I have a Nolting PRO 24", 12ft table, M size bobbin and hydralic legs. I love my machine. Noltings are USA made and service is top rate. I only quilt for myself but have lost count of quilts and things I've done. LOVE LOVE it.

I have an Innova 26" with Lightening Stitch (stitch regulator) on a 12 foot table. I love the tech support and the ease of use compared to some other brands. It is also an easy machine to upgrade without having to buy a new machine each time something new comes along.

I learned to LA on a Nolting 18" (?)[non-regulated] at the LQS near my old house which they had lessons and then you could rent time on it. They upgraded to a Gammill (non-regulated), which I also used.

I had looked at a Tin Lizzie at a dealer before I moved. One shop in town near our new house did have a rental machine, but were changing from a Tin Lizzie to a Gammill dealership and the machine was unavailable at the beginning. They were also going to make me take their LA class before using their machine.

When we moved, my DH said I could have a LA. I then also tried a HQ at a show, but the dealer told me I would have to bring the head in (it weighs like 45 lbs) every year to the shop for servicing. Then I was told about the Innova and I went to the dealer and tried it. I fell in love with it.

However, as other people have said on many threads and logs, you have to try the different machines to find the one you like. You also have to know what you can afford and what space you have as well as how good is the customer support. Also, as one person said, learning on a rental machine is good to see whether you really like to LA.

I have an Avante 18" Handi Quilter with the 12' studio frame. I got it in April of 2012 and I have quilted 25 quilts so far. I got the 12' frame because I already had 3 king size quilts ready to be quilted. I don't have a quilting business - just for personal use. I love my Avante. It is easy to use, glides along nicely and is not picky about thread. I love the Handi Quilter Tech support - they are very, very helpful if you have any issues. They also have great webinars for training right in your own home. I bought my Avante from a local dealer and he came out and set it up for me and gave me lessons on how to use it. That was so very helpful - showed me how to load a quilt and how to thread the machine and how to set the bobbin tension and do different types of quilting. He also gives out his cell phone in case you have any questions or issues. He is an authorized Handi Quilter repairman also. Before purchasing mine, I went to a quilt show and tried out all the brands. The Avante runs very smoothly, glides along nicely when quilting. I thought some of the other brands quilted smoothly as well, but I liked that the Handi Quilter dealer would come and set it up in my house and was close by in case I had any problems. Although calling Handi Quilter Tech support is fine - they answer right away and walk you through any issues or questions. I don't think they are open 24/7 though, like I read above from someone who has an Innova. I would say test drive them all and see what feels good to you. Look at the different frames as well and the different types of track systems. That is important, too. I really like the Handi Quilter studio frame and track system. I had a friend go with to look at all the systems since she already had a long arm and knew what she liked and didn't like about hers. She thought the Avante Handi Quilter was a good pick.

i have an HQ-16, have had it since 2004, have quilted a few hundred quilts on it...probably 65-90 a year give or take in individual years

I also have a NOLTING PRO 24 w/ 12' table. Intelistitch is the only whistle that came with the machine. I love this machine. Getting started was not an easy task but the company was there all the way with me. My dealer is terrific too.
All my stitching is Free motion. This machine is wonderful to use. Smooth. Even the sound is cool. Like a muscle car of the quilting industry.
I can't even begin to count how many quilts I have done.

I do not quilt professionally. I just love to quilt.
peace

I have a Husqvqrna/Viking 18 " computerized machine with 10 foot frame. I have had it about 4 years and have quilted between 100 and 200 quilts, mostly lap size.

I have a Nolting. I bought my mom's machine about 6 weeks ago. I have had a lot of fun with it. The Nolting factory is about 45 miles away and they have great dealer support. I have so much to learn but I am loving it.

I have a Gammill Premier Plus, bought about four years ago.I love it and have quilted probably 200-250 quilts on it in that time. I had an old New Home (I think that was the name of it) set up but sold it shortly after I got the Gammill; I did several on it as well. My Premier is on a 12-foot frame.

i to have an innova ...got it almost 3 years ago and have quilted over 500 quilts on it ..the service is great .....what little service i have needed .....evenings weekends or nights it doesn't matter .....i would not trade it in......have used a few others just not impressed with them

I bought my Gammill Classic used about 12 yrs ago. I was working full time until 4 yrs ago. Some of you are very prolific. There have been maybe 25 quilts done on it by myself and others. At the time I bought it, all my quilts were large size. Now, I do small art quilts that are easier done on my domestic machine.