Please, I cannot emphasize this enough, do not jump into this without first doing your research. The top of the line may not be the right machine to you. What the dealier touts as top of the line may not be what you consider top of the line. Everyone has different opinions on LA machines. The prices you are talking is a large throat machine and at $25K sounds like you may be looking at a computer operated setup as well.

I urge you to go to a major machine quilting show like one of the MQX shows or Houston or any of the biggies where there will be many vendors of the LA machines so you can try them all. You may find you prefer the lighter weight of a mid arm (18") machine or a different brand. Also take into consideration the frame setup. Some LA have rollers you have to adjust constantly to allow for the growing quilt sandwich. Others, like mine, has a dead bar so I don't have to ever adjust. Also do not think you can set it up and take off. LA machines have a huge learning curve, even the computer guided setups. Please do your homework so you will have absolutely NO regrets on the decision you make.

If you can afford the machine and would get enjoyment from it, then I wouldn't worry about whether or not it was economically worthwhile. I bought a Gammill 18/8 a couple of years ago and love it. Although I do quilt some for the public, I don't take that many quilts so I will have some time for my own stuff. Having a longarm in your home rather than renting one at a shop has definite advantages. I need the quiet so I can concentrate. I noticed at our local quilt shop, when people are using the longarm they are constantly interrupted by people wanting to see what they are doing. I hope you get it for yourself. Remember life is short. Enjoy it while you can.

If you can afford to buy L AQ the go for it!!!! I would love to have one but can 't afford even a used one!!!!! Make But wait to make the final decision after you take the LAQ classes to make sure you really like LAQ( and remember it takes a while to get good at LAQ). Of course you will get your money's worth out of the machine in the form of "personal pleasure" which you DESERVE!!!!(What a great husband you have to suggest you buy a LAQ) DO NOT feel quilty if you decided to buy one! YOU DESERVE IT!!!!!

You REALLY do want one and your husband WANTS you to have one. There are no losers here. What an opportunity and one I would jump at. Get the best one for the money and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. You both will get pleasure from your creations and don't do any for anyone else if that doesn't float your boat. IMHO.

If money is not this issue, I would definitly get one. However, the price of this used one sounds very high--which leads me to believe it must be a computerized one. Is that what you want? Are you "techy" in that area? Are they going to show you how to use it? I would not buy a computerized machine unless I was shown how to run the computer part of it. I fyou want anon-computer machine, you can easily find a good usd one for $10,000. Sounds like you want a machine, but are concerned about the price, even though money is not an issue. Therefore, you might feel better about buying one that is a lesser price than $15,000. I bought a new APQS Freedom for $16,000. And it is NEW. There is also a APQS Lucey and an APQS Lenny which are considerably less $ than the Freedom that I bought. And you would have NEW and you would get lessons on how to run your machine. The Handi Quilter 18" Avante was my next choice and they are around $12,000 NEW. Like others have said, go to a big quit show and test drive teh different brands and find which brand you like. Then you can look at the price they are NEW or look for a used one. YOu can also look at if you want to buy a computerized one or not. Good luck and let us know what you decide. I'm sure if you get one, you will totally enjoy it. I totally enjoy mine--there is satisfaction in quilting your own quilts.

I understand your issue. When I first saw a longarm machine all I could think about was getting oine. Then the practical side of me did some thinking... and I soon figured out that even if I made 6 queen size or larger quilts per year , the cost with all the upkeep it was better for me to send them out. Even though I would have loved that every stitch was mine on all the quilts, it was not worth it. The learning curve and practice to keep my skills at there best was not going to match the reality. I also evaluated that by using a pro I could pick the pro whose skills/style best matched the quilt. I also figured out that if I used a pro , I could spent more time making some of the more complicated quilt tops. I know I will always have quilters envy of those who can do the beautiful longarm work, but figure it balances with the piecing envy they( long arm pro's) have of some of the great piecers there are.
So figure out what you like best . If you do think you want to go forward with a long arm ... do as the others suggested spend the $$ to get to a show where the machines are being shown and spend time test driving and talking to the dealers. That will be the best $$ spent.

I have a Tin Lizzy I paid under $6,000 for it new, I do only my own quilts. Is it cost effective? No. Do I enjoy it? Yes. When I got mine the closest dealer was 6hr's and two mountain passes away. I spent a lot of time on the phone with questions. A member of our guild gives LA lessons. A LQS gives lessons too. I'm sure if you look around you will find some one willing and eager to help you learn. I look at it this way, Do I really need a lot of things I have? No. It is cheaper and would save time if I just went to Wal-Mart and bought a placemat, dress, or blanket. Save room too, no stash, machines, gadgets, etc. I would have two empty rooms in my house that I wouldn't have to keep clean. But I would not be as happy. LOL It is just $ and if you won't miss it when it is gone go for it. You can't take it with you! LOL

If you only want to quilt YOUR quilts and not for hire, then I would check into the Bailey machines, much more reasonably priced for your hobby, and from everyone that I've talked to, they have a good reputation, this is one reason that I'll be getting a Bailey when we have the room and the money, unfortunately that probably won't be for awhile.

I see a lot of female guilt coming out on this thread. If a man pays $20,000 for a TOL bass boat he uses less than half the year and doesn't make a cent off, he doesn't feel guilty or have to justify the cost. A woman that spends $15,000 on a longarm quilting machine seems to have to make money off of it and justify the cost.

If you can afford it and want it, just do it and don't feel guilty about it. Keep in mind that it's a lot like buying a car. There are a wide variety of machines to choose from and you need to find the one that suits you best.

Wow. Very true!