Thank you, Nan. I know someone on another board who has this machine and thinks highly of it, but the frame is a complete mystery to me.
Dunster -- It isn't the best situation, I agree. Unfortunately, I'm in a very rural area. The only way to test drive this machine would entail flying from Texas to Iowa -- not feasible for a $1200.00 machine and frame. Anything I get in my price range will be sight unseen. At least with this one, Nolting thoroughly checks it out and stands behind it.
The other machines/ frames I've found are many thousands of $$. My top limit is $1500.00.
I first thought about putting my Brother PQ1500s on a frame, but from what I've read on here and other places the quilting area gets very small towards the end of the quilt. Plus the only knock-down frame I can find is the Hinterberg and it is $999.00 plus shipping, and I'm not up to building my own from plans on the internet.