janny40

I have a 15 inch Bailey's home quilter, once I got over the (not putting the pressure down) I did much better. It's just a habit one has to get used to. (It was the operator, not the machine) Everything goes pretty smooth now. I just invested in the Sew Control regulator and put it on there, other then to test it out to see if it works, I haven't used it on a quilt yet, I'm working on a quilt top. I have a couple of them in progress. - I have a NEW Joy quilting frame because it was not really made for it we had to put the sensors on the inside instead of outside, my husband had to remodel the carriage a little bit so it would fit, finally got it to work. If I was to buy a frame again I would choose a different model, like the grace in the King size. Mine is suppose to be a king size but really isn't, it is 104 inches of working space on the length plus I would like to have the space to quilt on wider a area. My machine would handle more space if I had it. My machine cost around $1900 (that area), then I had bought my frame prior to this, about $850

lakekids

I own a Juki TL98E and it is definitely NOT a long arm. I originally used it on a HandiQuilter frame. But if you are doing queen size quilts by the time you get about half-way throught the quilt you only have a 3-4 inches of room to quilt. I found that to be very frustrating. I eventually threw away my HandiQuilter frame use my Juki for quilting as a domestic machine at a regular quilting table. I feel I have more flexibility as a domestic free-motion quilting than on a frame.

Barbara Ogden

You are right, all long arm machines are straight stitch. I have a Bailey 17, paid $ 1843 and although it is very primitive, it does what it is supposed to do. I am learning to do some custom quilting and for that it is perfect. It is simple and if you handle the machine with respect, you will succeed. I did the same thing, got a Gracie II frame first and then added the machine. Good luck in your decision.

DJinSC

How naive am I? I thought a long arm machine came with the frame. May I ask what the frame cost? It sure looks like a nice one. If the machine is an additional $1000-2000 dollars, I may as well forget ever getting a long arm. Bummer.

NanaCsews2

The Babylock Jane can go on your frame, and if it were me I would add a stitch regulator for use on the frame. Some don't like the Jane because of the bobbin placement, but it works if on a frame as it is not a drop in, but on the side where it is easy to change the bobbin. Changing the bobbin on mine is not a problem, nor is the tension ever an issue. Has a 9" throat-I just did a 72x96 quilt very easily and quickly without a frame. The Jane is the same as other machines, except the innards and maybe the warranties. Can get one for @ 1000 or less. I think bells and whistles to one may mean the thread cutter, ease of adding it to a frame, large extension table, built in thread extension arm, feet attachment incl walking foot, pin feed, 1500 speed, and the longer throat. Many older machines and quilters do not have these options, so they would be a big plus if you haven't used them before. Love mine.

margecam52

Judy, check with the frame company...I don't think that frame will support the length of a longarm machine. It may.. but check first. Looks to be made for a domestic/home machine. Would work great with an older singer (black) machine...those have a wonderful straight stitch and are work horses.

judy_68

Thank you for everybodys advice. I am learning alot. Im not sure what Im going to buy yet. I am going to try the machines I have just to see what they are like on it. Who knows.... maybe I will like one of them.

Old hen

I have a Pfaff quilter with a 9" quilting area. I've done King sized down to small wall hangings on it. Takes more time, but results are great. I'm never in a big hurry so have the time to move the quilt frequently. Take the advice about looking around and finding the right one for you.

Contrary Wife

I have a used nustyle with a 16" harp and table for $500. It took a week to clean a rat nest out of machine head and oil, no extras but LOVE it. Keep looking.

misskira

I agree with the Jane, although I would go with the brother pq1500s as its the same machine with a different name and lower price. I think it's around $650 on amazon if I remember correctly.