I'm starting my research on a long arm machine. I've been reading through the posts on here - invaluable wealth of information. I've been checking out the websites, planning to test drive, all that.

What's frustrating me is I can't find prices! It's like shopping for a car. We spent 15 minutes with this horrible salesman who kept trying to get me to take a green convertible bug when all I wanted was an estimate on what a new (blue hard top) bug would cost. And he refused to give me an estimate and we ended up walking out.

I can find prices for the HandiQuilter, no problem. Does anyone know approx what a Tin Lizzie costs (haven't decided which model I like) or the Baby Lock Crown Jewel? I get you can't get me a definite $, but a general estimate would be very much appreciated!! Thanks :)

Sorry I can't help but just wanted to comiserate with your frustration. I've had the same problem with domestic sewing machines. Fortunately patternreview.com has reviews with prices paid, but obviously not for new models or all models. I'm fed up with the secretive pricing system.

Blehhh! Have the same issues. Did get a quote from Innova no problems but the rest forget it. I think I will eventually end up with that one as I am fed up with the rest. I like how that one runs too. For now no new machines but I can dream.


I found a used Babylock Jewel for about $2700 but no idea what that compares to.

I Googled Tin Lizzie 18 and found the following:
Tin Lizzie 18 Closeout
Clearance Price on Tin Lizzie 18. Save $2000, Free Shipping, Buy Now!
www.sewingmachinesplus.com
Tin Lizzie 18 Shirley Stitcher II $4,699.00
Tin Lizzie 18 Long Arm Quilting Machine w/ ... $6,995.00
Tin Lizzie 18 Micro Handles $64.99
Hope it helps.

Bailey's Home Quilters....
13" $1599
15" $1899
17" $2499

You can buy them individually or as a package with a frame. If you buy it as a package the shipping is free. Without a frame the shipping is a flat $50

Stitch Control is $675

Sometimes you can get a slightly used classroom model and the price is around $200 less than a new one.

www.baileyssewingcenter.com

There is a Yahoo group for this brand and believe me...the members love their machines! Mine will be arriving UPS on Monday ;)

try doing a search (web-search) for long-arm quilting comparison's--- a couple of the magazines have done comparisons of all the (readily available) long arms...and they include basic prices and all the features available for each machine. one of the magazines is Quilters Home...and Quilters' newsletter Magazine...probably other's too, i don't know which months issues. but they are very informative and give you a guideline so when shopping you will know if you are seeing a bargain or a rip-off

You can spend A LOT. It really depends on how much you want to spend and how big of a throat you want.

You can also save a lot if you go the used route - that is what I did with my Bailey. Check your Craigslist or join some of the yahoogroups.

I will say that Nolting puts their prices out in the open
http://nolting.com/catalog.php
Note - Noting just acquired Hinterberg so if you were looking to go with a Voyager type of model, you call them now ;)

So does Gammill
http://gammill.com/index.php?m=longarm_models

And Bailey...
http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/
(that is what I have sitting in my craft room, unused. I've been kind of scared of it. I will be plunging in soon though)

You will probably also get cheaper prices if you deal directly through the dealers.

The prices are generally out there - for the sticker price. What you end up with if you go through a dealer or get a used set up is different.

I would love to own a long arm but I just can't afford one! Long arms purchased new can range from $10,000 to $25,000 (like the Gammill Statler Stitcher). The best way to get an exact quote is to visit a dealer, and if you go to the website of a brand you're interested in you should be able to search for a dealer near you.

Another option would be a midarm (Tin Lizzie, or Handiquilter would be two suggestions that come to mind) which I believe are more in the range of $4,000 to $10,000 new. The difference is mainly in the throat space, it's a few inches smaller than a long arm but still gives you more stitching space than you would get on your domestic machine. These are something you can also find used, just like long arms, for less.

There's also the Bailey, WOW and others that I can't think of right now, that are in the general range of 4-6 thousand. The prices can be hard to find, if not impossible, but you can find the prices on the Bailey. Maybe if you either emailed the company or called them to let them know it's very hard or impossible to find a price list.

I just paid $5400 for the Tin Lizzie 18. It includes delivery, setup and 1 day of training. It was a floor model at the local sew & vac.

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:-)

I purchased a Pfaff Grand Quilter 18.8 with an 8 ft frame about a yr ago for approx. $7000 and that price did not include the computer. The dealer also carried the Baby Lock Crown Jewel machine and the price was approx. $12,000 with all the bells and whistles.

Ditto! I have one and love it.
I also have the computer system.

