Favorite long arm machine
 

My dream for a while has been to have a long arm machine. I was into the local Babylock dealer and she talked about and showed me the Babylock Regalia. There was a lady in the store who owns one and is very happy with it. She says it has a lovely stitch. The other local dealers are Bernina and Juki/Pfaff/Brother.
I would love to hear from long arm owners about their machines, what machines they like or don’t like.
There are dealers for some other machines a few hours north and west of me.
I live in Washington.
Thanks so much for your input.

I started out with the Viking MegaQuilter 9" in 2005-6, added a PCQuilter robotic system and then added their maxthroat to add depth to how much I could quilt before having to advance the quilt. Didn't work for me all that well though I've heard others liked their system. I loved the Viking though as I could use any thread and never had a problem with tension ever. Then I tried my friend's stretched Juki 98Q with an 18" throat, loved it and the throat depth so got a regular 98Q and sent it off to be stretched during the time I was moving from Florida to Iowa. Used it on the same Grace Pro frame 10ft but had changed over to a PCQ retrofitted MQR system (robotics). Used that till I tried my hand at a number of quilt machines at my 1st ever Quilt Show in DesMoines. Fell in love with the Innova 26". Never looked back but have changed to the IQ robotic system now. Love that too. It basically is what feels good to you so try as many machines as possible to see what feels right under your hands.

You say longarm, but do you really mean midarm? The longarms are generally thought of as 18" or longer. Midarms are between 9"-18".

For longarms, you just can't beat an Innova. I have a lot of quilting friends who have upgraded from Tin Lizzie, Homesteader, Nolting, Voyager, APQS, just about every brand out there, and when they get to Innova they stop looking. Only one quilter hasn't switched from her Gammill and I'm pretty sure it's because she spend so much on that setup!

Where in Washington are you? It might be worth the drive to go to Boersma's in McMinville, south of Portland, and play on their Innovas. They have classes you can take that will give you hours to play and practice on the machines, really give them a thorough test drive and check out all the available features and sizes.

Curious about the "stretching" of your Juki 98. Had never heard about that possibility before. Where did you send it to have the work done? Was it expensive?

Another happy Innovian here.

Not 100% sure but I believe the Babyloc midarms and longarms are just rebranded Handiquilters with a higher price for the name.

Had the honor of test driving the Bernina Q24. It did make a beautiful stitch and moved like butter on the rack but IMHO it is overloaded with high end tech that can only be repaired by a dealer. You have no access to your upper tension nor the check spring. Upper tension is adjusted digitally via on board computer. Bernina domestic machines need to be brought to dealer for regular routine servicing (or at least manufacturer recommends they should be) Don't know if they have the same recommendations for their longarms but that would be a major inconvenience. The stitch regulator is laser light so no encoders to run on the rails but what happens if that laser light goes out mid quilt? Didn't appear to be anything the user could easily change on their own when I gave the machine a once over. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of Bernina. My domestic machine is a Bernina and I really did love the way the Q24 moved and its stitch quality but I just didn't want to be left high and dry should anything go wrong. I like a machine I can possibly fix and get up and running myself on my time table, not a dealers. In addition removing the 74lb machine head from the rack every time it needs a "routine maintenance" and transporting it to a dealer is not an idea I relish. I also was a bit put off that everything, and I mean everything was extra (more $$) for the Q24. Want rear handles, oh you have to buy those. Laser light? Nope not included.

Innova still has a lot of mechanical features so users can do many things on their own once trained. Like reset the timing, completely swap out the tension assembly or replace the check spring, adjust the needle bar height easily and many other things. ABM (Innova's manufacturer) empower's their users, does not make them dependent because sometimes a dealer can be several hours away. They are not finicky about thread. Mine has taken any thread I have thrown at it in combination with different bobbin threads. ABM aftermarket support is bar none. They have 24/7 technical support line on the phone. A tech will get back to you on Christmas Day if you call. More and more big name show quilters are switching over to Innova machines because of the quality of the stitch and the Lightning Stitch Regulator (no one big stitch when you first start). Also the basic start up package includes front and rear handles, a laser light, and several other goodies and if you are one to wheel and deal, I bet you could get the dealer to maybe even throw in a ruler foot or open toe foot. The Innova has a feature I don't think any other LA has, which is a swivel head. You can swivel the machine head to the side so it comes off the rack without having to disassemble the rack. It also makes swapping out feet a breeze and comes in handy for installing the spectre LED/blacklight lighting unit (can't imagine being without mine) if you decide to buy that down the road.

well it is just like many things we have lots of choices and it is personal choices as to what you want. I would try them all out and get the one you have a good time using. Also price plays a part in the choice.

