I've been doing research into longarms in anticipation of getting one, and have been looking at the Handi Quilter "Simply Sixteen". Does anyone here have one or have used one? If so, your opinions please? Thanks! :D

Also, if you have it, which of the frames do you use with it and how do you like it?

[img]http://www.amongfriendsquiltshop.com...n_package4.jpg[/img]

it kind of looks like mine,

If you can manage it, I would suggest coming to the Houston quilt show. They have ALL the brands set up so you can try them.

I have the HQ16 with stitch regulator. That is the only difference between the sweet 16 and hq16. I absolutely love my hq. I have the HQ16 with the 10ft QuilTable. FAN-TAB-U-LOUS.

The hq is a very LOW MAINTENANCE machine. Just keep the bobbin area clean, 1 or 2 drops of oil every 8 hours or so and voila you are done with maintenance. I've had my machine for over 3 years. I've finished AT LEAST 100 quilts on it and have not taken back to the tech for service. I MIGHT, not too sure yet, but MIGHT take it to be serviced sometime this year.

The machine runs fairly quiet. I have very little vibration or machine bounce. Whenever I do get that I just have my husband re-level my table. Poof, no more shakey.

Look on the handi quilter home page in the forums and you can find some really good deals on machines because of the release on the Avante and Fusion. Also, I think there is one on mqresource for sale at a good price.

You might contact a few HQ dealers also. They may have some for trade ins. Good thing is, even if you buy one used, HQ will still help you if you have any problems. They are absolutely FANTASTIC folks. They are a company that believes in standing behind their product!

crashnquilt, you said you might get yours serviced...where would you take it... I have been thinking about getting one too... but there are no dealers near me at all. Even to go to a show and see them I have to travel far being from long island.I'm even traveling to other states just to go to quilt shops. There aren't many of them here either. Thanks susie0808

I don't know the diff. between the Simply Sixteen and the HQ16 or if there is a difference but I have a couple of friends that have the HQ16 and they LOVE them! Just LOVE them! We have an A-1 but I did look at the HQ16 before going to the Houston Show one Fall & trying out all of the machines. Ever brand in the market will be there. But I have never read a bad thing about the HQ16. There is a Handiquilter forum I think.

The simply Sixteen is just that, simple, it is a very basic machine with no add ones, some people do well with simple, others prefer some help like with a stitch regulator, some the qbot, I have the lazer and the stylus and groovie boards for mine, it is all about what you need and what you are using it for,

Can you imagine how many quilts Eddie will turn out with a long arm? It boggles the mind to think about.

Eddie, what type of quilting do you want to do? If you are thinking of pantographs, there are no handlebars on the back, but you can grab on to the case. This machine does not have a stitch regulator. The machine can be upgraded at any time to stitch regulation and you could then add the rear handle bars. I would definitely recommend going and trying all the models. I myself have the HQ Fusion.

Susie, there is a rep. for Handi Quilter in Massapequa and another in Manhattan. Where on Long Island do you live?

I have HQ16 and use the Qbot on the Imperial frame. Love this machine. It is so dependable and smooth.

Eddie,

I have been doing a lot of research recently on long arm and mid arm machines. I feel the Innova is the best value for the $$.

I have test drove both the HQ 16 and the Innova and I could feel a difference in the two machines immediately.

They make an 18" 22" and 26". The 18" is very comprably priced to the HQ 16 (with stitch regulator) and is a much more heavy duty machine so IMHO a better value for the $$. I am getting ready to take the plunge within the next year, possibly as soon as this summer.

The Innova is manufactured in Texas. I think you should check it out. http://www.abminternational.com/index.php

Hey Eddie.. I learned on the HandiQuilter 16 not all that long ago at the LQS.. It had the stitch regulator and could be driven from either side. I learned to use pantographs, groovy boards and all the other techniques.. even got a little tute on making your own pantographs. It was a wonderful experience and that would be my choice even if I had the money to pick from ANY one I wanted. Color me green with envy.. I didn't think it was difficult to load or advance either. They did stress cleaning the bobbin area with each bobbin change with a little vacuum and keeping it oiled.

How do you like the groovie boards? I've thought about getting some. I already have the lazer.

I like them but they take practice, otherwise you get strange spots, but with a little practice anyone can use them and all your stuff ends up the same, my 12 year old has used them on the small feathered circle,

thanks for all the info

Thanks for all the great input so far, everyone. I'm still flip-flopping around trying to decide what to get. Hopefully I'll come to a decision soon.

I got the HQ Avante in December, and love it. It has two types of stitch regulation, cruise & precision. I like the precision regulation myself. It has an 18" throat which means I have 15" of quilting space, though the other night when I was working on our guilds raffle quilt, I wish I had more space. Just one thing to really think about. I ordered my through the Quilting Machine Shop in Bunnell, Fl.
Elaine is very up to date on all the machines, and a wealth of knowledge. Saw that she had just installed a machine up in TN. She may also go the Arkansas. The best part of dealing with her, was that she & her husband drove up to my place and setup and installed, and even gave me 4 hours of lessons with mine. I don't think I went wrong. Do your research and try out as many as you can.

