Thanks everyone for your responses. Yes, summ06, we were at the Evergreen Quilt Show and I was impressed with the dealer there. I had the thought of visiting their showroom this summer to check things out more thoroughly. We are also thinking of waiting on any decision until we go to the Madison Quilt Expo and test drive the other longarm machines. That will give us time to think it over. I am glad to hear that others with shoulder issues can use theirs just fine. That sure makes it more tempting and we do have a finished attic with enough space to fit a 12' frame - once we move some stuff around. The tip on stretching before getting going is one I'll have to remember. This is sounding more promising!