My first long arm was a Tin Lizzie 18 which I liked and soon found out that I had a natural talent for freehand quilting and custom quilting so I started quilting for customers. Of course, that led me to wanting a longer throat--so since I was now quilting for customers, I could justify selling the Tin Lizze 18 and getting one with a longer throat. In Nov. I bought a APQS Freedom which I absolutely love. The payments are high but as long as I am quilting for others, I could justify making those payments, and in 5 years, it will be paid for and then I can decide if I want to keep quilting for others--or make more time to do my own piecing and quilting. I also work full time--but I love long arm quilting. It is like my relaxation time and I can't imagine ever selling my long arm!!!!