I found this link: http://wowquilts.com/index.htm

It looks interesting, and seems more affordable than a traditional long arm. Any opinions or feedback on this?

Have you checked out the bailey quilter, you can add a stitch regulator to it. Its also a stretched machine. I called Chuck earlier this week and he's very friendly and will answer any questions you may have. I dont have one yet bet I'm considering it. The Wow didnt have as much to offer as the baileys. http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/bahoqupro15.html

I don't know but that looks like a better idea than paying 12,000. :)

Wow, that does look better :)
Now I want one....

Bailey is an awesome machine. LOVE mine.

The Bailey looks fantastic! What model do you have, and can you tell us a little more about it?

I have the 17" model. Bought it in June and have the stitch regulator. I have it on a proflex frame. I love the machine because I can use any thread and never have breakage. Was able to do kings without any problems. There is a fantastic Yahoo group that is so helpful and customer service is great. I am so happy I invested in it. I bought a class model so had a discount.

I looked at the stretched machine, but I wouldn't buy it because it's built on a 201 - which means it has the smallish class 66, horizontal bobbin.

The smallest bobbin I would even consider in a longarm machine is the class 15, and you have to replace that often enough. The class 66 holds about 3/5 or 2/3 the thread that the 15 does. And I sure don't want to have to try to replace that topside horizontal bobbin while I'm in the middle of a quilt.

I'm really wanting an ABM Innova, but my budget is saying that the Bailey is more realistic. ;)

That's great that you can use any thread in yours, Cheryl - I can't believe how many posts I see about "my machine doesn't like X brand!" If I had a machine that wouldn't sew with what I gave it, it would go out the door! LOL!

How do you like the stitch regulator on your machine? After the bobbin size and location, that's my next most important feature. Does it really keep your stitching consistent sizes?

Does it take ordinary household needles (15x1) or does it need an industrial type? (like DBx1)

Can you use small size needles in it? (Size 12, for instance?)

Thank you!
Elizabeth

Elizabeth, not sure about the size 12 needles - I use 14 in mine. They are regular Organ needles.

The stitch regulator has caused me some consternation...I could get fairly even stitches but it didn't seem to be perfect. However, one of the sensors went out and I think that is what caused it. I called Chuck and he is sending me a replacement. I will let you know more about it when I get it and can try it out.

The range of stitch size is very large it seems. You can get a fairly long one which I know some people like. Stitch quality is nice.

I wish someone would make a bobbinless machine. I agree, though, that these bobbins hold a lot more. I also have a bobbin winder I got from FancyQuilt and it seems to really wind a lot of thread on it. I usually go through 2 bobbins for a large lap size quilt.

Yes, please let me know how it goes. The Publisher's Clearing House Sweepstakes people aren't knocking on my door, and the Bailey 17" looks like the nearest to the Innova that my budget might reach. :)