Regarding the machine: The industrial machines sew very fast. Infact if you have ever sewed on one and then go to a domestic machine, you will repeatedly say, "hurry up, hurry up". I believe you could successfully use it for piecing. These machines give beautiful even stitches. And if you can control the speed, you should be able to free-motion quilt on it. I think it would be worth a try.
In my former life, I had an industrial machine which I used in home decorating projects; i.e, all window treatments, slipcovers, bedspreads, pillows, shams, tablecloths, etc. I loved working on that "old workhorse". (I had a pretty good client following.)