Watson--I find that moving machine over top and not moving top through machine is easier on my back. I use a drafting stool when I'm doing any ruler work/ micro quilting/some FMQ on my long arm and standif it's pantos or "big" FMQ. I don't have it, but you can get a hydraulic raise/lower system on many brands--the only reason I haven't is that the Gammill frame system means you bump into the lowest bar if you tuck in too close, so the drafting stool seems to fit fine.