I have begun my search for a mid-arm type quilting machine. A local quilt shop has a used HQ 16, plus a new 12 ft table for an Avante, which she said she would put the new table with the used HQ.....$5,000. Is this a good price and those of you who have HQ 16, how do you like yours......have you had any problems? One quilt shop in MO said I should steer clear of the HQ 16?? And, she was not even trying to sell me a quilting machine. I want a machine with at least 15 in throat plate space, but certainly can't afford, the biggees!!

Does this price include the stitch regulator. I paid $6000 for my HQ16, new, about 4 years ago. I chose not to get a table, bc I wanted storage space. My DS made me a counter out of MDF (?) The board sits on top of two long dressers. I love my HQ16, I did go back a couple of years ago and got the stitch regulator. I would love to have the computer attachment, but I'm waiting to win the lottery so I'll have the extra $8000. :lol: :lol:

Hello, Well I am a newbie but I just purchased an HQ 18 Avante. I got a great deal - the LQS sold me the sewing head or machine that was 3 months old - with very little hours on it and then I got a new studio table - all out the door under 8k - list is over 10k - It is wonderful - I was actually looking for the 16 but this deal was great for me. I say go for it. I love mine and like I said I am new to Long arm quilting so I am having fun with it. I think that the HQ 16 is not going to be manufactured anymore - that would be the only reason I could think of...

THere's a used Tin Lizzie 18 for sale on my local CL for $4,000 with stitch regulator http://sacramento.craigslist.org/art/1745723869.html Too bad you're not closer.

Yes, this does include the stitch regulator. The lady said the previous owner didn't like it because the thread kept breaking on it. She brought it in, and it never did break with them in the shop. She said the lady must have been using old thread. I'm in the same boat.....can't get the computer, etc....I'll have to win the lottery, too. Another question, if you buy the 12 ft table, does it collapse (don't know the right word) to a 10 ft? I would seldom use the 12 ft....isn't that for king-sized? But, if I do this, I might as well go ahead and get the 12 ft.....new table....and same price.

I would say that's a great deal if it includes the stitch regulator. Have you priced what it would be if it were all new?

I have used a Grace frame with an Elna machine for several years. I loved it. I sold the frame and kept the machine. And I bought a Tin Lizzie w/ Grace Frame. I absolutely love it. $8,000. I don't have the computer and not sure I will ever get the computer. I recommend it highly. It is big enough to handle anything in my book. 10 ft rails. Support from dealers and manufacturers is excellent. And I live in Alaska!

Some machine are very thread picky. I can only use Maxi Lock thread in my machine. Anything else breaks or shreds. Once you get the HQ set up you don't move it. I would go for the bigger table. You can always make smaller quilts on a 12' , but if you get the 10' that's the biggest you'll ever be able to go. I can quilt up to 110" on my HQ.

I have a 18" Nolting with the 12' table. You can quilt anything from wall hangings to king size. A stitch regulator is a must. I bought it without and then went back and got one for it. It makes intricate patterns a breeze. So no matter what brand stick with 12'(does take up a lot of space, but when you want to quilt a king size you got it) and the stitch regulator. Hope it helps.

That is a very good price for the HQ. The reason the thread breaks is 1) old thread or 2) a person doesn't know how to adjust the tension - and doesn't desire to be patient enough to learn. You have to learn this no matter which mid/long-arm machine you buy - they all have learning requirements on tension and some are better than others. Being an HQ16 owner myself, I can say that as of today, I have not run across a thread I haven't been able to run. I use many threads, thread types, and multiple colors to do my quilting (from silk to 12 wgts, cottons, polys and blends). It does take some practice to learn to adjust tension on any machine - but so worth the time!

If you desire a mid-arm, this is an awesome one to get as there are no additional charges like for some other brands (where you have to pay extra for the SR, etc.). I love my machine, the 4 pole frame, and HQ has awesome support!

Just my thoughts.