Like Suz and Peggi, I have an Innova and love it. Mine is a 26" on a 12' frame, without robotics, but I added lightning stitch and some other upgrades last year, things that weren't available when I first bought my machine. One of the nice features of the Innova is that it can be upgraded when new features come out. I'm noticing a number of friends switching over to Innova, but I have yet to hear of someone leaving Innova for another brand.

When I had an inheritance to spend I tried out several machines at the sewing expo. For the money I wanted to spend, Gammill was my first choice but the salesman put me off, plus so much of the extras were extra $$. Handi Quilter was my second choice. I went home to think about it and fell into a great deal from a local HQ dealer on a slightly used machine. I love my Avante and have no regrets, in fact I'm glad now that I didn't suck it up and buy the Gammill.
You don't say where in WA you are, but there are HQ dealers all over the state. If you're anywhere in SW WA, Cathy Moore in Rochester(Cathy's Classy Quilts) is fantastic.

Cari

I must give an amen to the Innova. I have an Innova 22 on a 12 foot frame and I love my machine. Dealer support is fantastic and the Lightning Stitch feature is worth every penny. Another selling point is the resale value, excellent. If you do some checking around many longarmers are switching from their well loved machines to Innovas but you cannot find a used one to buy. JMHO

I like my handiquilter. All have their pros and cons. My dealer sells hq, the juki longarm, ane qnique/dreamquilter so those were my choices. I do like the bernina but didn't like threading or price. One of my dealers just barely started selling gammil so i tested my few choices and went with hq

Thank you so much for your responses. I did live in Anchorage for many years, but recently moved to SE Washington. I am familiar with the west side of both Oregon and Washington. I do know where McMinnville, OR is so thank you Peggi for that suggestion. I am thinking about a long arm not mid-arm.

My friend has an Innova and loves it. She attended classes (out of state) about maintaining and repairing (simple things). Innova seems like they really care about their customers.

personally, I have the Bernina. I chose the sit-down table with it, but it can be mounted on a frame. I love it. I've had no tension problems and it's really easy to use.

Can someone give me an idea of the cost of an 18 or 22” Innova.
Thanks.

http://www.innovalongarm.com
Joan, you need to contact a dealer near you and go in and talk with them. All dealers are very friendly and knowledgable about their products. You might be able to get a deal on a demo machine. This is what I did and you can be sure that they will not be high pressure at all because they do not have to be to sell their product. I considered several machines and this was the one I settled on.

Boersma's posts starting prices on their website
http://boersmas.com/

But I definitely agree with pewa. Contact them, they may have a trade in or a demo.

I will check out Boersmas. There is a quilt show in Portland in late September and it looks like they will be there.

All I know is not to buy a Tin Lizzy. Every quilter that I know that has/had one said horrible customer service.

I have the 30” Statler by Gammill on a 14’ table and absolutely love it. Not only was it extremely easy to learn, but the table is built like no other. The 30” throat means fewer times I have to stop and roll the quilt, a huge time saver. If you intend to quilt for the public, the Gammill Statler can’t be beat.

When I wanted to upgrade from my Voyager, I started my search by looking here http://www.longarmuniversity.com/MachinesForSale.html for what was up for sale. Whatever was listed frequently on that list I wanted to steer clear of, as there must have been a reason. Now, I understand that people move and don’t have room or just aren’t able to quilt anymore for some reason, but when I see several of the same brand listed, it’s a red flag for me. I tested pretty much every machine out there, and Innova won hands down. It was the easiest machine to move around and the stitches were absolutely perfect no matter how fast or slow I sew.

But the #1 reason was empowerment. I never felt comfortable maintaining my Voyager. Innova gives the owner the ability to maintain their own machines, so I don’t have to worry about taking it in anywhere (my dealer is 5 hours away!). If I have a problem (which has only been twice), I just call the 24/7 hotline and they walk me through anything that needs to be done. And they stay on the phone with you until it’s completely fixed and running smoothly. There are also a couple of Innova boards and FB pages where you can get expert advice from people such as Renae Haddadin, who knows this machine through and through.

