carkeath

I absolutely vote for the long arm. I had the 830 LE and I did. not. like. it. It is very finicky. I sold it and bought a used Babylock Ellisimo Gold and am much happier. It sounds like you would get a lot more use out of a longarm too!

Good luck with your decision.

Carrie

JustAbitCrazy

[QUOTE=DogHouseMom;6319749]Here's a different idea .... check sales listings for used long arms and used embroidery units!! Perhaps you can get both for the price of the Bernina and keep your old (but still good) Bernina. There are LOTS of good used long arms in the $4 - $6 thousand range, and a decent embroidery machine (even new) can be had for a few thousand.QUOTE) I agree with DogHouseMom. I think you should get a used longarm and a used embroidery machine instead. I would never buy a combo machine, because what do you do with it when one of the functions breaks down? I feel the same way about other combo units (turntable, tape player and cd player, for example, or scanner, fax and printer combo). I prefer to buy something which does only one thing and does it well. Then if it dies, I can just get rid of it, instead of hanging on to a huge unit which only does half what it should. If you have to choose between a longarm or an embroidery unit, buy the one you think you'd get the most use from, which is most likely the longarm. Then perhaps in the future you'd have a chance to buy an embroidery machine (maybe used if finances are tight). As for the comparison between FMQ and longarming, there is no comparison. Both are physical work, but longarming is so much easier.

Judi in Ohio

You don't say whether you are an embroiderer or not. I have both - a long arm and and a 10 needle Babylock. I would not buy the Bernina. I think it is so over priced for one thing and I hate the regulator. Sewed in a class with one and I wanted to run out the door screaming. I am just not a Bernina lover. Even if you were talking about machines I love, Babylock/Brother I would say no to the big combo's for quilting. The throat is bigger, but not really enough, not like a long arm. Go to House of Hansen, or Quilt university and look for used machines in your area. You can save lots of $$. And if you are interested in embroidery get a stand alone that is under $1,000. Janome and Brother have them. Then you can quilt and embroider. Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy.

Dolphyngyrl

The 830 series has a lot of problems, go look at some of the review boards, some people love them and some people have had nothing but problems since day 1, not worth the 11k IMHO I would go with a longarm or a different TOL machine with way better reviews. My brother dreamweaver is a TOL embroidery machine that cost way less, and gets way better reviews. Had mine for over a year and no problems whatsoever with my machine. You can probably afford both if you don't want a long arm with all the bells and whistles

mighty

I would purchase the longarm. I guess it depends which you think you would use more.

lfstamper

I have an 830 which i use mostly for embroidery and love it. I have not had problems with it but there is a learning curve. My BFF has a long arm and is teaching me to use it. I find the space requires a lot more than the 830 but for quilting it is a dream. I would definitely look on Craig's list for either or both before paying full price for new, not being for sure which you want. Good luck!

Candace

I have the 830, it's about 2 1/2 years old now and I've had many problems with it. And I'm far from being alone or having a lemon. If I could go back in time and do it over, I'd buy a stand alone embroidery only machine and a long arm.

I love Berninas. I own about 10 of them-mostly vintage machines and they are wonderful. The newer 830 was a disappointment.

And just so you know, the 830 is being discontinued for the 880. So if you are going to invest in the newest top of the line machine, the 830 is no longer the TOL.

GypsyRse1

My vote is for the longarm...I love my 15 year old Bernina but also love my new HQ Avante' 18" ($7600) just as much... I can now take my quilts from beginning to end without a hitch......love, love, love it.

QuiltNama

Go for the longarm, love, love, love my HQ.

alleyoop1

The 830 with the embroidery module is quite heavy to be lifting on and off your quilt frame. It does a wonderful job quilting and you can add Quilt Motion to it if you want to do computerized quilting. But it's quite expensive.
I suggest you check out several machines before you buy. You may be able to find a gently used/reconditioned long arm and pick up an embroidery machine for the price of the 830. If you can test "drive" the machines, then do so. Go to a quilt show, if there will be one in your area and talk to vendors and try their machines and compare prices.
I love my Bernina 440 but I would not buy an 830 just to put on my quilting frame. I'd opt for a long arm.