What would you recommend when it comes to purchasing a Long Arm. The Gammel is too big for me, but I am considering HQ16 . . . any other suggestions?
Please advise, thanks for your help. :?

i have the Tin Lizzie and love it. two other people here also have it and are very happy with it. we have the 18" SL

I want one.

I have the HQ16 and LOVE IT! Very little maintenance to the machine and it runs like a dream. You should look on the HQ website in the forums, you'll find some for sale right now because people are getting the HQ Fusion, so some really sweet deals are happening. Be sure to get stitch regulator!

I don't have a longarm but really, really want one. I test drove an HQ16 via a class so got to spend a good hour with hands on. I loved it UNTIL I test drove the Innova. I found it to be a much nicer machine for the same price if you get the 18" model (2" deeper throat!!). The 26" was more expensive. Dunster just recently got one.

What specifically did you like about the Innova over the HQ? I am shopping also and am trying to define the differences between brands.

We have a Tin Lizzie 18LS with Lizzie stitch and it is almost like running the Gammill I work on in the shop only smaller. The stitch is fantastic. Also, it is extremely stable. It doesn't walk and jiggle like some of the others we tried. I do a king size quilt in 2.5 hours with the Lizzie stitch. longer if I create as I go. You can design on your computer and then sew it out. A great feature. Or, if you like a pantogram you can follow it and then store it to use forever.

The machine itself appeared to me to be much more better constructed for comprable price, more bang for the buck. It also glided much more smoothly on the frame, the HQ seemed to want to pull to one side. Since my original post I have put a down payment on a 26" Innova with a 10' frame. I will be getting it installed sometime in July.

I went to a quilt show this weekend. I got to try the Nolting and the Tin Lizzie. I've never used a Long Arm before. I absolutely fell in love with it. Wish I could afford one.
Not knowing anything about them, I was amazed at the difference between the Tin Lizzie and the Nolting. I liked the Nolting a LOT more - it just seemed to move smoother. The Tin Lizzie came with a larger throat, and an aluminum frame. The Nolting with a steel frame. Much heavier, maybe that made the difference...not sure. But I hope to some day, get one of my own.
I would suggest you go try each one out - even if you have to travel a ways or wait for a show to come along where the vendors will be there with the different brands of machines. It may make all the difference in the world to YOU instead of depending on what others say (no offense to the others - I get lots of good tips here). You just have to decide what works for you - its YOUR money.

I LOVE my Innova 18"! It has a "top-end speed" of 3,000 SPM, which is twice as fast as anything else I found - no, I don't always go that fast, but I frequently go over 2,000-2,400. ABM International (a family owned/run American business) has a real person available 24/7/365 to help you if you get stuck with something, even tension problems which are always operator error...ok, every one of my tech calls has been due to me being stupid! I've broken my needle on a nickel I forgot I had put on my quilt top...I did NOT have to adjust my timing after that. I've adjusted my timing ONCE in 18+ months of quilting - a friend who has a Gammill is constantly having to time hers.

The basic Innova package has a fabulous, sturdy frame that isn't difficult to assemble. There are other things included in the "basic" that are "extras" on all the other machines I've looked at, like the base extender for ruler work. I got all the bells and whistles I was looking for at a price that was less then half of what I thought I would have to pay, and got a fabulous, moves like butter, machine!

Me too. I'm very happy with my Tin Lizzie. It has lots of bells and whistles included at a very good price.

Farm Quilter,
Thank you so much for this input. Everything I read from Innova owners basically echos what you have said. I know I have made the right decision with this machine. I have never seen a used one for sale on line either. I often see used machines for Gammel, HQ, Tin Lizzie and Nolting. Granted these people could be upgrading but it seems from the research I have done no one has been dissatisfied with their Innova and they don't seem to have many of the operator issues that the other machines seem to have. I can't wait.

No matter what machine you consider, be sure to ask about customer support. Is there a local rep in your area, in case you have a problem that needs to be looked at? What kind of set up and training to you get? The best thing to do is go to a show and try them all and find the one that is the best fit for you!

I have seen one used Innova for sale - the person decided they wanted the 26" and was selling her 18"!

Many Gammill, Nolting, HQ, Tin Lizzie. etc. owners have become Innova owners/fanatics :D so I'm sure they could tell you why. Innova was my first and I don't see myself changing!

Welcome to the family and let us know on the Yahoo group the details of your new "baby"!! :thumbup:

Hello all, can anyone tell me where to see the prices for the Innova Long Arm Quilting Machine? Thanks, LOL in Christ, Happy Stitchin

When you say that Gammil is to big for you...don't they come in different sizes? Or does it feel too heavy for you?

Sorry, that wasn't me.

I have a Tin Lizzie 18LS and love it. Have used it for two years now.

I just tried a Bably Lock Crown Jewel this weekend. I absolutely LOVED IT! It was so easy to use and flowed so effortlessly. It is alot of money, but not the 15-30 G's i've heard some have spent. I tend to mess-up machines like this :oops: I tried really hard to get this one to get stuck, break the thread, eat the fabric - couldn't do it! The salesman was really nice - he let me really give it a go.

What price range is this one in and does it come with frame? Thanks

I looked at the HQ16 - and really liked it. But when it came to the $$ I ended up with a used Voyager 17 which I really like and works fantastic.

Look at them all and go play on as many as you can. Good luck!!

I tried out the Baby Lock Crown Jewel last week - I found it to be really hard to move around - definitely not easy to make my quilting look decent, and I've been LA quilting on my Innova 18" for 2 years, so I kinda know what I'm doing. I was surprised to find that it was more expensive then the Innova as well. I guess having a smooth, easy-to-use machine has spoiled me completely!

I have a Nolting Funquilter..And I love it.
I guess it depends what you want to spend for one

My sister has a Gracie. I think she may want to sell it. Do you want me to ask her?

Here is a link to my dealer but prices don't vary too much between them. All around the same ballpark figure. Shipping will vary from place to place.

http://www.athomequilting.com/Prices_and_Ordering.html

http://www.abminternational.com/index from this page you can find a dealer