I have the HQ 16 and LOVE it. Sounds like a good price to me...I had one cone of thread that kept breaking on one of the half dozen quilts I did, I now think it was user error.
The only other time I had a problem again in the first few months, I called the shop I bought it from and Liz walked me through, turned out I had the needle in backwards LOL.
Go for it, I don't think you will be disappointed.

I don't have any of these, just quilt on my Juki TL98QE and am satisfied with that, don't have room for any size long arm. Good for you.

I don't have any of these, just quilt on my Juki TL98QE and am satisfied with that, don't have room for any size long arm. Good for you.

Oh, thanks for all of your input.....I am getting more "assured" about this HQ, but still want to check out everything. Just keep your thoughts about all of them coming. Thanks again!!!

HQ has one of the best customer service in the business IMHO

what kind of frame/table do you have? Which is best as far as vibrations, wobbly, etc?

Is the table called a studio frame.They say these are nicer than the other frames that Hq has. I have the HQ 16 and the portable professional table.There have been a lot of problems with that frame.The studio frame can only be setup at 8 or 12ft I think & not easy to change.Make sure you have room for the 12 ft table before you buy.Machine OK
AnneR

Same here. I would love a long arm but I don't have the room or the money.

Well, fellow quilters, I think I have decided to go with the HQ 16 that my LQS has for sale. They are right here in my city...will have free set-up and free lessons. I know the lady well...won't be a stranger....and she and her husband have been to Utah for training on repairs, etc of the HQ brand macines. I got measurements today and took them out to my quilting room and I have "just enough" room lengthwise for the new 12 ft frame they are willing to exchange for the smaller one that comes with the used HQ 16. They now have an Avante 18 sitting on that frame. So much sturdier and has all the extras on the frame. I don't know the brand....forgot to ask. But, I thought if I ever upgrade on the quilting machine, having that frame already would be a PLUS. I doubt I ever will....but....you never know. I played on it again today....I WILL definitely need some lessons, but I can do it. Now......reassure me.... about this kind of purchase. $5,000 is a lot of money for me. LOL

Let the fun begin. Remember it takes practice, practice, practice. I look at some of my first quilts to see how much better I've gotten and am still improving and hope I always will improve. To practice I use two layers of whatever, plus whatever leftover batting I have. When I am done I cut the practice in pieces, then I can practice my binding. Actually I took the odd shapes to church and we use them on our long tables for hot foods. Saves on all the dish towels we used to use.