Can you buy a long arm quilting machine for $1000?
 

I just bought a quilting frame and now I need to find a machine for it. Can I buy a decent machine for $1000 or less? Any suggestions on which ones I should check out? Im clueless as to which ones are best.
Judy

Look at the Bailey Home Quilter. A 13" machine is around $1300 I think. I have a 17" and love every inch of it!!

Would it be wise to buy a used machine? I have old Singers that I love but have no idea what to look for in a quilting machine.

you should first start visiting shows/dealers & test=driving all the different machines to decide which machines you like-have the features you want- are comfortable for you----then after having a list of what you like/don't like you could start looking at ads for used machines- long-arm machines new start around $5000-$7000...there are mid-arms that are less---
if you find a used machine for $1000 or less, buy it then hate it- you did not get a deal- so you should research & test drive as many as you possibly can before making a decision- it's like buying a car some of us like one- others like something totally different- it's an investment not to be made based on price alone

I was machine shopping and they had a machine for $1099, straight stitch, heavy duty, long harp, new. Don't recall the brand as I wasn't interested in a straight stitch, but could find out for you if you are interested. PM me.

Since I know nothing about long arms, I have a question.

Why is a "straight stitch" machine not what you want. I thought all quilting machines --long armed ones, do a straight stitch. Am I wrong?

That's what I thought too. All the Long-arm work I have seen here is a straight stitch.

I also would like to know about the $1099 machine please.

I don't think you will be able to find a machine with a harp larger than 9" at that price, unless you get a deal on a used machine. You can get a JukiTl98, a Brother 1500 or Janome 1600, all of which are high speed straight stitch machines with a 9" harp, for well under $1000. Mine was about $800 barely used, original packaging, all the accessories. They are not long arm machines, or even midarm, so on a frame you would have limited working space, but they can both be mounted on a frame. Just don't expect the results of a real long arm. You will be readjusting the top frequently.

Do you know which machines will fit your frame? What kind of frame is it?

http://www.superquilter.com/pics/
This is the frame I bought. I just really hate to put alot of money into this "hobby".
Judy