installing a dead bar
 

I have a Grace Pinnacle frame with a 18" Queen Quilter (which is built by/same as a Tin Lizzie) on it. Has anyone rigged a dead bar on this frame? I know some framse have a higher bracket on each end so a dead bar can be utilized but this frame end pieces are lower than the machine. I would love to have a dead bar but can't figure out how to rig it. Any help will be appreciated.

Sandee in MO

I have the Viking 18x8 Mega Quilter (same machine) but I only have the wooden frame.
I just looked at a demo of your frame on YouTube, and I don't really see any extra space in your take-up bar supports to allow you to install a deadbar.

You might be able to contact the Grace Company and see if they have an "upgrade" for your frame. With the growing popularity of the deadbar, they just may have what you need, for a reasonable price.

What is the deadbar used for? I'm interested in getting a long arm machine but don't have one yet.

for those who have a frame like mine for which both ends of the take up roller support needs adjusted and leveled about every 2nd time I advance the quilt, the dead bar allows the take up roller to be raised to its highest notch but keeps the quilt slightly above the machine bed. The deadbar runs through the harp of the machine but above the quilt. It's just a pain to have to constantly adjust & level the take up roller & slows down the quilting I can do. Before you buy a long arm & frame, research or better yet watch someone quilt with the one you're interested in & ask what they like and don't like. Sales people won't tell you this. I didn't & now have 2 frames & 2 machine's. Don't like either of the frames and only one of the machines. Live & learn. (& buy)

Margaret my long arm has a dead bar, when you come to play I'll explain it while you can see it.

Cari

I agree that the frame is almost as important as the machine. One of the main reasons for trading my old unit in was the frame. The new one has a dead bar and it's certainly worth the effort to see if you can retro fit one.

does a dead bar also take up some of the quilting area????

Not if the frame is made for it. It sits below and in line with the take up roller. You slowly loose quilting space because of the quilt rolling onto the take up roller but not from the deadbar. Don't know about a retrofit.

what frame do you have?

This might give you ideas.

http://northhillsquilter.blogspot.ca...-dead-bar.html