Originally Posted by Lori S
I would suggest for an investment of this level .. go to a major quilt show ... all of the comapnies will have machines their for you to test drive . You may not live near a major show , but if you need to travel to get to one it is money well spent .. to get to see them all in one place .. makes comparision much easier and efficient.
What Lori said.
I agree that it would be worth your time and money to travel to a show where you can see multiple vendors machines. You need to drive before you buy. Plus, you'll get to look at all the show quilts!!!
I would do some reseach first and make a list of your needs vs. like to haves:
Throat depth, frame length, stitch regulator, panto system (laser, stylus, none), computerized quilting, computer design program?
Also make sure you have enough room for the frame you are considering. You will need to be able to walk all the way around.