pumpkinpatchquilter

For the past two years I've had an APQS Ultimate 1 - my first long arm quilting machine. I love it and even won an award at a national quilt show with the quilting I did using this bare bones machine. I feel like I'm at a point where I feel good about investing a little more into my machine and upgrading, as I currently don't have stitch regulation and I'd like a few other features the newer machines have. After pricing it out - I could get another APQS, specifically a Lucy that has a few more features than my machine, the new Bliss system and table, plus stitch regulation for around the same amount it would cost me to purchase a new Handi Quilter Fusion. The Lucy is a 26" throat where the Fusion is a 24" throat...but I do find that with vibration at the back of the machine I rarely use the back half, so I don't think I'll miss the two inches of space much.

The positives on the APQS are that I know the machine well, I know the customer service is beyond fantastic. I have a lot of faith in the company. I also know these machines will last forever as I'm currently working on a 15 year old machine and doing some fantastic things. Countless times I have called APQS and they are willing to sit on the phone with me and walk me through just about any mundane thing I might need help with. The only negative is that there is no local support...the closest person who works on these machines is 2-3 hours from me. Because they are so willing to help me repair my own machine, it's debatable how much that really matters.

I liked Handi Quilters from the get go but went with the used APQS because it was an affordable machine to get me into long arming. But now that I have more options now that I can spend a little more and I'm again considering an HQ. There is a dealer 30 minutes away from me and that is enticing. I am interested in the Fusion but have a few questions. I don't know much about the company and customer service really is a big part of my decision.

- Approx. how much is the fee to have it yearly serviced? (I will ask my local dealer as I know all places are different, but just curious what you all budget - what is normal).

- How is the movement with the new precision glide system compared to other machines? Before Precision glide I saw many people upgrading their machines with Edge Rider Wheels...are you happy with the movement with the studio frame and precision glide?

- Are there any other upgrades that do not come with the machines new that you feel are necessary to get the best work from your machine? (Not including a computer or software...)

- What kind of mechanical issues have you had if any and how long have you owned your machine? Something I love about APQS is they run forever..even though I have to oil a few wicks, the bobbin race, and change the motor brushes once a year...there isn't all that much maintenance. What kind of $$ have you had to spend in repairs with your HQ?

- How do HQ machines hold up to heavy use? I would like to increase my quilt intake over the next year and I do want a machine that will hold up to heavy usage.

Any insight is appreciated! I do rely quite a bit on what I hear from other long arm owners to make my decision so I'm grateful for your thoughts!