How is an industrial different from a typical machine?

i never minded quilting a smaller quilt, such as a crib size or maybe even a smallish lap size on my regular sewing machine, so it's not the actual process of quilting, and when my long arm just turned on and ran without having to adjust tension constantly etc, I could even enjoy that type of quilting, but I don't have the patience for constantly being in the lookout for something going wrong. I just want to turn it on and go, and apparently long arms don't work that way. I don't think I've ever adjusted tension on my regular sewing machine, but that does make me wonder; do you have to adjust tension constantly in the sit down machines?

WOW!!! It is tough to believe you don't like your longarm!! I purchased one brought it home with never even touching one - love the flexibility of quilting on it. I tried - very unsuccessfully to quilt on a domestic machine and was never able to get the hang of it. I have a HandiQuilter Avante and love to put a quilt in it and complete the quilt. When I brought it home - I loaded several yards of muslin and practiced doing about everything I could - meandering, stippling - ruler practice - free hand motion. It takes a while to get the feel of the machine. Have you given pantographs a chance.... they are a great tool and give you beautiful results. So sorry to hear that you are not pleased - but it does take a bit of practice and the learning curve never ends....Give it another chance....

Industrials are made for production work, so they're often designed for one task or material only so they're not versatile like a domestic, and they go super fast (you don't want one of these). However, there are some industrial models that are great for general sewing (straight stitch and zigzag) with a roomy throat space. I'm on the lookout for a reasonably-priced Pfaff 138, a machine that fits this description. You might want to talk to a tailor or someone in the costume shop at a theater or college with a dramatic arts department if there's one near where you live. Both typically use larger machines. The cost of a good used one varies a lot, so if you decide to go this route, I suggest shopping patiently around.

I've had this long arm for about three years. I've quilted many quilts on it. It's not a matter of needing time and practice. It's a matter of not enjoying it. Mine is computerized. Sometimes I use the computer, sometimes I do free hand. Pantographs are not the issue. I do not like adjusting the tension, I don't like realizing my thread is eyelash in underneath and having to rip out stitches. I don't like stopping every so many inches to check underneath. I don't like the steps involved in getting a quilt ready to be quilted. I simply do not like using my long arm.

On my sewing machine, I just change the needle every so often, clean around the bobbin case when I change it and otherwise sew. That's what I want in a quilting machine. Ease of use so I can spend my energy making pretty things.

I agree maybe it's the quilting you don't enjoy. The maneuvering or all the fabric. If it stresses you, it's no good for you. Send it out.

What about one of the Jukis? The 2010Q might work for you. It's a high speed straight stitch machine. Here's a page with info on it: http://www.jukihome.com/products/quilt_tl2010q.html

I think you might like it because it has a large harp and feed dogs. You can search here on QB for more posts about it.

I don't have this machine (I have a Sweet Sixteen sitdown) but I do have a Juki sewing machine and I love it. I've never had to adjust anything on the machine, including tension, and it sews like a dream.

Hope this helps!

Lynda

I do think you have the wrong longarm, or maybe it's a lemon. Yes, you do have to occasionally adjust tension, but that's true on any machine. You shouldn't have to fight with it constantly, but you do have to do some maintenance. I have a 26" Innova. I very seldom have to adjust the tension, mostly because I tend to quilt with the same thread and batting most of the time. It requires oil in only one spot, I clean and oil after almost every bobbin change, and I wipe the rails and clean the wheels after each quilt. This is quick maintenance. I took the whole thing apart last December in preparation for a move to another state, and when I put it back together in July I was up and running again in no time. I really love mounting the quilt on the frame, rather than having to sandwich it. That was my least favorite part of quilting, and you still have to do it with a sit-down longarm or a DSM with a large throat.

I also believe its the new epic

Truthfully, I had a longarm for 3 years before I really got into it. I guess I was a little afraid of it. In the beginning I got eyelashes too. Drove me crazy. I don't have a stitch regulator so I found I was speeding up too much on the long sweeps and such. So I got eyelashes. About 2 years ago I tried Glide thread. It is a trilobal (?) polyester. I have not had to adjust my tension since then!! (Occasionally I get eyelashes when I forget and go too fast, but I'm getting better at being relaxed and smooth.) That's all I use. I know some will say it should be cotton, but I'm happy with it, and it has survived many washings. Good luck!! Ann