Help! Long arm purchase decision
05-14-2016, 11:20 AM
#21
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
Just remember that any frame you use with your regular sewing machine will be limited by the size of the machine throat. If the machine has a small throat, the area you can quilt will be relatively small. I have sit-down quilting machine which works great for me. Due to space issues I can't go to a long-arm. I agree with the previous posts that test-driving is important.
05-15-2016, 04:12 AM
#22
Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 20
I would suggest getting a complete set. If you have the room, get a 12' frame. You'll be too limited with a 10'. I had also made the initial mistake of buying one online. Big mistake. The support is just not there if you need it. I went with Handi Quilter (Fusion) and am very satisfied. Good luck.
05-15-2016, 06:29 AM
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England
Posts: 169
Handi Quilter Simply Sixteen w little foot frame (4'x5' footprint) is simply awesome!!! And it's under 6K!
I love everything about it including co's. outstanding customer service. Setup was easy, and faster than I anticipated.
Solid frame w clamping system is super easy and quick for quilting all size quilts. (Longarmer friends said they liked this system better than their traditional roller loading ones).
Manual + (2 option) stitch regulator modes.
Machine can also be used on larger Studio frame (10'-12').
Machine makes beautiful stitch w little/no tension adjustments.
Options:
Rear handlebars + laserlight if you want to use pantographs
Rulerbase if you want to do ruler work
It's such a pleasure to use!
I love everything about it including co's. outstanding customer service. Setup was easy, and faster than I anticipated.
Solid frame w clamping system is super easy and quick for quilting all size quilts. (Longarmer friends said they liked this system better than their traditional roller loading ones).
Manual + (2 option) stitch regulator modes.
Machine can also be used on larger Studio frame (10'-12').
Machine makes beautiful stitch w little/no tension adjustments.
Options:
Rear handlebars + laserlight if you want to use pantographs
Rulerbase if you want to do ruler work
It's such a pleasure to use!
Last edited by Colorful1; 05-15-2016 at 06:47 AM.
05-15-2016, 06:40 AM
#25
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New England
Posts: 169
Originally Posted by Wanabee Quiltin
If you buy a long arm, see what kind of warranty it has. My HQ is sensitive to almost every thread and makes horrible sounds, breaking the thread constantly. The dealer does not want to be bothered. I would never buy HQ again.
Here is their general #: 1-877-MY-QUILT
Good luck!
Last edited by Colorful1; 05-15-2016 at 06:43 AM.
05-15-2016, 09:42 AM
#27
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 25
Longarm decision
Originally Posted by ELIZABETHCOOK
Hi everyone!
My hubby has given the green light to purchase a real long arm and set of frames while that is the coolest thing ever. I am so hesitant and reluctant to spend over 6,000 for this setup. I found a set of little Gracie ll frames for less than 600 that I can use one of the domestic machines I already have. There were some postings about these frames previously but this doesn't help with my decision 😬. I am not wanting to start my own long arm business this is just for me, charity work and personal use. I do mostly all over stippling, edge to edge designs. So my question is what would you do? Spend a little over 6k for your dream machine and frames or go with the $600 option that will meet my needs. I just don't want my needs to outweigh my wants LOL Big decision to make!
thank all of you who respond with your thoughts and opinions.
Elizabeth
My hubby has given the green light to purchase a real long arm and set of frames while that is the coolest thing ever. I am so hesitant and reluctant to spend over 6,000 for this setup. I found a set of little Gracie ll frames for less than 600 that I can use one of the domestic machines I already have. There were some postings about these frames previously but this doesn't help with my decision 😬. I am not wanting to start my own long arm business this is just for me, charity work and personal use. I do mostly all over stippling, edge to edge designs. So my question is what would you do? Spend a little over 6k for your dream machine and frames or go with the $600 option that will meet my needs. I just don't want my needs to outweigh my wants LOL Big decision to make!
thank all of you who respond with your thoughts and opinions.
Elizabeth
05-15-2016, 05:18 PM
#28
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 169
I also do comfort quilts, no quilting for sale. I could no longer push fabrics through a machine. I originally bought a Bailey (sold it on the Bailey forum), but it is really a changed up Janome, and does not allow for the round needle that a true long arm has so there is flex in all directions. I bought a Nolting Pro on a new frame. The frame is enclosed and the large wheels move inside like butter. The handles are ergonomic and can be positioned wherever you need them to be. I have a great dealer. I do not do pantographs, but custom FMQ designs. I finally found what works for me.
Go to shows and try, but you almost need more time to try. I went to the dealers themselves and tried them out for longer periods.
Go to shows and try, but you almost need more time to try. I went to the dealers themselves and tried them out for longer periods.
05-21-2016, 08:09 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 983
I'm so very interested in the HQ Simply 16, I'll be following this post for sure. Being a completely new long arm newbie. I jumped feet 1st in purchasing a Semi Industrial Tin Lizzie 18 with frame, but didn't think about a manual for it all, and I can't figure out the tension problems which I'm sure are just my lack of knowledge, so I'm selling this machine and set ups to buy perhaps a HQ Simply 16 that I can get a lot of internet help and advice for. Thanks everyone for your help and input on my problems. Hopefully in the near future I will at last be informed a lot more on long arm quilting for my DH as well was all 6 wonderful children and let's not forget my even more wonderful 10 Grandbabies! Thank you for listening and of any help you will have mercy on my to help me with.
Thank You Quilt Board!!
Thank You Quilt Board!!
05-23-2016, 02:48 PM
#30
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1
FWIW! I went with a factory reconditioned Nolting commercial machine from the early 90's. 18" throat space, on a Hinterberg Stretch frame made to 8' (can be made longer with longer conduit and the end pieces). Including dealer delivery and setup, around $4500. I did a bunch of looking online for "the best" LA machines available in my price range. I saw a BUNCH of posts and blogs with ecstatic Nolting owners, and very few frustrated ones. That combined with factory support, made in USA, user friendly repairs on so many things that can go wrong...it was MY best option, even though I had no hands on experience with any other brand, and only a few minutes playing with one of these at a show. I have no regrets yet, I feel I bought a great machine.
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