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.

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.

You will love it. There is a learning curve, so don't despair. Just remember to ppp (practice, practice, practice) Also, play with it a while before you start making purchases to see what you really like. Some people really like pantographs and some only like freehand work. I like both pantos and freehand but I don't like too much ruler work. Makes me nervous. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler. When I bought my Gammill I bought some quilt tops off ebay to practice on because I didn't want to mess up a top I had put a lot of time and love into. That was a bonus too because I gave a lot of those to my children and friends.

Enjoy.

Good idea on practicing on e-bay tops. I had thought about buying some "cheater's quilt" fabric and use it as a "pretend" quilt to practice on. I couldn't go to sleep last night for thinking about what I'm about to do today. lol I thought, " I'm 68...should I be doing this at my age?" Then I thought I'm going to take my husband's attitude...."THAT's exactly why you should go ahead and DO IT!!!" AND, today's my 49th anniversary, hubby says I deserve it....bless him.....so I'm a happy camper....feeling more reassured by the minute. lol

Congradulations! You are going to love it!
join the HQ yahoo group, I learned ALOT from that group. And here, I'm sure you would get an answer to any question you post.

You go girl!

Good for you. I have the HQ Avante and love it. The only thing is, I don't think you can put the Avante on the frame that you are using for your HQ16. They have a different track and wheel system. You may want to double check this with your HQ dealer before you buy thinking you can upgrade only the machine. Remember PPP (practice, practice practice) or (practice, patience, prosperity). You will have fun.

Loving it! I am a couple of years behind you in age but I am a 10 year BC survivor. This is exactly why I bought my long arm!

Franie, I, too am a 9 yr BC survivor!! Yes, that was part of my reason, too. Who knows what's next? I just came back from the quilt shop, and they are delivering it tomorrow afternoon and set it up. I'm SOOOOOO excited....probably won't sleep tonight either. lol

Sandipi, you are right, the tracking won't fit an Avante on my table. But, I really doubt I'll every have anything but this HQ16. So, I'm OK with that. It is such a nice frame/table though....has the flexible wire cables (????) with the clamps to hold the quilt....a really large platform for pantagrams...I'm happy!!

My HQ16 will be delivered and set up this afternoon. I'm so excited, but dread the learning curve....practice, practice. Have another question.....what kind of thread do you use? I've read where a lot of quilters just use whatever they have or they eventually find what their machine is "picky" about. ??? Does anyone use the "Connecting Thread" threads? Seems like I've read about a lot of satisfied customers. Thanks so much for all of your input with buying my machine and other questions. This is certainly a MOST HELPFUL website.

My favorite all time thread combo on my HQ16 is King Tut on top and So Fine in the bobbin.

My favorite all time thread combo on my HQ16 is King Tut on top and So Fine in the bobbin.

My Gammill likes So Fine in top and bottomline in bobbin, but it also likes Maxi Lock thread just fine too and it is considerably cheaper. I have washed some quilts many times and the Maxi Lock has held up for me. Not every machine likes all threads though so only buy small to try before purchasing multiple colors. Just my thoughts.

Enjoy!!!

When you say Maxi Lock, are you refering to the serger thread? I have been using that to piece with. So much cheaper.

Yes, I am referring to serger thread. My Gammill really likes it and it blends in with quilt tops well without standing out and being too heavy.

And aren't the HQs made in the USA? That would be another excellent reason to get one -- I say go for it!

Thanks so much for the info. Sure makes me feel better using Serger Thread!

thanks to everyone for your input with my questionss about the HQ16...I know have it in my quilting room!!! Yea!!! Someone mentioned a HQ 16 group on yahoo. Can you direct me how to get to that website. I went to the Yahoo group page, but couldn't bring the HQ group up. ???

thanks to everyone for your input with my questionss about the HQ16...I know have it in my quilting room!!! Yea!!! Someone mentioned a HQ 16 group on yahoo. Can you direct me how to get to that website. I went to the Yahoo group page, but couldn't bring the HQ group up. ???

[email protected]

[email protected]

Sandi

Thanks I'm going to give it a try also.

How do I join yahoo group for the Viking Mega Quilter? Thanks.