I started with a frame (stand alone vs table top), and put on my 1500 Brother. One quilt (granted it was a baby quilt) was all it took for me to decide that was not going to work for. 9" harp = 6 inchs of quilting space. I spent more time rolling and clamping than I did quilting. I had about 9 quilts and 9 months for a exhibit so I invested in the HQ 16. LOVE it