Is it true?
 

Is it true that a long arm machine and table cost about the same price as a car today?

yep its true, wish they would make a regular machine with a large throat at a decent price.

Amen, AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Millemium lists for over $17,000, which is more than the last new car I bought last year. Actually, I think you can buy a small car for the list price of a Bernina 830. But that's comparing top of the line to the bottom. You can get an 18" for considerably less. I don't have room for any of them, so I don't need to worry about it.

They certainly can. Although it is still possible to get one reasonable priced (ie: used or demo models). You just have to do your research.

Not as much as my car, but not cheap. I just ordered a mid-arm I think they call it, a Sweet 16 and it was considerably cheaper than my Honda Odyssey. It is frightening what things cost now, even down to groceries.

Try looking at the Bailey midarm. It works great for home use and very reasonable in comparison to the professional models.

If you get the design computer with it, it can be as much as a car. I did not and my 18 inch Baby Lock Crown Jewel with frame was less than half the cost of my new mid sized car. The computer set up would have added $5,000 or more. But I am sure you could get a used car for the cost of my setup!

It's depends on the type of car you buy. LOL The car I bought my niece was $7000 used and my car cost over 35k. The most expensive long arm system I've seen was about $30 thousand brand new with all the bells and whistles, all computerized. Buying a LA is not an impulse buy so I have plenty of time to shop and wait for a bargain price on a used one.

Oh my, now I know the reason I don't own one!!

If you go with a top of the line Gamill and the statler stitcher and all the avaiable options you can be at about $32,000.00
I looked into getting one about 6 years ago , and then quickly figured out that I could send MANY MANY quilts out to pros... who already have the learning curve under their belt , and spend as much time quilting if not more than I do piecing.
If I won the lottery.. doubt I would get one as the cost to send it out to the pros would be a non-issue. But would I end up with a fabric store as my stash... probably.

Yes Jeanne... it's true. I was looking just a few days ago and my chin still hurts from the drop.
Denise

Expensive yea! But I'd rather have mine than a new car!

Depends on the car and the longarm. I settled for a used mid-arm and it makes me happy. I couldn't have gotten a car that made me as happy as my new Mustang for what I paid for my mid-arm. But....that was a once in a lifetime purchase (the car). I intend to upgrade the quilting machine.

Isn't it like everything??
... there's Porsche LAs and Hyundai LA's?
(or whatever are the going luxury/economy comparisons)

Depending on the bells and whistles, I've seen prices ranging from $7,000 to $20,000.

However, that doesn't only pertain to long-arm machines. When I bought my Bernina 440 QE, I paid $3,000 (on sale) for it and that was without the embroidery unit, which would have cost me an additional $1,000. The car I was driving at the time also cost me $3,000.

Elizabeth

top of the line Statler Stitcher goes for 30,000.

I just looked at a post on this same page that said Statler is 32,000, they may have gone up since I last looked. LOL

I am happy with my purchased used HQ16 with no stitch regulator. At least I could afford it.

yes that is why I have the sit down sweet sixteen and can quilt all sizes of quiltls It was $3500 with the table!

I want one of those!!!!! Do you like it? $3500 seams reasonable!

Times have certainly changed. We pay for cars what we use to pay for houses so this doesn't surprise me.

Yes it's true, that's why I just can't justify buying one.

Mine cost 16,000 ten or more years ago, before there were all the wonderful gadgets and computers to adorne them with.
peace

I have a Gammill Premier and it cost a little bit over $10,000 new...and worth every single penny of the money! It's not computerized although I do have a stitch regulator on it. I think a Gammill with the Statler Stitcher (computerized) is about $30,000, give or take, for a new system. Don't have a clue what a good used one would run, sorry.

I liked the look of the Baileys on their website because they have more space for quilts and it does not have to be in a frame. The price appeared more affordable. Just my opinion. Teresa

I got lucky - my Gammill (without computer) was $8,000 - we bought it at a garage sale! It had about 175 hours on it - beautiful and very well loved.

I have a simple Brother sewing machine which works great so far. I went to look at a Berina machine that can do quilting it was $3000. That is way out of my budget, I can't even dream of getting a long arm machine.

I have no room for a long arm, so it is not even a thought for me. I use a Juki TL98QE or Babylock Jane for quilting. I have absolutely no problem quilting a large quilt Full to queen on them. Good enough for me.

I bought a HandiQuilter Avante with 18"throat, including table for about 10,000; on a payment plan of $330/month. I thought this was very reasonable. When I really work at it, I can quilt for other people and make the payment easily. I am more than pleased with the quality of the machine and technical support.

Yes, It is true.

They certainly can. I can't afford one, and don't have the space so I have a Janome 6600, which allows me to quilt most things with relative ease, although I need to make a great many pauses to shift things around. On the other hand, my guild owns a factory recondidioned LA. Generally it takes my guild sisters about 3 hours to do a fairly good ( not professional) job on a full sized quilt. I certainly can't say that, but I can't stand long enough to do a quilt.

Depends on the brand. You can get some for the price of a used car! LOL

I would love to have one but have to keep it on the wish list for now

Wow, my house cost $38,000 in 2007. My last car cost $2400! Um, I think I'll stick with my $40 Janome because it does everything I want it to do and is constantly impressing me. And I'll save my money for important things.. like groceries!

Way to much for me...

Depending on the one you choose.

seriously these machines are way overpriced, I mean we are just talking about making it longer, Imagine how many more machines they would sell if they lowered the price....I'd be first in line.

Yes, that sounds right --- it depends on the car. I have one of the machines with all of the bells and whistles (and the computer), but a less expensive car. I consider it a trade-off. I use my machine for my quilting business, so it was more important to me to invest in the best. With my car? I just want to get from point A to point B....

Yes. My quilter has been in business for at least seven years, she paid $25,000 for her long arm machine. You can buy smaller ones but see first how big you need this long arm to be, then check out all brands. If your going to spend the money, make sure you get a good brand and make sure you are shown how it operates. Good luck!!!