I bought this one:

https://www.sewvacdirect.com/juki-tl...lting-machine/

Great machine!

I have a Baby lock Jane and Juki-TL98QE both straight stitch only machines. Both have 9" throats. I have free motion quilted many, many quilts on them. I like the Juki best. They both have to be oiled and of course cleaned. I have had them 8 and 12 years. Neither has ever been in a shop.

I got a Bernina 215 for under $1000. It has a small sized neck however, there is a Bernina ruler foot that fits it and I have using it to practice ruler work and am having fun. I also have a larger Bernina 570 which the ruler foot also fits and will use that machine when I decide to stop practicing and actually do something bigger than my practice piece. You will want to check and see that there is a ruler foot for whatever machine you get. and If you can, get one that can handle the 1/4 inch thick quilting rulers. The low shank machines often can not and you need to get the rulers that are specifically designed for the low shank ruler foot. You can not use regular feet to do ruler work as the ruler could slide beneath the foot when stitching...not good. I used to have a megaquilter 1200 which is a straight stitch only machine and has 9 inches to the right of the needle. My friend used it for free motion and really liked it for that. The feed dogs on this machine do not drop but there was a plate that would go over the feed dogs. I have seen these machines for less than $1000 and also the Pfaff hobby grand quilter also is the same machine just a different skin on it and I think both of them are actually made by Janome? and there is a Janome model that is comparable.

Mindless, Thanks so much, Believe it or not, Just before looking at your reply, I found the BabyLock Jazz 2. I am just about to order it, as it is just what I was looking for when it comes to open throat measurement. It also has a huge table.

There is a major repair shop about 75 miles from where I live. They pretty much specialise in big quilting setups, but they have a repair shop for the two brands i will own, Singer and BabyLock. Since I am pretty much set on the BabyLock, I now need to learn how to set tension, as this is not a computerised machine.

I just measured the harp (throat) space on the Eversewn QE, and it is only about 8.5".....not 9. So, you may want to look for something bigger....

That's terrific! I hope you love it! You might want to ask if Babylock has proprietary accessories. Some machines, like Bernina have feet,bobbins, etc. that only fit Bernina. Other brands' accessories don't fit. Not sure if Baby Lock is the same way or not.
If so, you may want to get some extra bobbins ....

I should come with one, but if not, this link has Baby Lock users manuals:
https://www.google.com/search?client...4dUDCAw&uact=5

Many are pdf links. I clicked on the first one, and a pdf automatically downloaded to my desktop.

I've already downloaded the BabyLock Jazz 2 owner's manual. I just need to browse through it to see if I need to purchase anything else for this machine. I hope BabyLock is one of those brands that uses standard stuff.

Great track record! Do you like either one best?

After a little research, it looks like the accessories I have for my Singer machine will work on the Jazz 2. If this is really true, I will save a lot of money not having to purchase presser feet and bobbins, etc.

I was going to suggest the Jazz2. I work in a LQS that sells Baby Lock and this machine fits your wants and needs. Check...you may be able to get lessons on your machine on line from Baby Lock. I know they are available for anyone who purchases a machine from the shop, but there is a time limit on how long it is available so make sure you have the time to get through the lessons once you sign up.

Before I bought my used LA, I was seriously considering buying this machine. And may still get it when I need a new machine. Currently sewing on a 15 yo Bernina and not sure how much longer the computerization will last.

Have fun!