18" Tin Lizzie or 24" Handi Quilter?
 

Is a 18" x 8" longarm enough to do any quilt with a 12' frame? My wonderful husband has narrowed it down to this or a 24" x 9" Fusion Handi Quilter with a 12' frame. I would love the larger machine but the price makes me want the Tin Lizzie. We are looking at used ones - pros and cons to both - the biggest being about $3000 price difference. My husband doesn't want me to need to upgrade in a couple of years but is the 24" overkill? Can you easily do what you need to on a large size king quilt with an 18" x 8"? Assume most of the time it will be cotton batting in my quilts....I really need help before taking the final step.

Definitely the 24 inch Handi Quilterover the 18 inch anything. Another one to look at is the Innova 22 or 26 inch. I think they are more affordable. I am in the same boat as you and am looking for an Innova 22 or Innova 26 inch used. You need a 12 foot table to do a cal king.

I have the Tin Lizzie 18 DLS and love her. I have her set up on a 12' frame. When I was shopping for one last winter, my DH did all the research and had narrowed it down to the Tin Lizzie or the APQS Lenni. He felt the Tin Lizzie was better built (no offense to the guys on here, but, definitely a man thing) and ran smoother, and more bang for your buck. She is all I will ever need...but the QBot would be nice.

QBot compatible is a requirement as my DH already got that for me from eBay! Thanks for your input. What is the largest quilt you have quilted on your 18" and did you struggle with any of it?

My DH likes the Innova. I have mo specific reason but me....not so much. It is still a consideration but I want the Tin Lizzie or Handi Quilter so far.

I think that's the reason there are used machines for sale in the long arm shops and sites...quilters find they want something bigger and better. If he's working with you on the decision and wants to buy you the bigger and better NOW ... and it's a machine You can move and handle .... I run with it ... and take him out to lunch after you signed the paperwork!

Lucky you!

It is good to know what you like and do not like. I think the Tin Lizzie and Handi Quilter are great machines too. I have the opportunity to buy an 18 inch Innova but have not yet gone out to test drive it. I heard the 18 inch are really to small to do a 12 inch block on point so that is what is holding me back. I have looked at used Gammill Classic plus 26 in. and APQS Millenium 26 in. too but sofar have not acted on any mostly because I would prefer a Innova 22- 26 in. or HQ Fussion over them. My friend picked the HQ Avante18 inch over the HQ Fusion because she did not want the 14 ft table with the Fusion and the longer reach she would need to do. For the same money she bought the Avante with computer. She does amazing work on her machine. As one person told me, any long arm is better then none.

Go for the Fusion!

Love my Lizzie, and plenty of room on my 10 foot frame. BUT so many people will tell you to try all differents ones, and yes do that. But i will say plain and simple, get a metal frame not wood. After trying a metal frame at the Paducah show this year, its all I want now. I will be upgrading to a 26 inch or bigger in the next 6 months to a year, but I also am starting to work on the side for other people. It never fails, no matter what you get, you will always want more. The question is do you NEED more. it is a lot of money.

I have tested both machines and if I could afford it I would go with the Fusion. It moved like butter. Ann in TN

Thanks to everyone for your help! And you truly did help...we just got off the phone with my LQS where I just purchased a demo - 24" Fusion Handi Quilter complete with a 12' frame! I pick her up on Tuesday!

Congratulations! You are going to love it!

Woohoo! enjoy.

Congratulations! I would love to hear about your experiences learning to use it. I'm considering purchasing one but I'm scared of the learning curve.

Enjoy!

The largest I have done so far was a 110" bargello. I admit, it was a bit large to load by myself, but, I did it and had it quilted all in a matter of about 8 hrs(including interruptions and a coffee break). Now that I am familiar with the Lizzie, I don't struggle at all. I have three steps before I even start and it works well. Clean and oil machine. Wind bobbins, and check/double check bobbin tensions. Have lots of tunes playing in the background and have FUN.

HQ Fusion
 

I just updated from HQ 16 to the Fusion in July. Best decision ever. It is so smooth. I also purchased the Pro-Stitcher which is so easy to use. I previously had the HQ16 with Qbot. Loved that set-up, too, but the new one is sooooo superior.

I pm'd you, but after reading I see you made your purchase. Enjoy. Learning to LA is a great deal of fun. So relax and enjoy the ride!
Sue

The only way you will be completely happy with your choice is to try them out. It's like buying a car with test driving. Both have nice features.