Thanks Klue,
That's more what I was thinking. If I bought the frame and liked doing it (please don't suggest renting a machine for a hour or two - that does NOT happen here in Newfoundland) then I could save up for a long arm. I don't want to spend my money on something that would be useless to me if "long arming" was my next passion in life!
Next question... how much room does one of these ponies require? I can set up in my basement if it needs more than 12 feet!