My husband is going to buy me a longarm machine and frame after January 2010. He has been looking at the TL Queen Quilter 18", Grace Metal King 120" Aluminum Frame Encoders Set, Stitch Regulator, 1Handle Bar Control, 4 Clamps. After reading all of the info on this machine, it has everything I am interested in. It's price is $6,495.00. I was wondering, would this be a good longarm and frame for us to invest in.

I have been reading your threads alot and I trust your opinions from other threads on this board. I have learned more from you girls and guys than alot of my books. I told my husband that I wanted to bring this up and get your opinions from your experiences. Or maybe, you know of a better set-up than this brand. Thank you for your comments and interest! :thumbup:

I don't know anything about the TinLizzy. But you might want to look at the MARKETPLACE ads on www.mqresource.com There is a HQ16 setup for sale. It's not mine but the gal that has the machine takes super good care of it. I have the HQ and LOVE IT. The machine is super low maintenance and very easy to use. No matter what machine you get, I strongly suggest getting a stitch regulator. They are priceless.

crashnquilt........Thank you so much for your quick reply. I am fixing to check this out right now soon as I am through with this message. I have been reading about the HQ16's also. It is good to know that you love yours. That is good feedback. Oh! and by the way, "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year"! :D

Is there anywhere close where you can go and test drive these machines?

I would suggest joining the homequiltingsystems group at http://groups.yahoo.com . That is a very lively, independent group of mostly longarm quilters and I'm sure some of them have experience with the setup you are describing. Check the website's file section for lots of information about machines and frames. It's such a big purchase, and there are so many machine/frame combinations available, it's a good idea to do your research before making a decision.

amma......My DH said there was a store in Raleigh N.C. which is 45 min. away from us for the TL Queen Quilter. I especially would like to know if anyone here on the board has one or knows someone who does to tell of its performance. Thanks!

Prism99......Thanks for the valuable info. I have been checking out the groups and I am gonna join one. You are a big help in directing me to this site. Thanks again!

I have a Nolting setup. Check them out. Very strong and sturdy. Dan is the owner and there is Dan, the tech. They are both great.

This is my first post as I usually lurk while at work...lol.
BUT I bought an HQ16 on Craigslist for $3,500.

I watched ads for used stuff for 2 years before finally getting one that was in my budget. Check out your local places and you might find a great bargain.

I would buy from Handiquilter new if I could afford it. I won a trip out there and they are fantastic to deal with.

I've been lurking for awhile and saw your question about the tl queen quilter 18 I bought mine in Aug. and really like it. I also bought the shirley stitcherII. Its taken a little time to learn how to use it, the directions were not very detailed but I'm getting use to it and like it.

HI
One of the ladies in my quilt guild has a tin lizzie and she loves it, she has had it for about 1 1/2 years and while she has not done a lot of quilting, everything she has done , was problem free

My sister and I just got a TL and we love it. I live in WV and bought it at Needle & Thread in Statesville NC and they came and set it up and showed us how to use it. We also quilted a quilt on it before she left. Wonderful people. Oh yes we did pay her 500.00 for coming and setting it up and teaching us how to use it. Well worth it....HTH It was 6500.00

I have a friend that has a Tin Lizzie and she absolutely loves it.
I have a Gammill Classic with a 14' bed and I tried hers once and didn't much care for it but I'm used to a much larger, heavier machine with a huge sturdy frame. It's all what you're used to and if you learn with a machine you'll love it too.
Take your time and test drive as many machines as you can before making a final decision. Gammill now makes a moderate priced..approx $7000. +, though I have heard a number of negative reports on that model.
Also don't be afraid to consider a well cared for, low hours used machine. If I had it to do over again I certainly would invest less up front and buy used after really doing some research and having hands on time on various machines.
If you're looking for a machine for your own personal use you don't need the type of machine like I have because you aren't going to be working it as hard as I do for my business.
Try to get the most throat space you can with the $$'s you have because you'll really enjoy that extra space when working with pantographs etc.
Good Luck!!

I have a TL..Love it! AND the frame that goes with it! My first frame was not heavy enough for a big quilt! :lol:

Hi, I have the HQ16 and just love it. The stitch regulator is wonderful and easy to handle. I also like the fact that you can quilt from either side of the table. Hope this helps. Charlene

I have a grace frame and the poles to me are not sturdy enough. I would have rather waited and paid a little bit more for a stronger frame.

My friend bought a Tin Lizzy setup last year, and they set it up themselves at home. They had some issues with getting it up and running, but the customer support from the company was really good, and the issues were cleared up right away. She is now extremely happy with her choice. Hope this helps.

I have a Bailey 15" on a Grace Pinnacle and I love the set-up. I can't get over how easy the Bailey quilter moves along the frame and has a nice size quilting area. The Grace frame rolls so smooth and I find it to be sturdy, as well as very lightweight. My friends with the Tin Lizzies seem to be very happy with that machine as well, but some have complained about the wooden frame, not sure which one it is.

Thank you all so much for your comments on choosing a longarm quilting machine and frame. You have been a great help and love all what you all said. That's exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

charhend, quiltmomma, jljack, Maribeth, crashnquilt, Loretta, amma, Prism99, AnnaO, Luvstoquilt301, Khquilter, thequilterslink, nena, AnnaF, bonitagaye......Thank's for answering my question about choosing a longarm quilting machine/frame. Luv you guys!