Have you looked at the Bailey's Home Quilter's? I just got a 17 inch, machine, a Grace Pro GMQ frame with a stitch regulator for about $3900, I did purchase a classroom machine it had about 10 hours of use on it and was refrub. before sent to me so I saved a little bit of money. They also have a 13 in and 15 in models for less money. The upside of these machines so I have been told is that they don't require the $20 a spool thread regular sewing machine thread will work on it.