I've been planning to buy a longarm quilting m/c this month, who could give me suggestions what I should have any informations to select the best and reasonable price for starting business at home.....

Please kindly suggestion I will be very very appreciated...

You might try a "search" at the top of this page. There are lots of threads on the Long Arms. Happy Hunting!:)

Hi Lotus,

Make a list of what you really want:
size
computerized or only free motion
classes for learning to use it
price
and any other questions.

I have the HandiQuilter with the ProStitcher. Got the HQ used and added the computerized portion when it came out and was on sale. I had classes locally. I was at another quilt guild's meeting and met another HQ person. She told me she never goes to the local reps for help ... just calls HQ and they walk her through any problems. I tried it and she was sooo right on.

ali

I have a Gammill Classic Plus: it has a 26" throat a 14'table plus a computer on each end for stitch regulator (not patterns) I upgraded in 2002-- before no computer. If could get in with a quilt/fabric shop could benefit you both. I would check for used machines with manufactures, people always trading in or decided not for them. Good luck

Try to go to a quilt show and test drive every machine that is set up. You have to compare the machines to see what is best for you.

I have an HQ and I love it! :)

I forgot to mention:

Make sure you can BOND with whatever machine you choose. A friend bought a machine and she never could bond with it. It is an interesting piece of dust collecting/space occupying/nonfunctional furniture. Every time she thinks about it she gets upset.

I agree. Take the time to go to a bigger quilt show venue where you can test drive the different machines and ask all the questions you want to see what kind of services they provide.

ali

Check out Craigslist.com in your area, and EBay for Long Arm Quilting
Machines. I often see ads, and they are very reasonable. Just make sure
it would be delivered, set up, and someone spends a few hours with you
to demonstrate the machine, show you how to do simple maintenance, etc.
It can be very intimidating to buy a machine, and even with an owner's
manual, try to learn on your own.

best way to select is to go to a quilt convention/show where most of the brands are there. Test them all and then decide.

I would try to get it locally. I had to take my HQ to have it fixed because the stitch regulator wasn't working right.
I would not have wanted to ship it anywhere. You have to try them out.