Help! Long arm purchase decision
 

Hi everyone!
My hubby has given the green light to purchase a real long arm and set of frames while that is the coolest thing ever. I am so hesitant and reluctant to spend over 6,000 for this setup. I found a set of little Gracie ll frames for less than 600 that I can use one of the domestic machines I already have. There were some postings about these frames previously but this doesn't help with my decision 😬. I am not wanting to start my own long arm business this is just for me, charity work and personal use. I do mostly all over stippling, edge to edge designs. So my question is what would you do? Spend a little over 6k for your dream machine and frames or go with the $600 option that will meet my needs. I just don't want my needs to outweigh my wants LOL Big decision to make!
thank all of you who respond with your thoughts and opinions.
Elizabeth

Go to a Big Show. All the makers are there and test drive everything. It's too big a purchase to not know what all is out there on the market. I'm sure long arms are like cars, each one is slightly different but they all get you down the road. Happy hunting!

A lot depends on your $. If you are retired and have enough funds I would get what you really want. Enjoy your last years. If you are young with a family think about what your needs are. But go try out everything around. Good luck!

I agree. You need to see everything that is out there and then you can make the correct decision. My friend purchased a LA table top and she rushed buying it without considering other machines. She regrets not getting the next model up in the series. Good Luck and have fun.

The set up on a grace frame limits what you can do. You only have about 3 - 4 inch quilting area as the area shrinks as the quilt rolls up on the frame (the size of the throat of the machine limits). You can do very nice stippling, some leaves, hearts on vines etc. With a bigger set up you have more options for ruler work, using stencils that fill a whole block, and more sweeping (think a big S shape for a feathered spine) free motion.

If you can afford it and do enough quilting to justify it I would buy a used Innova 18 inch or a used Handy quilter. There are a good number of newer used machines on the market. You will have so much fun with it and it will be easier to work with then a domestic machine on a frame. The throat opening is very important and a domestic machine does not have much space.

All of you have given me so much to think about. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and advice it is truly appreciated!

I had the same delema after l retired & wanted to quilt my family gifts and charity projects. l decided on the Bailey Home Quilter...but there are other similar basic machines out there. My budget was small...$2000. I got the 15" and found a good used frame on Craig's list. You can find package deals as well ( frame plus machine). l'd advise you to get as large as you can afford, but keep bells/whistles to minimum...not in business of quilting, you may not need computorized gizmos

I too, have the Bailey Pro 15. It was originally on a frame it now sits in a table. I find it easier to sit down and quilt as opposed to standing up. I don't have to worry about running out of throat space as I get further along in the quilting process. My stitch regulator is my foot......:) I glued a piece of wood to my foot peddle so I don't go to fast or to slow.

Start visiting dealers, shows, friends with different set ups and try out as many as possible. Test drive & take your time. It's an investment to research and make the choice that's right for you. Making the right, informative red choice can keep you happy for years. :)