Yes, for me Innova wins, hands down.

I just upgraded, after a year with the HQ Simply 16, to the HQ Amara with ProStitcher. Most important in addition to the machine, is the dealer/rep you purchase from. Free classes, phone/in person support, and caring about you after the purchase. My dealer is there for me 24/7 to answer questions and share in the joy of my first finished quilt. I don’t think I can post dealer names here so anyone would like to know the name of my dealer, feel free to message me.

As as others have suggested, try every machine at the quilt expo and see what feels right to you. I purchased a Janome domestic years ago and it never felt comfortable. The machine was great, just not for me. Sold it and bought a Viking and it felt like home again. Purchase what feels right for you and what you can afford, not what everyone thinks you should purchase.

Good luck!

Test drive as many machines that you can. I have had 3 HandiQuilters and love those machines. Started with 16 - moved to Avante and last year traded up for the Fusion on a 12 foot frame. I hope to add the computer to the system - just trying to decide if I should do it now or wait until I upgrade again. Great machines. Good luck in your search and choice of a fantastic quilting machine.

I am also the lucky owner of an Innova 18" with the 10' frame. I have had it for about 9 years and absolutely love it.
I have had no issues with it since I purchased it. This week, I had some bobbin issues and my dealer walked me thru some things. But, I also made a call to Innova tech support on a Sunday and I received a call within 5 minutes! Their customer support along with my dealer (Ryan's sewing in Albuquerque) have made it a true joy to have this machine.
It is built so you can do any additions you want and your imagination is the only restriction (adding lights, adding cameras, adding batting holders, etc.). And, when you want an "upgrade", it is available without having to replace the whole machine. This machine is a workhorse and I am not intimidated by it's workings at all. It does not require fancy maintenance or expensive trips to a dealer for maintenance. I tried out many before purchasing the Innova and it is by far the best machine I found. Good luck with your decision!

Love my Gammill! I purchased it new in 2000 from Gammill's in West Plains, MO. Fourteen foot table, no robotics, no stitch regulator. Have had no tension troubles. Very good stitches. Easy to move the head around. Do my own maintenance on it. Great customer support. Have quilted over 1,000 customer quilts and still love this machine!!!

My sister has had an Innova for several years and still loves it. (and I love her because she quilts my quilts! lol!)

Does Innova have a sit down model? Opinions on sit downs. I don't have room for a big set up.

Thank you so much again for all your comments. Lots of things to learn about when thinking of a longarm.

Yes, Innova has a sit down model.

Pardon the resurrection of an old thread. FF, if you are still here, can you elaborate on that comment? How do you get trained on the maintenance? I'm looking for a machine and I'm very technical and mechanically capable, however not on sewing machines. With the least instruction I'd be able to DIY some maintenance and that ability sounds very attractive to me, particularly on these high dollar machines. Thanks, Scott

Well, Innova doesn't send you to a class or anything. They design and build their machines so that you, the owner, can perform your own maintenance and most repairs. There are lots of how-to videos on the website and YouTube, they have 24/7 service and will walk you through how to replace a check spring or whatever you need to do. Dealer support is excellent also, my dealer has been repairing longarms since he was 10 (he's now 65). The other half of my dealer support is a woman who owns several longarms, quilts professionally, and teaches.

Scott--I have a Gammill,but am guessing most long arm machines companies do this too--Gammill has a variety of maintenance videos on their website. Also the Gammill FaceBook group has many that know how to trouble shoot and the company owners and dealers are also on the site answering questions. they have a new mentoring program also that links those that have been quilting for awhile with beginners. Also, at larger quilt shows you can often find long arm maintenance classes. And my owners manual does a good job of giving me info I need (although it's old and the pictures are blah!)

Feline fanatic-- Thanks for the feedback on the Bernina longarm. I have 2 Innovas with AutoPilot and have a longarm quilting business. One of my customers purchased the Bernina LA for $30K and still brings me her custom quilts. The Bernina is intimidating to her and she is afraid to use it. I know nothing about it, but I have a Bernina sewing machine which doesn't give you access to the tension or the ability to do minor maintenance when needed. That would not be a good thing for a longarm. Also, being able to add various options you want is an advantage with Innova. They all have issues from time to time and unless you have a Bernina dealer that will make house calls in a reasonable time frame your going to be up the creek in no time.

