Yes, I financed mine for 2 yrs...knew I could afford a pmt for 2 yrs, by giving up a couple of things. One yr is almost over....so it's been painless, and I'm very happy to quilt my own quilts!! I knew at my age, I had better get on with it if I wanted to do it. :)

I just got my Tin Lizzie in December. I did finance it. Tin Lizzie offers financing through American Financial Partners and I found them very easy and helpful to work with. They have information on their website. I knew if I waited to "save" that amount of money, I would never get a long arm because I am not good at saving money.

I know that the Innova and Gammill can be used as collateral for financing. I paid cash for mine, so I don't have to worry about making payments.

Husqvarna Mega 18x8 just ended a special - it was under 6K but add the frame, computer and that adds another 5K+.

JulieM,

Each frame has it's own specific limitations. You have to choose by what you will get the most use out of. Grace has multiple sizes from craft to king and both wooden and metal models, for example. I have an original GMQ from grace. It will do a king size up to 104" wide and of course the length is then unlimited. The O-GMQ was originally meant for use with a home sewing machine or maximum throat space of 13" (tried that and will never do it again!). I added the new carriage upgrade to my frame and now have a 17" Bailey on the frame. I'm still limited by my frame however and can only do up to a 12" block on point. I'm going to have the arms that hold the rollers modified and then I'll be able to make use of the full length of the neck of my machine. A new Grace Pro frame would eliminate all of those issues. The point is...check with the frame company prior to buying the machine to find out what the specs of the machine have to be to make it work on that particular frame that you are considering. Good Luck!

It depends on the brand of machine you buy. When I bought my Tin Lizzie, it is all a package deal. The frame, the machine, teh laster light, the leaders, the handles. Everything you need in included in the price. The extras you need to buy are things youdon't absolutely need such as the extension table and the micro handles and the handles for the back. (I can just change the front handles to the back easily--no need to buy an extra set). That is one of the things that I liked about the Tin Lizzie company. No matter what brand of machine someone buys, I would recommend they buy the frame that goes with that machine. That way you shouldn't ahve any issues with the machine working properly on the frame.

I have an Inova18. It comes with a stitch regulator and a good heavy metal frame for under $10,000. It depends on what kind of package is available. Mine came directly from the manufacturer. I bought a demo from a dealer and when Fedex delivered it they had dropped it. I didn't accept it. Since it couldn't be duplicated at the demo price I got a new one direct but had to pay extra. It is really a good machine. Doesn't break thread like a lot of machines. I really love it.

Hi Julie, I am considering buying a Bailey 17E without ever sewing on one. Are you happy with yours? Can you think of any reason I should not get one? Thanks for your opinion!
Missie

If you go to a site that sells that particular sewing machine and pretend you are going to buy it the price will come up. And if you don't like it you just cancel. This won't give you the "brick store" price but at least you'll be in the ballpark.

APQS has their prices on the website. click quilting products on the menu bar http://www.apqs.com/store/

I bought a used 2003 APQS in 2009 and I have not had any problems. I would suggest looking for used machines.