Hey ladies, I have been giving serious consideration to building my own long arm. Since I really cant afford the big bucks. I found the plans on www.buildaquiltingframe.com. and since my DH is so talented I thought we'd try it, However, I still have the issue of finding the right machine, what would be the idea "throat size" of the sewing machine be?

it really depends on your needs. I have a 9" Juki and can quilt anything, so far. But it requires more rolling and, if quilting individual block designs, smaller blocks.

The ideal throat size would be as big as you can afford. The bigger the throat size, the more space you will still have available to quilt after most of the quilt is rolled up. I think midarm machines start at a 13 inch throat, and longarms start at an 18 inch throat (and go up to 28 inches, I think).

buy the widest throat you can afford. You will be glad you did if you intend to do machine quilting.

i agree with buying the largest throat size you can afford.

I also agree and if you are looking at some inexpensive machines, look at Bailey's Home Quilter which comes in a 13 and 15 inch throat. Also check out www.pennywinklevalleyranch.com. I tried their machine out at the Knoxville quilt show last year and was impressed with how smoothly it operates.