Okay, When my DH gives in and decides I can get one, I want the best ,least expensive longarm I can get. What should I look for? And where can I find one? As far as I know of, we don't have a store near us where we can go and look so maybe I can find one if I know what to look for. Any suggestions????

ohhhh you're sooo lucky! Did you decide on a maximum spending limit?

I'll be interested in reading the replies from others!

How exciting for you! I don't have one yet but I know you want a stitch regulator on it, that's probably the most important feature. I would search the internet read peoples reviews... Good luck

Bailey is a fairly inexpensive longarm. When I have the room, that's what I'm thinking about. Someone also posted in the last couple of days about a WOW longarm. Don't know anything about them, but a few on board have the Bailey.

DH bought me a Voyager 17 and frame last year for Christmas. So far I love it. It may not be the cheapest, but it does what I need it to do. He did splurge and get the stitch regulator, for which I am so grateful.

http://www.hinterberg.com/Voyager.aspx

Aw, youre so lucky!!!!!!! Cant wait to hear what you decide on!

The cheapest midarms (longarms aren't cheap by any stretch of the imagination) Are the Bailey, Homesteader & Voyager. Another option is to send a Juki TL98, Babylock/Brother 1500, Janome 1600 type machine to Rick at Wowquilts to have it stretched--the same guy who makes the Wow Quilter. All of these options will run you around $3,000. To get a stitch regulator--add another $500 to $700. To get a good, heavy frame to put the Voyager on, you'll need another $1,000 which includes the cost of going to the hardware store to get the pipes it uses for rails and the canvas to make your leaders.

Watch ebay, craigslist and join some of the yahoo machine quilting groups and you may get a bargain. I got my Voyager and Proflex frame so cheap off ebay that I'm embarrassed to tell how much. It feels like I robbed someone. It didn't have a very good description but after 3 years of drooling over other folks midarms, I knew what I was looking for.

I started quilting using a 9" domestic machine that I would take off & on the B-Line Studio frame I bought new. I used it for 1 year that way then added a PC Quilter and Max Throat (also purchased new). I love my PC Quilter! (They quit making Max but you can still find used ones) Max allowed me to quilt up to 14" in one pass but it's finicky and not as smooth moving as a midarm would be so I kept dreaming & learning until the Voyager showed up. That happened right before the AQS Quilt Show in Paducah so I didn't have any extra to buy goodies but I had a good time and learned about new things to dream about & drool over--LOL!

you really need to base your decision on a lot of things that have nothing to do with final cost...service should be a big decision maker...where are you going to take the machine for service? where are you going to turn for tech help? you should try to find shops within reasonable travel distance where you can try out different machines/ brands and functions. most long arms are basically the same...a large straight stitch machine. beyond that changes can be vast. do you want to upgrade later? do you need/want a stitch regulater? the 'cheap' machine may not offer any options/upgrades...
you may find one 'on-line or advertised somewhere, decide that is the best price you have seen, that's the one you want, then get it home to find there is no customer support around, and you HATE IT...you probably would not buy a car without at least a test drive...long-arms cost as much as buying a car...so test drive before you buy!!!
i would never recommend a person to purchase anything that cost's over $1000 (as far as i know about the cheapest long-arms start around $6500) without trying it out and make sure this is what you want and it will do what you want it to do.
all that being said...i bought mine while on vacation in Florida...i did try it out, and took a class with the machine, then ordered one from the manufacturer. it was shipped to me from Utah, to Michigan...all of this was good right up till i set it up and had a heck of a time with tension issues (it got 'bumped around' during shipping) and found there was no where within 200 miles to take it or get any help. i finally had to trouble shoot long distance with support in Utah. they have been great helping me over the past few years but it would sure be better if there was somewhere around me to get service done.

Best and least expensive? My suggestion would be to look for a good used commercial model. They're built like tanks, and will outperform the "hobby" setups.

I agree.

Too bad you don't live closer to me - A woman is selling her Kenquilt on Craigslist...
http://huntsville.craigslist.org/art/1838944982.html

I have a Bailey on a Proflex frame with a PCQ robotic quilter... I know, I know. I need to use it now!! You guys probably think I'm nuts! I'm getting the bravery up though!

I got my 15" Bailey and a Grace Pro frame for almost $3000, in 2008. I LOVE it.

CJCowl and CJtinkle both have excellent advice.

I just recently purchased an ABM Innova 26". I am very fortunate that the dealer is only about 50 to 60 miles away. It was only installed last Sunday so I have not had a lot of time on it and have had no occasion to need tech support. I had the luxury of the dealer coming to set it all up for me. I know that would have been nightmarish for me to do on my own even with DH help. What took the dealer a couple of hours would have taken us days. The dealer then gave me a quick crash course for loading quilt top backing and batting, threading the machine, adjusting tension, changing bobbin, oiling and cleaning bobbin area, advancing and backing up the quilt on the poles, playing with templates and pantos. A good dealer is worth their weight in gold.

