If you had $5000 for a quilting frame/machine setup....
 

What route would you go? I'm thinking used would definitely give me more bang for my buck, but how much bang do you think I could get for that amount? I've searched Craigslist and SoItsForSale, but I have no idea what I'm looking at. I have no clue which combinations of frame and machine are best, or what a good price is for any given setup. Do any of you have advice for me? Maybe that amount isn't enough to get me a decent frame and machine....

I'd put the 5 grand in the bank and save a touch more and get an Innova.

This is one that I've been looking at: http://www.thequiltingsolution.com/homesteader.html

Big M bobbin, uses regular sewing machine needles, 22" throat - $4600 including shipping. Those were the three things that were most important to me, but it also comes with a twelve foot frame.

You can add a stitch regulator and spend more or you can get a smaller machine and frame for less - check out their site. :)

The voyager 17" is in this price range :-)

i would try to test drive before you buy

Thanks for posting the site for the Homesteader. I saved it.

Test Driving is one of the most difficult things to do...imho....unless you can get to a large quilt show and drive several there's no way to drive around the country and test them all...again imho. Any other suggestions? How did everyone else test drive?

You can get a Handiquilter Sweet 16 sitdown for that, but if you want a frame and long arm, take a look at the Nolting website for used equipment. They have good stuff and good prices.

Pam

I test drove the HandiQuilter Avante & absolutely love it! So I would put this toward that! I would have to buy new as I can't seem to find any in my area looking for a new home (ie, lovingly used!).
Maureen

Look at grace quilting frame.com They had theirs on sell recenty for a lot cheaper.

I was able to test drive the Innova at the Dallas Quilt Show last year, so if you have quilt shows near you, definitely check them out. There were probably a dozen manufacturers of long arms at the Dallas Show, but Innova was the only one with the M bobbin at the time which was anywhere in my budget universe, so that was the only one I cared to try at the time.

When I later saw the Homesteader, it had the big bobbin, the deeper 22" arm PLUS it takes regular sewing machine needles, so that's what moved it to the top of my wish list.

It also has a reputation for having a very responsive-feeling carriage system and it costs less than the Innova, which was already reasonable, IMO. It's still on my short list - if the Homesteader turned out to be a disappointment, the Innova would be my second choice. But I'd probably have to wait and find a used one. :)

There are dealers for the various brands of longarms spread all over the country. Ask at your LQS or post a query on craigslist to find them. Some of them operate from their own homes.

Remember that the person who is showing you their long arm machine is getting a commission and the adherence to this brand or that brand approaches a fervor that is nearly religious. (just kidding, just kidding!) Ask lots of questions and remember that any dealer will want to downplay and minimize a particular machine's shortcomings and showcase its strengths. (that's what dealers of anything do, right? That's their job - to sell you a machine. :) )

I'm not criticizing dealers at ALL in any way, here - I'm just saying that the shopper should not necessarily buy the first machine they test drive just because the seller is so nice or because they can quilt so easily with their machine. The shopper should try to get a good long trial with the machine so that they really have a feel for how the carriage behaves at various speeds.