Prism99

You want to buy a machine and frame that are made for each other. For Cal King size, you need a 10' frame. For frame quilting, you need to allow some space at each side of the frame in addition to the quilt to allow you to change bobbins, etc.

For the machine itself, you really want as much arm space as you can afford. My Voyager 17 has 17" of harp space, which works well for me. More space gives you more flexibility in your quilting designs. I think you would need more than 17" in order to quilt a design within 12" blocks on point, for example. (This does not apply if you are doing an all-over design, or many pantographs.) 16" is about the smallest I would go; anything smaller is going to be quite limiting.

You also need to make sure you have enough working space for a frame and machine. Space requirements are often more than you think they will be. You need 14' to 18' of width to house the frame, as you need to be able to walk around the side of the frame to the back. For depth, you need to add about 6' to 8' to the depth of the frame and machine -- again, you need space to move around in front of the frame and in back of the frame.

Another thing to think about is setup. If you don't have someone around to help you, you might want to avoid a Voyager (because it weighs 70 pounds!). Most machines are lighter than that.

What is your price range? That is probably the most important question, as it will narrow the possibilities. I'm not sure what all might be available under $5,000. My own Voyager 17 with Hinterberg stretch frame setup runs about $2,500 to $3,500 in most areas. The Voyager is no longer made (it is a stretched industrial Singer), so that is the price used. Sometimes you can find them online at a somewhat higher cost.

A good way to buy used is to advertise at a local quilt guild. Members who are upgrading might be looking for someone to buy their existing frame. (That's how I found mind.) The advantage is that you can try out the frame before buying, and may even be able to get help transporting it, setting it up, and getting some lessons to get started.