The innova is built to commercial specs but priced about the same as an HQ. They have a very easy quick learning curve and no need to adjust height on the take up pole. They only need to be oiled in the bobbin race area. So they are very user friendly machines. They are available in 18" and 26" and I believe they just came out with a size in between, I think 22" but not positive. Even so the 18" plus frame and stitch regulator will still run you darn close to $10K when you figure in any applicable sales tax and shipping from the factory in Texas.

All reviews I could find on this machine are positive. ABM has 24-7 tech support on the phone. I love my new machine and can't wait to really put it through its paces.

I belielve Bailey's is made out of country and I was told that the quality is poor for this machine. Inexpensive, but you get what you pay for.

When I was looking for a machine, I was told that the Janome MC6600 Sewing and Quilting machine can also be put on a contraption to use on a frame. I saw this in a quilt shop when I was in the New Port Richey areas. I can get the name of the shop if you want to inquire about it. The frame goes up to 12'. It was something I was thinking about since I could use the same machine to make my tops, then quilt it once I hooked it up the the frame allowing me to save on buying a second machine. Now if you are going to quilt a lot, then it might pay for you to get a new long arm and frame.

I got my machine in Lake City at Fabric Arts Shop. The owner wasn't aware that my Janome can be put on a frame. Odd.

I guess this site would be one of the best places to ask. Also, call quilt shops and ask the people who use long arms. Some may have old machines, others will have the new fancy stuff. Depends on how much you want to spend.

I love my Tin Lizzie!

The Bailey is made in New York.
There is a yahoogroup devoted to the Bailey. Before I got my machines I joined several of the yahoo groups and out of the Voyager, Bailey and the Wow stretched, the Voyager and the Bailey had the least amount of complaints and it seemed that the people that were selling the Bailies were only doing so to get the next size up (it comes in a 17" now too) It looks like a nice machine.

I had a Voyager for a little bit and it is a beast. It is really really REALLY heavy. I didn't like the way it felt on my frame and thought that I would get wrist fatigue quickly. I sold it and have not looked back. I wish I could afford a higher end machine but even $4000 was more than my machine budget was - and I really wanted the pcq so I could have perfect quilts from the get go...

I think you guys are inspiring me to get off my butt and use my frame already lol.

OHhhhh Thanks for the link. this looks nice. And more reasonably priced.

Thanks for the info. These are the things I need to know because, I know nothing!

I did look at the Gammill on line. A little more than I wanted to spend but they are good aren't they? I want to know what everybody thinks about each one because I have never heard of some of these yall have mentioned.

My next question is: About the sewing machines that you can quilt on. How much trouble are they and will they do the job nicely that a long arm can do? I've never even seen anyone machine quilt so maybe there is a tutorial somewhere?

Someone mentioned that this machine is very heavy? What do you think? Is it hard to work with?

Which one?

I have the queen quilter 18 by tin lizzie and really like it.

Yeah sometimes I feel like New York is out of the country!

:lol: :lol:

This is what I am currently doing. Patience.....

The Voyager

Craigs list! There is one for sale here in my area for $2000 and I'm sure it would cost quite a bit more new. Considering the savings you might have, it might be worth it to you to check out areas within a few hundred miles of you for used ones.
Carol B

My friend and I have the Tin Lizzie with "Lizzie Stitch. What a joy. Its around !2,000. Complete Homestead has great innovation you get a full laptop computer with all of the software for $9000. Its ecen more automatic that HC or Tin Lizzie.

Whatever you decide be sure to look for a local service center and somewhere to get some training. If you are buying a used machine, it is more than likely out of warranty. You don't want to have to ship your machine half way across the country. Handi Quilter is one company that has over 350 local reps throughout the US. All of these reps are trained technicians. Many have events in their shops with national educators. You may want to go to a show and test drive all these machines that have been recommended so you can find the one that best fits you! It would be sad if you buy something you have never tried and absolutely do not like the feel of it. Don't rush into a purchase solely on your budget.

I have a Bailey on a Little Gracie frame and I love it. It does exactly what I want it to do. I am only making quilts for myself and don't intend to make heirloom quilts. It would not be worth it to me to buy a more expensive machine.

Is the Tin Lizzie 18 easy to learn how to use. I'm interested in purchasing one. Any info will be appreciated.

