Need some Info Help Please.
 

I may have an opportunity to purchase a long arm and frame brand new.

This is the machine.
http://berninausa.com/product_detail-n2-i356-sUS.html

I have never owned a Bernina and know nothing about them.
I know several people own them and any more other brands are better than singer.

Can anyone tell me if they have this machine and if they like it.
What they think about it or what you think is important to know.

I never had a long arm before just a regular machine so whatever advice you can offer would sure be a great help.

Thank you.

Bernina is one of the top brands as far as domestic sewing machines go...don't know about a long arm tho...and I wouldn't consider this a true long arm but rather a DSM with a little larger harp. If you want to see what a standard LA machine looks like, google either Long Arm quilting machines or do it by brand...i.e., Gammill, (which is what I have), or APQS, Nolting, KenQuilt, Prodigy, A-1, Handiquilter. Good luck with your search, wish I could help more.

I don't know anything about longarms but I did just look at this machine at the Bernina store. The sales lady told me this is actually a quilting machine not a long arm. But it can be put on a frame. The one I looked at was on a frame. The price at our store was $6400.00. It's a wonderful machine and I would love to get one! Maybe this is what I've heard called a mid-arm machine.

That would be a short arm machine mid arms are 16 -18 inches in harp space, Long arms are above 18 inches

Nice machine, I think I would do my homework before I would buy. There are many short, med and longarms. Check them out before you spend so you can be sure you are getting what you want.

My regular machine is just that, an 8 inch throat space. I don't want another one.
I am looking for one with a larger throat.
The man told me this one could be put on the frame too.
The salesman would throw in the designs and stylus.
I definitely will be asking about a machine with a larger throat.
What is your opinion on a used machine? Or is that like buying someone elses headache?

The machine does have an extended arm, but is not a true mid or long arm machine.

From the Bernina website:
Most Space


Room for great new sewing ideas! The 820 offers substantially more space than a standard sewing machine, or than the other BERNINA models. The approx. 400-mm (15-inch) extended arm and over 300 mm (12 inches) to the right of the needle provide ample space for your projects,allowing for easy spreading out and manoeuvring the fabrics.

You might check into used machines. I have 2 machines I bought used, and have not been sorry. I got a Brother 1500 with a New Joy frame for $400 total, and the retail price for just the machine is $800. When I opened the Brother it looked brand-spanking new. It was clean as a whistle and had absolutely NO lint in the bobbin area. I think the previous owner put it on the frame, made 2 passes with it, got frustrated because either she couldn't get the tension right or she realized she wanted a bigger throat. (She upgraded to a Gammill!)

The other machine I bought used is a Janome 1600P DB, which is basically the same as the Brother 1500. I paid $400 for it. I put the Janome on the frame and use the Brother as my piecing machine since it has the auto cutter and needle threader.

I would recommend joining your guild, local sewing groups, yahoo groups, and check your LQSes. Get to know your local quilters, then put the word out that you're looking for a used machine to purchase. That's how I found both of these machines. That way you will know the previous owner, how well she takes care of her machines, why she's selling it, and any problems she's had with it. The Janome I purchased was well used, but the previous owner was religious about oiling and servicing, so I had no qualms about purchasing her machine.

I am familiar with the new price of this machine and can tell you that you can find a true Long Arm system used for the price of what this machine was selling for in my local area a year ago and still have change left over. If interested in a long arm machine there are several areas on the internet to start looking. I found my system by doing some research on the internet and at quilt shows and then just happened to do a search on Craigslist and found within 50 miles of my home. After finding that one I have learned of at least 3 others locally. They are there you just need to do your homework. If you are interested in a DSM the 820 is a wonderful machine. I loved it but couldn't afford to purchase one. Ann in TN