I'm not sure what type of quilting machine you can purchase for that small amount of money. Not sure if possibly it is a used machine that they bought? Anyway, he is needing to get rid of it. Just wanting to know what your thoughts are. Are there machines out there on the market for this amount?

Yes and there are the 9" throat most probably. Like the viking mega quilter and the pfaff (those are the ones i know of). I had the mega quilter but sold it before using it and bought a long arm, but i know my friend had it for few years now and LOVES it. If you are looking for something to start with and practice you can't go wrong with these depending on the condition of the machine. Hope that helps

Thanks. I have no clue about machines like this is my problem. I wouldn't have the first clue! I will have to check into it more. He was asking $1000 for it. I just can't do that right now. She said he is REALLY needing to get rid of it though. So, he may take way less. I'll wait and see, but right now I just can't do that amount.

So, how does a 9" thoat work compared to a long arm? I'm sorry to sound so ignorant, but on this subject I am.

Angie it's probably a regular machine on a grace frame.
Look at this set up on eBay. It's new and only $1700. for it. It's probably something simular to this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Grace-Start-Righ...item5adec9fa57
Hope this helps you. It doesn't cost you anything to go and look. Maybe if it's worth the money they would let you make payments on it.
crafty_linda_b

As you roll your quilt up into the throat of the machine you loose quilting area. The shorter the throat the shorter the quilting area you are able to do on each pass. You can see the difference in these 2 pictures. As you roll the finished part of the quilt up you loose space. There are a lot of people that do great quilting on the smaller machines.

WOW! Now I see the difference. That's a huge difference. I would be excited over either since I've never had one but have tops sitting here not quilted because I have yet to learn to free motion on my regular machine. I was waiting to take a class but have no idea when the class will take place. So, my tops are sitting here. I can send them off here locally for a small fee but really wanted to totally finish them myself. I can get a full/queen quilted for about $50 here. I didn't think that was to terribly bad but if you have a few that can add up.

Sharon I am curious as to what kind of machine the black one is that you posted the photo of? Never seen one like that. crafty_linda_b

Thank you for your help. I appreciate it and the pictures. Definitely gives me a visual on it. ;)

That is one HUGE spool of thread too! :) Let me ask too. I've seen on some that they use those clamps. Do you have these quilts stretched like some do?

I have a Juki on a Grace frame. I would love to have a long arm but this set up works great for me now. It's so much easier then trying to quilt on my sewing machine.