I'm going to take a look at a long arm quilter tomorrow. I don't know what brand it is yet, but it is "older." The pictures seem to demonstrate that everything in the room is well taken care of. I've only done hand quilting, but am thinking it would be really nice to be able to make some "non-heirloom" quilts, too, that could be done more quickly. The price seems very reasonable if the machine is any good at all - around $1000. Is there anything I should look for? Thanks you all. You're treasures!

I've had good luck with used machines. I'd call the seller and see if you can bring some fabric and batting a do a 'test run'.

How old?
Does it include the frame?
Stitch regulator?
Does it work?
When was the last time it was used? If possible have it demonstrated.
Are all the parts there?

Hopefully you will have the chance to look at it, try it out and then do some research on it before you have to say yes or no.

Good luck and keep us informed.

I did as my budget would not allow a new one. I've been very happy, only adding new wheels. Pondering whether to add a computer to it.

I bought my Tin Lizzie used 3 years ago and it's still running strong. It had been serviced by the manufacturer just before I bought it. Most manufacturers do service and repair of the machines they make. If it quilts I wouldn't be afraid to buy it, longarms are built to last. Can you get a demo of the machine quilting?

If they are taken care of a used machine is a great way to save money

yes, not only due to budget restraints, but many of those machines are sold as used because they left the warehouse! Some may be show use models, you just never know! Also during the Surge of sales during say 1995-2005, every woman who had a 401K or retirement fund bought one thinking she would retire and become a quilter for money! Most found out that they were not physically able to do it, the rest found out during the market dive that they could not make a business out of it! SO, the market is now flooded with "used" machines!
IF the person used it for a business, and has 10,000 hours on it I might say NO.....
Also know what the machine is, research that make/model...many were made during that peak time frame and have flaws in general!

I learned that the machine is an EZ-Q quilter, commercial grade. She has other machines and does not use this one much anymore.

I'm curious to see the pictures. I've not heard of an EZ-Q quilter. I have heard of an Easy Quilter http://www.easyquilter.com/ and the Quilt Easy http://www.shirleyssewingstuff.com/q...uilt_easy.html

And I just learned about a Susie Q Quilter http://www.suzyqquilter.com/

I bought my first system brand new (B-Line Studio frame and an Elna 7200 sewing machine). I used it for 5 years before stumbling across a used Voyager 17SLR on a Pro-Flex frame that was too good to pass up. So, yes, I will buy a used quilting machine but I need more details before I plunk down $1,000.

Mine was a used Gammill She was a quilter and made me try it there first to see if I could do it Before she would even considering selling to me because I would be getting her client list as well. Did she sell her quilts? so could check with them to see how the stitches were? no skips ,loops ect.?Not sure how you check to see how many hours are on machine. I have since upgraded and ol'machine moved on again. Wish you well