Check out Noltings Fun Quilter, they arent too expensive and they do a fantastic job!

The Avante 18 by HandiQuilter starts at around $6,800.00. Gammill is $30,000 - $40,000. That's with most of the bells & whistles, including the Stadtler Stitcher. The Avante 18 comes with the stitch regulators standard, but the Pro Stitch is another $9,000. I'm not interested in having a machine that's smarter than I am! :) I am also afraid that if I wouldn't get the quilt perfectly square on the rails, the computer isn't capable of compensating for my error.

I'm saving for the Avante 18. Am going to add on the Micro handles. They're available as an option. Haven't talked about any other options, yet.

I have been looking also and this is pretty much what I have found also.

I have been fairly successful finding prices and the range is as vast as reported. I am now mulling over the idea and whch direction I would like to go. (Do I want to upgrade to a sewing machine with longer neck and frame, do I want a mid arm or do I really need a long arm to be happy)

From what I have read on the topic previously it is a good idea to think about it for a long time and test drive before purchasing.

How large of a quilt can you put on one of the smaller frames and would you be able to use one of the Fun Quilters on it?

I have been wanting a long arm and don't know what size of machine and frame.

JulieM

It will all depend on how much you are willing to spend or can afford to spend. What features you want, what you can live without. I think most can live without the large expense of the additional computer like the Pro Stitcher, but for a good basic stitch regulated machine with a top line table & frame $6000 to $10,000 is a good place to start. Remember that there is always someone out there looking for used machines if you decide you don't want to keep it after a few years.

Thank you all for sharing your information. I feel like I have a better idea of what I'm looking at and where to start in terms of price (and I know not to buy only on price, but I'd like to know I'm in the right range). Thanks :)

The size of the quilt depends on the size of the frame you get - or at least the poles. If I had the room I could get 12 or 14' poles for my frame but my room is only 11' square and my frame is up against one wall - no pantographs in my future... if I actually start using my set up and end up wanting to do larger quilts I would have to figure something out lol...

Since Nolting just bought Hinterberg you would probably get one of those frames if you are buying a complete package deal there. I am pretty sure you can do the same with that frame - larger poles and all. My poles came from Lowes and were 10' long. You lose a few inches on each side of that so I can do a quilt up to about 9'6' roughly. If you get larger poles then your space is much increased ;)

If you can get a new Avante 18 fro $6800--that is a great deal! Around this area, they sell for $8500+tax and shipping. I wanted one but ended up having a bad customer service issue with a Tin Lizzie Dealer and ended up being offered a new Tin Lizzie 18 for $6000. So money talked, since I am on a budget, and I became the owner of a Tin Lizzie in December. I am happy with it so far.

Hi,
I bought a baby lock crown jewel and it was 6,000.00 the crown jewel has a built in stitch regulator and it has and 18 inch neck. I love it, it doesn't come with the quilting frame which is about another 2400.00 for the grace pro majestic that is the recommended frame for this machine.
Good luck and happy quilting:-)