Advice on MID-ARM sewing machines
 

Good afternoon, my Loving Hubby has agreed to purchase a Mid Arm sewing machne and stand, i have a budget of about 2500 and would like some input on what is best or works for you all, I want to do my own quilting on my projects, and i have been praticing on my Singer H74 but i can't I seem to have issues with the thread bunchng up under neith, any suggestions on how to fix that also.

I have a Handi quilter 16 on a frame. I think if I were purchasing again, I would go the 18" I do like my 16 and will not be upgrading. My son made the frame for under 150.00 with storage shelves under.

My two friends just purchased the Sunshine 16. I tested it with them at the Grand Rapids AQS show and liked it. they both got the sit down model. It is a very basic machine without all the bells and whistles and would still be in your price range. Both plan on only doing their own quilts and charity quilts and I think they made a good choice. The only drawback is it took 4 months to get it. Sunshine 16 builds the machines as they are ordered, no packed warehouse ready to ship.

You should check on used machines if you want a name brand and stay in your price range. My machine was used and I am happy with my purchase.

Thank you for your input I will have to check out the site, I have just started my search I have a feeling it is going to take me a bit, even tho I am excited to get one I really want to take my time to fi d the right one for me

mid arm machines
 

I bought a Voyager 17 (used) and a Hintenberg fram (also used) and only cost me $2,000. Very pleased with both items.

Definitely check out used machines. You can get a lot of machine for $2500

Check out the Bailey. I have a 15" that I bought used. Chuck has a 13", 15", and 17". Chuck has marvelous customer service. Call him about their classroom machines. He discounts them.
http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/test.html

AMEN to a Bailey and Chuck. I love my machine. I have a 15".

I bought a janome1600qpc midarm and grace queen frame for $1600. I'm please at sewvacdirect

Thread bunching up underneath may mean that your top tension is too loose, or is incorrectly threaded. I had this same trouble with my 15" Bailey, and it was a top tension issue. I had changed thread, to a different weight, and neglected to adjust the tension accordingly.

As for Mid-Arms, I like my Bailey. I bought it used from a Quilt Board member and it has been quite reliable. There are other brands of mid-arms out there, and probably with more bells and whistles than the Bailey, with prices to match.

Patti

I am not sure what throat size are you looking for but i have a friend who has the viking mega quilter 9" throat with a grace frame (metal) and the stitch regulator that she want to sell. The setup is like new and she is in Hemet, California and asking $1800. If interested pm and i can give you her contact.