Looking at long arms
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,401
SewingPup, funny to read you went with the APQS made in Carroll, IA as that's where I live. I compared their APQS with Innova and for the money, I went with the Innova which my dealer is up in MN, your direction, sort of funny when you think about it. My Innova will take any thread I throw at it including embroidery threads and metallics. I had them add the upgraded tension system so I rarely have to adjust the upper tension at all and I use Jamie's way of checking my bobbin tension. Just thought I'd throw that out at you. Glad you like your APQS and you now have a dealer in your town. Mine has moved closer to downtown now and I think I went into their shop once in the 12 years I've lived here.
#12
I might be mad (probably am!) but I just bought an APQS Larry and it should be delivered next week. I'm beyond excited and can't wait to play with it! I never ask for things or buy things for myself so I really appreciate my husband getting me such a big toy! One far off day I might quilt for others, but as of right now, I'm just planning on quilting for myself and family.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: northern minnesota
Posts: 2,362
SewingPup, funny to read you went with the APQS made in Carroll, IA as that's where I live. I compared their APQS with Innova and for the money, I went with the Innova which my dealer is up in MN, your direction, sort of funny when you think about it. My Innova will take any thread I throw at it including embroidery threads and metallics. I had them add the upgraded tension system so I rarely have to adjust the upper tension at all and I use Jamie's way of checking my bobbin tension. Just thought I'd throw that out at you. Glad you like your APQS and you now have a dealer in your town. Mine has moved closer to downtown now and I think I went into their shop once in the 12 years I've lived here.
#16
I have an INNOVA 26 with lightening stitch on a 12 ft frame. If I would do it over again, I would get a 22inch throat opening with lightening stitch on a 12 ft table, cheaper and even better control. If you plan to put it on a computer you do need a 24 inch throat opening. I love how the INNOVA preforms. I did have issues with INNOVA, they gave me a different thread winder and leaders then I purchased. The thread winder was a piece of thrash and the leaders where black and had all kinds of stretch. I complained about it right away, when they guy came and installed, and they, INNOVA and dealer, dragged me along and finally told me it had been too long. Ugh! I now have a Gammil thread winder. I also had something funky as the machine was running backwards and it was off. We had the guy come out twice and then hubby finally fixed it. The machine and lightening stitch are wonderful. I have physical issues and this machine is very easy to handle with one hand and super light. Get a good class on the INNOVA. I am not planning to change my machine. I have had it for a decade.
#18
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1
I have a very old Homesteader without stitch regulation. I put a used PC quilter on her (aka Bertha) a few years ago. Basically edge to edge, but I can use her to quilt without the robot. She is still performing beautifully. 19" throat Loves to be loaded with cotton thread and is a beautiful machine. I have rails to extend her to 10 ft, but haven't done that. I do mostly small quilts for charity or as lap quilts for friends. Perhaps by now you have found a system which you are pleased with! Happy quilting.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Iowa
Posts: 2,335
I have a very old used longarm with 15" throat. I never thought I could get a longarm went thru Nolting I tried it out and decided to get it. They delivered it set it up and I got a year gurantee. I did have some problems mostly operator error they were always there to help