Buy a machine to FMQ $500-600 used/new ??
 

Any suggestions:
Machine for experienced sewer to learn how to Free motion Quilt on. She has a small Janome that is great for piecing ( see my previous post) but giving us challenges for FMQ.

I thought a used straight stitch machine might give her the most bang for the buck. A used Juki or Brother. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks.

I would look for a Singer 15 or clone in a table.

Why not try a little more with the FMQing on the machine she has?

Persist a little more and see if it will do the FMQing
No sense switching machines, until she has given it a fair chance ...
... and knows for sure that she really does want to do FMQing.

(see comments on your other thread!)

We definitely will try some more with the little machine. But we’ve given it about 12 hours already. She’s committed and going to make an amazing FMQ

I have the Brother 1500. I do a lot of machine quilting on it. I use my Brother 420 for quilting too. One thing two different techs told me about was the stipple stitch. He said so many have burned up the motors on their machines using the stipple stitch for allover big quilt. They agreed that stitch should have never been put on any domestic machine.

Here's my experience:
I have a Bernina that I love but the throat area is not big enough for any decent sized top. So I bought a Juki TL1010Q. Much more room and my FMQ has improved. It was money well spent.
So if your budget is $500-600 I would definitely try to get a Juki or one like it. I paid $874 new but you could get one used for less. Sometimes people go from that to a LA and so you may find one for a good price.
It seems that when you get a bigger throat area the prices jump. That's a shame.

This is the machine my granddaughter learned to FMG on
https://www.amazon.com/Brother-PQ150...70_&dpSrc=srch

I have an older version of this machine I bought used and I am very pleased with it.

Some machines, just don't have the power to FMQ. You are wise to look for something that will fill that need. I am looking at a Juki straight stitcher. Around that budget. Although, I would never make a great FMQ. But, I want something that has a bit of power and throat space to handle at least a large lap size quilt. (Especially now while I can afford to pay cash for it.) Thinking ahead to when my husband will "down size" his job to age related complications. I would not have a machine in the budget to fill a want of that sort. I do hope you find something that will meet your needs. Finding a machine is such a personal choice. For me, I knew I wanted a mechanical machine and a larger throat space and a bit more power. I think identify your wants and needs first. Then do the research to find what you are looking for. I know everyone says to buy where you can have them serviced. I have a place that will service the Juki local. But doesn't sell the machine I want. I will order the machine I want. Everyone around here sells Vikings. I'm not interested in that brand at all! It's not for me.

I bought a Singer Studio 16S. I was told by the rep at the Viking Dealership it was the equivalent of the Viking Mega Quilter and the Janome 1600P. Don't know if you can still get it but it is a FABULOUS machine to do FMQ on. Basic straight stitch and very easy to take care of. Its all metal. I consider it one of the best purchases I ever made. I get parts through sewingparts.com for it. Some of the feet....the FMQ foot for example were made for the Janome but fit the Singer. Hope this helps.

Before I forget it has a large Harp area. I have been able to do FMQ on a queen size quilt with that much trouble.