Used Gammill - Tell me what you think
 

I have an opportunity to purchase a used Gammill Classic. Price seems good, $5000.00. I inquired about age and use, did not get an answer on age, but use was stated as " 3 to 4 quilts a week" Also said it runs very good. That seems like a lot of use to me. Most likely a business??

I am looking for a long arm, and do to budget was looking at a new 17" Baileys.
But for about the same price I can get a used Gammill. Price includes a 12' frame too. What concerns me is the use, would this be something you would consider or not?

So brand new Baileys or used Gammill. What kind of wear and tear will the Gammill withstand? Of course I would go and check it out first but I need to decide if I need to go see it or not.

Opinions wanted.
Thanks!

I bought mine used but it was only 9 months old. I don't know what all this machine offers but you might be able to get some information from a Gammill dealer. It seems as if there's a way to see how much time is on it. Has it had any upgrades? They should be able to provide you with a great deal of information with the SN.

There really isn't that much that can go wrong that you can't take care of. Rick Taylor has a maintenance class (also available on DVD) that's extremely helpful.

If the seller is evasive or unwilling to provide helpful information, I'd probably pass on it though.

I have a Gammill Classic and it is about 7 years old and gets a lot more use than 3 to 4 quilts a week. It still runs like a charm...no problems. Be sure you are getting a stitch regulator. After using a Gammill and a mid-arm, I would buy the Gammill...no vibration, top of the line product, easy to get serviced, runs smooth...I could go on and on!! Hope you get more feed-back!!

oh if every thing works right i would buy it. i wish i could afford a gammeril
i do believe they are really good machines.

I have a gammill classic purchased in '96. I quilt for others at least 3 days a week sometimes more. The stitch regulator was added about 6 or 7 years ago. I love it. I think I have more issues with tension than some, but I wouldn't give up my Gammill. It has been professionally cleaned and serviced twice for general maintainance. The only thing that it ever really needed was a new spring behind the tension. I know how to do that now, so I replaced it again recently when I was getting ready for a big project, just on general principle. Keep your gammill oiled per instructions and she will run indefinately. Mine is still going strong and I see no need to replace it for a long time. They were designed for commercial use.

I have a Gammill I purchased a year and a half ago. I love it. I bought mine new, but it is the smaller 18/8 Vision. When I was looking, however, I did notice that Gammill does have some used machines. I would go to their site and see what they have for comparison. Good luck.

All of the major brand long arms are made for heavy use-It should be fine.Can you test run it before buying??

hopefully you can test run before buying.......
I purchased a used (5yrs old) APQS Ult1/14 ft table over 10 yrs ago and it is still going strong. Of course, you must be diligent with regular maintenance...simple thing: clean out lint, oil needle change and I take mine to the factory about every 3 yrs (Iowa)...it gets a spa day and I get to wander around in antique stores, fabric stores, etc. I was hesitant too when I first bought mine...had never had one, but wanted one desparately........so took the leap. I also arranged to have a full day class with an instructor who at that time had the same machine as I did, so I could relate.....that was certainly the best thing about this adventure I did. Remember, this was a long time ago and these machines and assistance sources have certainly expanded wonderfully since then......I am still learning and loving every minute of it....so just jump in and join the party!!!!!!!

Ok, I re-read the original ad, the machine is 8 years old. Does that affect your opinion? I have sent a few more questions to the owner, hopefully I can also set up time to go and check it out in person this week.

I purchased a Gammill used that was local to me. I asked alot of questions and I test drove it. The reason the lady was selling it was that it was too big for her. It fits me to a T! I have a Gammill Classic Plus (the plus is the stitch regulator). She and I didn't get along too well at first...(read: there IS a learning curve...esp if you have not used a track mounted machine before) I found the GammillOwners group on Yahoo invalueable (hey! they SPEAK Gammill! lol) We have since become friends and Lucy (think 'righty tighty, lefty loosey'!) and I quilt many a day happily. I would go see the machine, ask to test drive it...and ask as many questions as you can! You will be pretty sure when you are done if its right for you.

You can always offer less if you think it's worth less...

I have now found out from the owner that there is no stitch regulator with this machine. I think that is a negative for me. I am very new to this and feel I need it. The cost to add would put this out of my comfort range in price. Bummer.

Don't despair. There are always used ones available. Check websites for used Gammills until you find one within driving distance. That's what I did. Mine has a 14 ft table and we rented a U Haul to get it home. We had the 17 ft. one, and it was just a bit too short because part of that 17 ft is elevated. I would recommend a used Gammill over a new mid arm anyday. As long as the previous owner kept it oiled regularly, it should be fine. Someone previously mentioned having a way to tell how many hours are on the machine, and there is an hour counter, but after it gets to the end (999, or whatever) it starts back at zero, so that's no help for total hours. It's only there so you can keep track of hours on a specific project. I think you are wise to wait for one with stitch regulation. I did. It costs too much and is a big pia to have to take it to the manufacturer to add it to a machine without it. Good luck!

Honestly a stitch regulator is kind of like training wheels. It really doesn't take very long to get the hang of it and once you do they're kind of an annoyance.

I have a Gammill, a Premier Plus, and I love it! (Even tho she's been VERY badly-behaved today.....). If you're really curious to see how much it's been used, ask the owner to hold the "M" button on the faceplate and then turn the machine on, and read you the number. It will tell you how many hours the machine has on it...if she doesn't want to do that for you, and she's close enough for you to visit, do it yourself. That will tell you more than just the age will. And by the way, at eight years of age, she's out of warranty....look on Gammill's websire or call a dealer in your neck of the woods. You'll be happier....