I say try the singer first!!!

Do you have many Viking feet? They're expensive, aren't they? That would factor into the cost.

I have a brother pc420 and really like it a lot. It's similar to the brother nx450 (which is the same as Babylock Melody I think). All 3 of those machines have the knee lift and thread cutter. Or there is the straight stitch brother 1500s/Babylock Jane you could consider.

But truly, I would go vintage singer. Either the one you have or another vintage machine. I have my grandmothers 15-91 I plan to use for FMQ. Otherwise I might look for a Singer 201 or 301.

http://quiltedcupcake.blogspot.com/2...episode-8.html

I am in the process of putting up my Viking Designer 1 for sale....a thing I thought I would never do but like you about a year ago I decided I wanted a machine that I could use soley for quilting including improving my FMQ.
Things I looked for were....Good FMQ ability, Bigger harp to actual get the quilt in for FMQ, Needle up/down position.
I ended up buying a new to me Janome 6600 for approx $800 (£500...am in the UK)...in truth it took a bit of getting used to as it is very different to the Viking......but a year on I really love this machine and wouldn't swop it for anything including the 7700. Along with the above features I like the accufeed, needle cutter, the lighting, the sturdiness of the flatbed, the huge sturdy extension table, the thread holder.....infact my list is endless. The only thing I miss from the Viking range is the 'pivot' capability....but I hardly even think about it now.
The stitch quality is lovely and FMQ is very neat.
I have used the Viking for embroidery for the last year, but a couple of weeks ago had the opportunity to buy the Janome 11000 very reasonably....again am very happy with it. It is set up for embroidery at the moment but is very easy to change to domestic sewing.
I still think that Viking make wonderful machines but for patchwork and quilting I think I have become a Janome fan.

I FMQ on my Juki TL98QE, no extension table, I bought a table for it to set down into. BabyLock Jane W/extension table. My Daughter has the Brother 1500, all are straight stitch only W/ quilting feet, Needle up and down Thread cutter - not on Juki. All have a pretty stitch, very seldom have to feedle with the tension. They do need a lightweight sewing machine oil. All under $1000.00. All are very good machines.

Jingle - Thank you for all the info on the machines you have! I had to Google BabyLock 'Jane', I didn't know which one it was, I believe the local dealer had this one too, will have to check! Is the Brother 1500 the same machine as the Jane? Sure look a lot alike, I'll have to print off the specs to compare.

I have my Viking in a table, I really like have a flat surface all around.

Have you looked for an older Bernina? I have a (really) old 1008; not much of a harp space but I love the way it sews. HAve had h er since she was born and she ain't going nowhere...some of her "siblings" might before she does...

If you have all the feet thats a good argument for going for another Viking. But brother and Babylock feet are inexpensive, and the machines seem to come well stocked.

I have tried FMQ with my brother. I've only done it a couple times and was pleased with the result. I need lots of practice though.

The brother 1500 is the same as Jane.

The Brother 1500 is a great one to leave set up for free motion quilting. It is a workhorse and fast.