm happy with mine. The only issue I have is the feed dogs tend to eat corners (like HSTs). So I have to use a leader to stop that from happening.

I have the same issue with my 8900 eating the corners. I've gotten used to using a leader. Love my machine though.

Well, I thought I had posted my own review, but I don't see it. So for time's sake, ditto what jillmc said about the pros. Love everything about my 8200.

My 6600 does that but my repair person said to make sure to use the single hole plate instead of the zig zag plate.

Totally agree with lyric girl. I bought an 8900 (brand new) after originally looking for an 8200. I sold it approximately 6 months later in frustration and disgust.

I bought it for the harp space but found whilst it was long, the harp space seemed very low and restrictive. It felt very cluttered to sew with once I had a quilt or even just a top I was finishing piecing together under the needle. The machine would not sew over my intersections....piecing or quilting. I am an experienced sewer and this was one machine that did not meet my expectations or needs. Definately do a test drive including bulky seams and large "pieces" of work before you decide.

The person who bought my machine from me knew my concerns...I am an honest person....I contacted her several months later and she has been very happy with it.

i love my 8900. i don't have any of the problems others have described.
that does not mean i dispute their reports.
it means only that my experience with the machine is 100% satisfactory.

compare the price of the 8200 vs the 8900.
then research the price of the extension table.
i don't think it's included with the 8200, but it is included with the 8900.
i wouldn't have missed the extra stitches, but i must, must, must have an extension table.

Thank you all for your input. So hard to make the decision. Guess I’ll have to bring some fabric when I go and try one of each out. I was leaning towards the 8200.

I also do not love my 8200, but after reading these comments, I plan to check some things like plate, lint and needle size. Thanks everyone. This is great help.