I have an APQS Lucey which I have had for about 8 years now....and APQS makes other models....mine is on the more basic end but she still has a 26 inch throat, stitch regulator, needle up and down and was also designed so the owner can do many of the adjustments and replacement if needed themselves. I basically have had not to do anything other than regular oiling and cleaning. I was trying to decide between Innova and APQS but went with the AOQS when they had a demo sale too good to pass up. APQS also has several videos and are available by phone also. I have had a friend who had them listen to her machine over the phone and they helped her correct the problem. So you have a couple of choices here...go online, check out the service videos for both of them.

Thank you. I gather these seem to be the most popular machines, Innova and Gammill. There seem to be more used Gammill's available. As a gammil owner do you hav eany advice on Pro's of theirs vs Innova from your perspective? Anything I should watch for as minimum models to consider. Compared to a $20k Innova (used).

Thanks all for the input. There's a used Innova with Navigator that I've considered. It's a long way away and I'd have to go get it and break it down. Even though I'm very mechanical, that may be daunting, particularly away at someone else's home.

There is an Innova dealer near our home and my wife is renting time on their machines. So she's familiar with that brand, but not married to it so to speak. We don't intend to get one for business use, but being technical, I would like to get one that is computer controlled/automatic. But the Innovas have been the most expensive, used in that category. And I know less about the other brands.

I'm not clear on the difference between Innova's Navigator and their Pilot Mach 3. I do use and have built non-sewing CNC machines that are run by "Mach 3" software, I expect that's the same thing the Innova Pilot is using, at least under the hood. Anyone know a summary of what Pilot does that Navigator does not?

What are typical stitch counts that would be considered high usage, medium usage, barely used? Or maybe what's an average stitch count on a Queen quilt?

Thanks to all of you who chimed in so far. I appreciate the input on this research very much. Glad I found a friendly place to ask questions.

Scott, in answer to your question on comparing the used Gammill with used Innova, I think both are excellent machines, made for industrial use. My Gammill is a 2006 Classic Plus--mean 28" harp and stitch regulator, not computer guided. It's easy to maintain and I think the frame/table is the sturdiest in the field (at least from what I've seen by taking lots of LA classes at major shows on other machines). They hold their price. Classic Plus can be retrofitted with either the Gammill Elevate (tablet, predesigned programs on their Creative Studio offerings, which you can check out on their website) or their Statler--which is considered the deluxe computer set-up--you can either use the predesigned programs or create your own. If you are running a business and want high turn-over a computer driven machine is smart--you can crank out a lot of edge-to-edge pretty fast! I do almost strictly custom work (rulers and micro quilting) so my handguided works just fine for me--but I like that I could computerize on the machine I have. I know lots of Innova owners like the Lightening Stitch regulator on their machines--I don't know if that's standard or extra $$. I will say that when I've used Innovas at shows I thought the frame was not as heavy duty and I didn't like where the on/off button is--even though I'm average height I had to walk to the back of the machine to use it.

Thanks everyone for all of your unfiltered opinions. I have been battling this same question. And have ultimately chosen Innova!!
I want this to be my forever 1st machine.

Thank you. re Gammil maintenance. Someone told me they had to go in for regular periodic dealer service to change some kind of internal wick. Being an old machine tool guy I can only guess that's a wick oiler for non-roller bearings. I have an antique lathe that has those. This person said that left unattended the Gammils were prone to leak this oil and some users went as far as "diapering" them.. I hadn't heard that before and wondered how big of an issue that was. Both the need for a dealer service and the leaking issue?

With any of these machines, Innova and Gammil in particular, how does one tell how much use they have had? Is there some kind of hour meter, or stitch counter? I've seen stitch counters mentioned in other brands at least. Surely there's a way to look at a used machne and know if it's had the bearings run off of it in a production or business enviroment vs some private owner who can just afford one and does their few quilts at home (low use). ?

My advice is to try out the machines and the one you like is the best one for you.

Agree, but not so easy around here, particularly now. :(