You can go on the web site and price out what you want. They also have used machines for sale.
http://www.nolting.com/

My web site will show you some of the work I've done.
Phyllis
Quilter's Pantry

Since I haven't seen it mentioned, here's the link to the A1:

http://www.a1quiltingmachines.com/index.php

I think the Babylock runs about $12,000.00 give or take. That is in Texas at my lqs but you might find it cheaper. I want to say the Lizzie is about $18,000.00. I thought that is what I saw it for on something. If you contact the companies they will send you a dvd to play & information. When I first saw the machines & frames I got so excited. I wanted the Gamill with the Statler system. It only cost $28,000.00. May be more now. My first house, a 3 bedroom brick cost $25,000.00 new but that was about 30 years ago. But it does seem like a lot of money for an oversized sewing machine. Good hunting.

When I get ready I want to try the Sweet 16 from Handiquilter. Jumping to a full long arm seems a bit to much unless all you do is quilt or want to get in the business. Start small and work your way up.

My DH purchased me a Tin Lizzy XLS in July and he paid $7200 give or take a few dollars. this included delivery and set up I have classes (unlimited) every 2nd Saturday of the month and 1-800 number whre I call the dealer should I run into problems. We purchased it in Albuquerque at Bob's on the West Side. I know you don't live in NM but maybe if you call there he can get you in touch with a reputable dealer in your area. Let me know if you need the number. About the hardest thing I found when searching for a long arm was someone who could tellme how big they were and whether I would have room in my sewing room or not. I didn't want to take the poles on and off. I also did not want a $25,000 machine just something where I would no longer have to pin my quilt. I love my Tin Lizzy. Good luck in your search.

I must have been looking at something else. That is a good price.

You can get a Gammill for MUCH less than $30,000 ... a friend just ordered one for about $14,000 ... which IS still a lot of money but a far cry from $30 K ! It has stitch regulation and everything you can imagine - just not the Statler Stitcher setup

?? The Tin Lizzie models are all MUCH much less than $18,000 ... they are under $10 K and so is the Babylock. If your LQS is charging those kind of prices, you all need to come to Houston or Dallas to buy !

I guess I got a good deal then, I bought my quilting machine 6000.00 in November 2010 and the frame December 2010 (frame is 10 feet) for 1890.00, the list price was 2400.00.
I didn't even know Pfaff mad a quilting machine. We are all learning something :)

Me either, until I started looking. I paid a little more because of the 8 ft frame. The frame comes standard in 5 ft sections but due to space constraints, I had to buy another 3 ft section. The good news is that if I ever get a larger room I can set up the frame as a 10 ft. or a 13 ft!

I just purchases a gammill and if you go to the gammill website they do tell you the prices and of all the options. I found a used model and love it

if you're thinking of an Inova you'd better act fast. They're going to increase in price (if they haven't already)by about $2000 is what I've heard

e-bay has alot of different machines listed, I have been looking lately myself

I have the HQ16 and love it. Great stitches and easy to use. I paid $8,700.00 about 3 years ago. I am now looking to upgrade to the totaly computerize longarm. First I need to sell my HQ!

The machine is a workhorse. No bells or whistles but is priced perfectly. I have priced some machines/frames that were $10,000 plus. Way out of my league!

Three years ago I bought a Bailey 13" and a GMQ Pro frame for $2500. That was it. No Bells or whistles.

Bailey made these machines for home quilters who wanted to be able to quilt their own quilts. They are not Professional models, but some of the people who have bought them have been able to do some phenomenal quilting.

Most of us are happy to be able to quilt our own quilts and using our own free motion design and meander quilting, suits us fine. Those of use who do charity quilts do not need fancy stitches. I have been totally happy with mine, it is in my sewing room and when I want to turn it on and quilt, I can do that. I don't have to wait in line or pay to have my quilts done by someone else. It is liberating, especially after I paid a quilter $500 one summer - then decided I should just learn to do this for myself. My own quilts keep me busy, and that keeps my happy and out of trouble!

Home Quilters are great.

June in Cincinnati

Price is an issue,yes. Before you make a decision based on only that, it would be well worth your time to head to a larger quilt show and try out every machine in sight, even if you know you can't afford it. "Feel" is so important.

I bought the tin lizzie 18 with table,machine,extra handles and shirley stitcher 2. Paid less than $10,000.I have never
used it or set it up. I need to . sell it if anyone is interested

delcity66

How would I find the Yahoo group for the Bailey machine? Congrats on your new one coming. Let us know how you like it as I am looking at the Bailey as well. Is less expensive then the bigger models. Thanks