Pfaff Grand Quilter
 

Pfaff Grand Quilter - Hobby 1200 and 10' Next Generation Frame with Cruise Control

I found this machine on Craigs List and am tempted to take it. I have been looking at a Nolting Longarm system that is going to be $10,000. Maybe this would be a good place to start and the investment would surely be easier to handle. They are asking a firm $1500. I guess this is a mid arm instead of long?? I know I am not going to get the same product as a $10,000 long arm system. I just want to be able to quilt my own stuff without going nuts doing it. I do hate to get something that would have me saying I need a bigger machine from the beginning. I would love some input.

The frame will not do a King size unless you reload it. I don't think the throat space on this machine will make you happy if it's only about 7 or 8".

That machine has a 9" throat it only allows about 3" quilting space and then you have to roll the quilt. I have that machine payed 900 for about 5 year ago new. I have the grace gmq pro frame. I can do a queen pretty good but it does give me some limit to the quilting patterns. That seems like almost too much money for used. Does it have the stitch regulator with it? That cost about 500 dollars.

I agree it is too much if used. I purchased, new, a Brother 1500 and a Gracie II frame. @ $1100. My machine has a 9" throat. It does limit you to the designs you can use and requires that the quilt be rolled often. You can get a new Bailey with frame for less than 5000, with 13 -15 or 17" throat. Bailey's also have some machines starting at 1500.
http://www.baileyssewingcenter.com/test.html

Hi - I have this machine and have had fun using it. It's good you realize going in that it's not going to be the same as a long arm. I've had mine since 2007 and I think I paid about 3500 new for the entire set up.

I've gotten along pretty well with a 3" quilt, roll and repeat but would like a larger area. Having said that, it is only the last half where you start getting down to 3", it's after you have quilted quite a bit and the take up lever has all the quilt sandwich on it. I'm not going to invest in another set up though.

What I like is I can put the quilt on the frame and not have to sit on the floor pinning and then pushing the quilt through my machine. knock on wood, I haven't had a bit of problems with it and the back always comes out nice = no wrinkles.
I would invest in a set of canvas leaders for it. REally made the difference for me in loading the quilts. I also float the top and batting.