Switch out long arm frame?
 

Hello everyone! I'll be getting a new long arm in the next few months. My problem has been that I like this about this one and that about that one. I'm leaning toward the Pfaff PowerQuilter P3 because of the excellent local dealer service I'd receive. They would give me thorough training which is important to me because I learn best with hands on, individualized attention.

However, I've been waiting for the Juki Virtuoso to come out because it has a few features that are really supposed to be nice. The one I most want is the frame with the additional take up bar so you don't have to adjust as you roll the quilt. Handiquilter offers this frame for their Avante, which is essentially the same size as the Pfaff P3.

What I'm wondering is this: is there any reason I couldn't get the frame from the Avante/Juki which has the additional take up bar and put the Pfaff P3 on it? I don't know if all the frames and machines fit together. I believe they are all Grace frames, but I'm not 100% certain.

I know it will cost more to do it this way (although I'm not sure how much yet. If this is even possible, I'll start researching costs next).

Thanks in advance! I just love that I can come to this board for insight!

You can't use one frame with the other machine. I had the Pfaff Grandquilter, and personally, would NEVER consider buying one. I know others have had good luck with them, but I didn't. I also did not have local dealership. I bought the Avante....the frame is made ONLY for the Avante. The same is said for the stitch regulator (on the Pfaff the SR is made for 6 or so different machines -- it's a generic). I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Avante and you're right, that extra bar back there has made my quilting go much faster. Moving those rollers up and down gets very tiring. Don't let them fool you!!! I'm in my 60s and to be truthful, if you're doing a quick meandering, you'll find yourself moving them up every 5 minutes or so!!!!! If you have a local dealer for the Avante, I'd go that way.

On edit ---- the Avante frame also has a wheel for rolling the quilt --- THAT is a blessing!!!!!!

I've heard several negative things about the grand quilter too. I haven't heard anything negative about the P3 though. My dealer did say the difference between the two is significant, with the P3 being so much more user friendly.

I've been trying to find info on the frame with the additional take up bar (also called a dead bar) but so far I'm just making myself more confused!

I have a BL dealer nearby (HQ's "generic"). He's nice but he wouldn't offer the thorough training the Pfaff dealer offers. Neither would the Juki dealer. I wish I was the type of person that could watch youtube videos and learn that way, but unless it's really basic and simple I don't think it will be adequate for me.

The trouble with putting a different machine on the HQ frame is that the way the carriage is designed it'll only take a machine with the rollers/stitch regulator that fit it. I believe that only the HQ and Baby Lock machines are made this way. You're right though the HQ frame is a really great one! I don't know if you have an HQ or BL dealer in your area, but personally I'd go with one of those. There are 2 frames that fit the Avante, the Pearl (I have this frame, it doesn't have the extra bar, but other than that it's the same and I really love it!), and the Studio (I think that's the name of it). I've used both. The one w/o the bar is slightly less expensive, and if the bar really matters to you than I'd say get it. They're both great frames though. They move so smoothly.

Anyway, to answer your question, no, I don't think you could put anything but an HQ or BL machine on their frames. But this would be a big purchase. You want to be happy with it for a long time. Buy what you know you'll be happy with long term. You don't want to end up wishing you'd gotten something else.

Good luck! :)

Probably best to check with your dealer. Not all machines will fit on all frames.

The three dealers I've been working with have been so patient with me, but I'm sure by this point they groan when they get yet another question from me, so I figured I'd ask here before deciding whether or not to ask the dealer. It's funny. I've bought cars, houses etc, but don't remember ever being so indecisive over a purchase before.

Nilla --- I know how you feel!!! Heck, if I'd have bought the computer portion of my Avante, I'd have spent MORE than we spent on our car and MORE than I spent on my first home!!! It IS a big decision and we don't mind helping you!