Does anyone out there have a Kenquilt? I have one and I don't know of anyone else who does. Am I their only customer?

I have an HQ16 and quilt on it almost every day. Love it!

I bought a used HQ16. Went from central B.C. to southern Idaho to get it. The lady who sold it gave me lessons. I love it. Have it on a Grace Pinnacle frame and it runs as smooth as butter. Wonderful machine.
Mary Alice in B.C.

I don't know where exactly you are located, but CJ has a fabulous HQ for sale in Russellville. If I lived in that part in the area, I'd grad it:

http://www.createdbycj.com/hq16-for-sale/

If you're looking at longarms, be sure to see the Innova. It's really well built, low priced, and the support is excellent.

I have an HQ 16 and really like it. Just haven't had the time to use it. One day was having trouble with the tension; called the corporate office and the lady who answered the phone helped fix it in less than 5 minutes. I was a happy camper.

I have the Innova 26 that Feline was mentioning. It is wonderful and they have technical support 24/7 365 days
a year. Had mine since September and have only called
tech support once which turned out to be operator error.
Go figure!!!! Anyway check out the yahoo ABMLongarm
and see what others say about it. If there is someone
close to you, I am sure they will let you try one out because
they are unbelievable. I was also thinking about an HQ
but got a bigger machine for less money!!!!
Connie
Kansas

what ever you get. Get a stitch regulator. cuts the learning curve wayyy down. Worth a little extra money in the beginning. I have a Gammill for 7 years. They didnt have the smaller, HQ's when I wanted one. Wish they had.

AtHomeSewing mentioned CJ having a setup for Sale so I looked and it sure seems like a nice deal! The Edgerider wheels are wonderful from all that have them have said! Sev. folks on the APQS forum & MQResourse forum have them. These are LA forums.

Having someone to show you how to set it up & run the machine also is a plus. And be there to communcate with in case you run into a situation you need to pick up the phone & give them a call for answers. Be it a seller or a dealer.

There is also a yahoo group for longarms that is not specifically Innova. I have the 26" Innova, too, that we are just setting up. I have been very impressed with the posts I have seen on their yahho group.

Sorry I don't have one, but sure wished I did :-( Penny

I've had my HQ16 for about 5 years. I love it. Again I'd like to say as with any machine the dealer makes the most difference. I had the tech come to my house to servce mine. I was having a major problem at the time. She finally fixed it and no more problems. However I am lucky that I have 2 dealers fairly close to me. I have the stitich regulator which I highly recommend.

I too have the Handi Quilter 16, would LOVE to upgrade to the Avente. My dealer comes to my house to take apart and clean (service). I have only had him out once, I have had it for about 2 years now. I highly recommend it, as anyone who has one does.

I'd like to upgrade too. Trying to keep up with how much I use it this year so I can justify the need. I was thinking of quilting for other people instead of renting it. DH doesn't want me to put that pressure on myself.

I have the HQ 16 and I think it is a heavy duty machine. I also purchased the heavy duty studio frame, which can be changed from 6 to 12 foot. I also have the stitch regulator, laser light and groovy boards. I think the machine is very smooth handling. I purchased mine from Quilt Trends (QuiltTrends.com)and got the best price from them. I believe they are located in Ohio. They brought the machine (table was delivered) to my home, set up the frame and machine and gave me a demonstration on usuage. There was no charge for them coming to my home. They are very nice to work with.

Eddie, did you get you the longarm yet?

I placed my order on Saturday! :) I decided to go with a the Gammill Premier 18". It'll be here in about a month. It's going to be a very long month! I can't wait!

i'm glad you didn't get the little gimmall you would of out grown it quick

The Simply Sixteen DOES have a stitch regulator. I am considering upgrading my Sweet Sixteen to the Simply 16.The cost to do this is $3500. Although it is only 5 feet wide, one can work on any size quilt. Instead of rolling the quilt on a roller, you simply lay the quilt over the frame and clamp it down taut. Then when you are ready, simply move the quilt, reclamp, and continue quilting. The machines, by the way, are identical.

PDQuilt, I think the Simply Sixteen in this thread was a different offering from HQ - this thread started in 2010. very confusing, hmmm?

I work for a Handi Quilter dealer. The Simply Sixteen is a brand new, innovative frame machine with a built in stitch regulator. It is easy to put on the frame. No mounting the top, batt, and back separately. It mounts on what I would describe as a giant square embroidery hoop with clips. I'm trading in my sit-down for one of these machines. I think it's brilliant!

I agree. Try them all if you can. My friend bought a LA and she had bought the model that was the next step up. It is an expensive purchase so you know you made the right choice. It is a lot like buying a car.