mooshie

Does anyone here have this machine? I've looked at it and am considering buying it. The trouble is, I've used it before, but now the stores that I can get it at don't carry it in their stores anymore, so now that I'm seriously thinking about it I can't find one to try.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with it? If I decide to go with this one I really will insist on being able to try it before I buy it (One store actually has one, but it's not set up, I'm sure they could set it up for me before I pay $10,000 for it).

I'd appreciate all the input I can get.
Thanks!

PaperPrincess

I have this machine, with an inspira frame and Qbot automated quilter. The Mega Quilter 18 X 8 was discontinued at least a year ago, and was replaced by the Platinum 3000. If it really is the older model, you should be able to get it for less than the price you listed.
The 18 X 8 is a Tin Lizzie 18LS. I really like mine a lot. It will sew with any thread, and it is very easy to set the tension. My only complaint is that the frame is a little stiff, but I'm comparing it with a friend's frame that cost LOTS more than the one I have, so I can live with it. It works great for most of my quilting, just can't seem to do micro work, which is fine.
On any purchase for this dollar amount, you really should try before you buy, so have them set it up for you.

mooshie

Thank you. I'm a bit miffed that they're trying to treat it as if I'd be buying a new, current machine if it was discontinued a year ago. But, maybe I can talk them down. Though I should mention the $10k price is with the computer that does all the nifty designs. So really it's the machine ($5k) and frame ($2k) for $7. What would be a good price for this? I've been toying with the idea of just adding a Qbot though.

I have a friend with the Handi Quilter 18" on whatever frame it comes with. It's a really nice frame. I'm wondering if I should just get the frame one place, the machine another, and a qbot somewhere else. *sigh*
I've been shopping around for 2 years and still am not sure what to do. I just want to be really happy with my choice when I finally decide KWIM?

huntannette

i will be following this post....

Candace

Before you buy, try an Innova as it may change your mind. It's on my wish list!

mooshie

I don't think I have a dealer in my area that sells the Innova. I have Tin Lizzy, Viking, and HQ. I could get any machine if I wait until HMQS in May, but then I wouldn't have a dealer locally that knows the machine if I needed help with maintanence. My mom lives about an hour away, I wonder if she has a dealer near her I could check out? If I didn't need help often it wouldn't be too bad to buy from there. Thanks for the tip.

PaperPrincess

The Qbot was the computer that was bundled with my package. I'm pretty sure that all the 18X8 units came with it. The newer unit is called "Quilt Sew Clever", but it would do the same thing a the Qbot, so I'm not understanding your comment about adding a Qbot.
You need to get a list of exactly what's included, and the brand names.
If you go to the Viking web site, you will see that this unit is no longer listed. I got mine when they were closing out this model, which was Spring of 2011, I paid just slightly less that what you quoted.
Also, if it's a new unit, but old stock, make sure you get the warranty information in writing.
I paid extra for them to come out and set it up. It took 2 guys 3+ hours. The machine is very heavy, over 70 pounds and I just didn't want to deal with it. After watching them, I was glad I paid the intstall fee. Also, they made sure that everything was working, qbot, stitch regulator etc. before they left.

mooshie

You can buy the machine/frame/computer (quilt sew clever or Qbot) each separately, or as a bundle. Depending on the dealer they don't always come all together. The computer my local dealer offers with it is the quilt so clever, but I could buy a Qbot separatley and add it on. That's all I mean by adding a Qbot.

Charming

I have a Viking 18x8 with the iquilt frame and have it extended to 12 feet with the Quiltsewclever and I love it. My setup is about a year old. I don't know where you are but if interested pm me as I am thinking of selling it only because I am moving overseas and need to replace with a 220 v and a bigger throat if I can since I am dreaming of opening a quilt shop there.
QUOTE=mooshie;5662191]Does anyone here have this machine? I've looked at it and am considering buying it. The trouble is, I've used it before, but now the stores that I can get it at don't carry it in their stores anymore, so now that I'm seriously thinking about it I can't find one to try.

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has experience with it? If I decide to go with this one I really will insist on being able to try it before I buy it (One store actually has one, but it's not set up, I'm sure they could set it up for me before I pay $10,000 for it).

I'd appreciate all the input I can get.
Thanks![/QUOTE]

Silver Needle

I would suggest checking out the smaller used machines on the APQS website. They have great support!