I have an APQS..purchased it used over 15 yrs ago...and yes it is still going strong..it is on a 14ft table.... I did for several yrs do L/A professionally...before the other sewing machine mfgrs began making their versions of L/As,and quilters began doing their own either with DM or the less expensiveL/A I had a good clientele, enjoyed seeing others quilts and loved quilting them....and in turn they loved what I did....a win/ win situation. The downside of professional quilting......you lose much of your own sewing, quilting time.....I had a house, family and all that that entails too.....life went on, then there were two of us, now only me......am still asked if I quilt for others.......haven't in several yrs now...finally getting caught up with my own " projects". I never made a lot of $$$$, thank heavens we did not have to live on what I did.......but I have always done hands on things and did them to the max...this was the maxist! There are afew who are very successful monetarily at L/A, and now with the computerized systems, probably a lot quicker and definitely easier on your back and shoulders! But anyway, that's my story and it has been a fun one and I still "play"' but now with my own things!