know nothing about Red Thread, but would encourage you to talk with others in your area if your intent is to purchase a long arm and repay it by quilting for others. It will take you a while to learn to use the machine, especially if you don't include a robotic quided component (which will add anywhere from $4000 to 15,000 depending on machine and computer components). And I know from my own experience, and that of other long armers in area, that except for 1 or 2 ladies that having been around longgg before the rest of us, that most LA say it takes about 3+ years to develop a steady clientele that will allow you steady income. And even they will state that there are times of the year that are "slow".