I have a chance to purchase a Mega Quilter 18 x 8 for $9000.
It's about 2 years old and has been used a bit. I've tried it out to see what it was like and it runs well.

It does have the Qbot (which needs a couple of replacement wires).

The current short arm runs well but I would really like a longer armed machine so I'm not rolling the fabric every 6 inches.

I think I might be able to talk them down but not sure. If I get it, I have to sell my Grace Pro frame and Juki which is fine since I don't have room for it.

So is $9000 a good price for a used MQ 18 x 8?

This is only my opinion. For that amount of money you could buy a quality mid arm, such as Gammills, HQ, Inova, etc. These will offer you at least 13 inches of quilting space, sturdier tables, both regulated and unregulated stitch modes, professional service and advice, and so on. Beforte spend ing that kind of money you need to go to a large quilt show and investigate the prices of mid arms, and test drive them. I guarantee they will handle differently than a stretched domestic, and will hold up over the long term.

I don't know what this machine costs new. But It seems high. You have a Juki now this has the same neck heigth as your Juki. This machine is made by tin Lizzie. Because of the neck heigth, I'm guessing it is a stretch machine. It doesn't matter how long the neck is if as you roll the quilt it is hitting on the top and bottom. Also the frame needs to be adjusted each time you roll to accomidate for the increased size of the quilt roll.

I know that the Handi Quilter Avante doesn't have these issues and is less money. Just a thought.

The juki is only about 7 inches space


Around 14,500 new

I should state that the cost includes the frame it's on and the Qbot.

Well then you are gaining 1 inch. I understood the frame being included. I sounds like you have made up your mind. Best of luck to you.

I'm not a fan of QBOT. I sent you a PM

I just bought a strait stitch machine 9in throat, a metal king size Imperial table, a stitch regulator, all new and installed for 2300 dollars.

The mega quilter has an 18 inch space you are gaining alot more space for quilting which would be great but I have seen them on ebay for quite abit cheaper than that.I couldnt tell you how good they are maybe you can test drive first Good luck

I have heard good and bad reviews for the Qbot. If you really want to have something that you can program that should work for you. I do think if you looked around a bit you might find something a bit cheaper. A Tin Lizzie with frame and Shirley Stitcher new would be in that price range.

I'm new at quilting, but a pro shopper. My advise is to listen to these ladies who are telling you to shop around.

When you are willing to pay, there are always people who are willing to sell. If you wait for the right deal, you will be happier with your purchase.