I found a used Juki MTL98Q lockstitch sewing machine and Grace GMQ Pro Quilting frame and accessories, thread, etc on sale for
$1700.00. It is 5-6 years old, used but in good shape, taken care of. Does that sound like a good deal? Does anyone have one or have any feedback on this machine?. Also I found a Voyager 17 LA with stitch regulator and Hinterburg stretch frame for $1800.00. Does anyone have one of them? Any feedback would be appreciated.

I don't know about the machines but that's about what I paid for my GMQ Pro frame in 2008

My opinion - Go with the Voyager. You'll be much happier with the 17" arm than you will with the 9" arm. I have a 9" arm machine and wish I had waited for a larger machine. So, now I'm saving up again for that larger machine.

I agree, get the larger throat machine.

I agree, but check out the machine and test drive it before you buy.

Yes, definitely go with the true long arm (the Voyager) if you can afford it. The Juki is very limiting in what it can do, and I personally found it very frustrating to use.

They are wanting nearly new price for the Juki combo and the Grace wooden frames can't touch the Hinty Stretch.

The Voyager with frame is a much better deal. I have the Voyager 17 with stitch regulator but mine is on a Pro-Flex frame--similar to the Hinty Stretch. I got mine on ebay for a song because it was poorly described. They are very easy to work on yourself but be aware it is very heavy--very! 75 pounds. It will move like a hot knife through butter though if your frame is level.

The Hinty Stretch (and my Pro-Flex) frame uses pipes (EMT conduit) for the machine to ride around on and for the fabric bars/rollers. The pipe comes in 10' sections available at any hardware store. Commercial electrical contractors might be able to get longer lengths. If you don't need or have room for the 10' poles, you can cut them down.

I absolutely love love love my Juki 98Q and Grace GMQ frame. HOWEVER, I now want a long arm. And really, I don't think the price is that great- for a couple hundred dollars more you could have the same outfit brand spanking new.

I would test out the Voyager. It's more than twice the quilting area of the Juki, once a quilt is rolled. I'm dreaming of a long arm, but practicing with what I have. If you are looking just for a quilting machine- I'd definitely go with the long arm- AFTER I tested it out.

For a machine to piece and occasionally only quilt on a frame, the Juki is wonderful. Even when I get my long arm, the Juki stays.

i would try for a long arm

I woudn't even think twice about this one. Definitely go with the Voyager. The Juki is actually only giving you a couple more inches than a regular sewing machine. I just got a 18" long arm and I already know I want to move up eventually to a longer throat so I don't have to advance the roll so much. I can't even imagine having only 9" of quilting space. The Juki will not give you much options to quilt other than to do meandering.