I bought a Babylock Crown Jewel (my first LA) just last week with a Pearl frame and so far, I love it. I agree with everthing An Arm Long said about dealers and I also got the interest free loan. At $216 a month, that's less than what I was paying to have someone else quilt it for me. I'm learning pretty quickly and will have my first 50x50 inch quilt finished in a few days. (mostly SID but I did do a curvy design in the boarder using Press and Seal method to mark the pattern).

Dee,
Are you saying that if I do large quilts, I will want to keep the frame set up for large quilts? I was hoping to be able to do small things also.

i really have a lot to learn! ..but learning will be fun! Thanks again to all who have posted. I am communicating with a rep from Nolting. I will let you all know what I decide on.

You can always do a small piece on a large frame. You generally set up the frame for the largest quilt you are likely to want to do; you can do that size plus anything smaller.

Dont get a short arm machine. Threading, bobbin, etc. are a big hassle when on a long arm table.
I have an Imperial table and the rods are not sturdy and way to big around. The ends are not going to last long for adjustments. It took an expert from the shop 6 hrs to put it togather. It took way to many screws.
Get at least an 18 in throat machine.
I do like my carraige, it moves very smooth. Now I need a bigger throat machine, just cant afford it.

Another consideration is if you like end to end designs such as pantographs (aka pantos) you will be extremely limited in your design choices with any throat smaller than 18".

I bought a used mid arm 4 or 5 years ago a Phaff Grand Quilter 1200, user friendly, a workhouse, I take it in to the ER once a year for maintenance and service, clean it often (get the fuzzies out of the bottom) and have been very pleased with it. Paid $2500 at that time for the full set up.

delma

Opinions on the Nolting Fun Quilter...maybe a 17 on a 12' frame with stitch regulator??????? Input please!

Correction.......The one i am looking at is a 20".

For the price of the Nolting package (with frame and stitch regulator) you should consider an Innova. IMHO you get a lot more bang for the buck. But you may not have a dealer near by. I love my Innova and I have yet to come across a dissatisfied Innova owner. We all LOVE our machines.

Made in the USA (Texas) and manufactures all their own add ons so everything works together exactly the way it should. Even their frame is custom to their machine.