The Voyager is very heavy. You will need a heavy duty frame or sturdy base to put it on. The Hinterberg Stretch & Summit frames, SuperQuilter Pro-Flex, possibly the Grace Pinnacle, or a B-Line tabletop with cabinet base. You must have a sturdy, level frame for any quilting machine to operate smoothly and the heavier the machine, the more critical it becomes.

My Voyager glides like a hot knife through butter with the ProFlex carriage & frame. I played with Voyager on a Summit Frame and it was a little harder to drive around but I don't think the frame was leveled--it was during a quilt show. The frame itself is super strong and much like the ProFlex. The wheels on the carriage are different, though so maybe the wheels on the Pro-Flex make it easier. Folks rave about the Hinterberg Stretch Frame and the Summit is supposed to be an upgraded version of that so I still think the frame just wasn't squared or level.

For the person that asked about using a Janome 6600 on a frame--yes you can. I have the very similar Elna 7200. I quilted with it on my B-Line Studio frame for 4 1/2 years until I got the Voyager with a ProFlex frame in April. I can do anything with the Elna and B-Line that I can do with the Voyager & ProFlex--I just have to roll the quilt more often and adjust my designs to fit the space differently.

If you think New York is out of the country, try Alaska! We are the step child!

I think it is but I had a reg. sewing machine on a Grace Frame before the Tin Lizzie so knew a little about how it all works. There are support groups and if you have a dealer near you, that is even better. I tried it and fell in love with it. Now I have my own and it had a few quirks but they got worked out.

Has anyone heard of the George Longarm? I had heard about it from an instructor in a free-motion quilting class I took. She claimed it was a smaller machine and cost her prox $7,000.00 a couple of years ago. She receives top awards at quilting shows.

Check out where the machines are made and ask if the factory takes trade ins. A machine is made in Cedar Rapids IA and you can get used reconditioned machines.

The George is a sit down model (where you push the fabric, not the machine). I'd check out some of the yahoo groups for used machines (machine quilting professionals, hinterburg, home quilting systems). I bought a new Voyager in March and absolutely love it once I got past the initial learning curve.

My friend has this old long arm machine that we have been trying to get adjusted. Neither one of us know what we are doing. She bought it from someone else and didn't ask any questions. She said we had to change the oil in it. We had to literally pick the machine up off it's base and pour the oil in to the fill line. Are all of them like that or is there an easier way. Her machine was very heavy and it took both of us to do it? And how often does that have to be done under normal use?

I have had the Bailey since January '09 and I love it. It is in my quilt shop and I use it everyday. I also rent it out to customers so they can have the fun of quilting their own quilts. I have my Bailey on a Bernina frame (yes, they do make a frame and it is wonderful. You can set on it and service the back of your machine and it will not sway or bend)

I have the stitch regulator on mine. Right now I am in the market for a new Bailey because I bought the 13" and feel I am now ready for the 17" which was not in production when I purchased mine.

I would suggest that you join the Bailey group on Yahoogroups and read a lot of their archives. There is a wealth of information in those emails, and there is always someone that can help you with any problem you might be having with your machine. You don't have to have a Bailey to join.

This is not a computerized machine, although some have added a computer to theirs. But I love the fact that I get to be creative and do what I want on a quilt rather than just watch cookie cutter designs being stitched out.

It won't cost you anything to look. The service is A+++++ and it has been a great 18 month experience owning my Maggie Bailey..little rule...you have to give your machine a name....I chose Maggie. There are some real creative names. If you do join the group, go to the photos and look at the pictures posted by a lady named Patt. It is amazing the things she has done on her machine. She is a true artist.

Let me know if I can answer any questions. Oh, and Chuck, the owner of Bailey Home Quilter has a website which gives you prices, and a place to order needles, bobbins, etc. He even has whole packages that include a frame...just not the Bernina frame. I purchased my frame at the Houston International Quilt Festival.
Good luck picking out a machine. Dollar for dollar, Bailey is by far the best buy. You will be pleasantly surprised at Chuck's price list.
Virginia

Absolutely not true. Bailey is made in upper New York. Chuck makes each machine to order. He has a shop there where you can go and see the machines if you live in the area, but he does not make the quilt shop circuit.

It is definately not a cheap made machine. Just a simple made machine. He has designed his upgrades so they are easy for the owner to clean, service and enjoy. He is always available to take your questions on the phone, just don't ask him to do emails. That is not his cup of tea. The machine is all metal and what else can I say...It has the most bang for the bucks.
Virginia

I, too, have a Bailey machine -13"- which I'm very satisfied with, though I'm seriously considering a longer-armed Bailey. Their service is great (call, don't email them). I use it for my donation quilts or family quilts... my 'talent' is limited, so I'll send out any 'heirloom-type' pieces. Mine is on frame a friend's son designed and built.