Long Arm Purchase Reviews needed
06-14-2011, 10:54 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Lebanon, Oregon
Posts: 1,409
We bought a Gammill because: The dealer was close enough to call for service, was reliable, and reputable.
After trying out several different machines, I was told: "Pick the one that controls the best for you." I had no idea what it was supposed to feel like, so that didn't help.
My husband's input was to look for the sturdiest hardware. The Gammill frame was the best design we found. One 8 hour day of class was included in the purchase. Before the class I was supposed to practice and get comfortable with the machine. That plus instructional videos was enough to "get me up and running".
Of course, I'm still learning techniques. I learn something new with every quilt completed.
After trying out several different machines, I was told: "Pick the one that controls the best for you." I had no idea what it was supposed to feel like, so that didn't help.
My husband's input was to look for the sturdiest hardware. The Gammill frame was the best design we found. One 8 hour day of class was included in the purchase. Before the class I was supposed to practice and get comfortable with the machine. That plus instructional videos was enough to "get me up and running".
Of course, I'm still learning techniques. I learn something new with every quilt completed.
06-14-2011, 01:08 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: southern IL
Posts: 883
I have an APQS milli and an IQ computer and I love both. All questions have been answered quickly and they have a forum to talk with other quilters that is great. I would purchase another APQS in a heartbeat.
06-14-2011, 01:23 PM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Northern Wisconsin
Posts: 7,991
Originally Posted by feline fanatic
I have a 26" ABM Innova on a 10' frame (that is all I could fit, if I could have I would have gone to a 12' frame).
Pros:
IMO the Innova is the best bang for the buck on the market
One of the, if not the best, frame on the market. It is a 4 roller system so you don't have to constantly adjust the take up roller. Makes no difference how backs are seamed. Solid as a rock with almost no vibration made of aircraft grade aluminum.
24-7 factory customer support (although I have not had to use it, thankfully)
Is not fussy about thread, will take any kind of thread I throw at it.
Not temepramental.
One of the most responsive stitch regulators on the market (The lightening stitch). They introduced it after I got my machine so I don't have it, but I got to test it at the MQX and it was amazing.
Retains resale value, but try to find a used one on the market, you won't. Those of us that have them find no need to trade up, trade in, or sell them! You may be able to get a dealer demo but they are hard to find second hand.
Cons:
Have yet to find one.
Pros:
IMO the Innova is the best bang for the buck on the market
One of the, if not the best, frame on the market. It is a 4 roller system so you don't have to constantly adjust the take up roller. Makes no difference how backs are seamed. Solid as a rock with almost no vibration made of aircraft grade aluminum.
24-7 factory customer support (although I have not had to use it, thankfully)
Is not fussy about thread, will take any kind of thread I throw at it.
Not temepramental.
One of the most responsive stitch regulators on the market (The lightening stitch). They introduced it after I got my machine so I don't have it, but I got to test it at the MQX and it was amazing.
Retains resale value, but try to find a used one on the market, you won't. Those of us that have them find no need to trade up, trade in, or sell them! You may be able to get a dealer demo but they are hard to find second hand.
Cons:
Have yet to find one.
I have the Innova. I love it. The only issue I ever had was the guy that came to set it up. He didn't really know what he was doing. He got it up, but we had to play around with it alot to get it just right.
06-14-2011, 02:27 PM
#26
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SW Minnesota
Posts: 1,120
Plus-think about the cost of what it would cost to have all your UFO quilts quilted by someone else. For what that would cost, you could have that paid towards a long arm. I bought a Tin Lizzie 18LS in December and know now that I will never quilt another quilt on a sewing machine! I do freehand quilting and do wish I would have bought one with a longer throat. I bought it with intentions of using it for myself but then did a few quilts for a friend who showed them at our Quilt Guild and then several people asked me if I would quilt for them. I have quilted 30 quilts since then. So that is why I now want a longer throat--so I can have more quilting space before having to advance the quilt, since I am doing quilting for others. I work full time as a Hotel Manager at a Casino Hotel so my quilting time is limited. I hope to pay this machine off and then upgrade to a longer throat.
06-14-2011, 09:01 PM
#27
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Mill Creek, WA
Posts: 13
What great info and it helps to hear of your experiences on the LAMs you have. I so appreciate it... keep it coming! I am heading to Google to look up Renee Hadaddin's site. Just reading your replies I am getting more and more excited. Thank you so much and thank you also for the warm welcomes!
06-14-2011, 09:07 PM
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Wilbur, WA
Posts: 757
I have an A1, and have never regretted the decision! We all love our babies - I have a relative with a different brand and it feels like a boat anchor to me, but she loves it. Go to a big machine quilting show and drive them all, what works for me may not be the right machine for you. Check with the dealers of all the machines. Many dealers have current users who don't mind showing off their machines to newbies.
As for features, in addition to the stitch regulator, I'd insist on ergonomic (movable) handles and a hydraulic lift. LA quilting is very physical. Sometimes just a little tweak in the handles and an inch or two up or down once in a while will make all the difference in your arms and your back.
As for features, in addition to the stitch regulator, I'd insist on ergonomic (movable) handles and a hydraulic lift. LA quilting is very physical. Sometimes just a little tweak in the handles and an inch or two up or down once in a while will make all the difference in your arms and your back.
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