In Springfield, MO the is a quilt shop that sell's long arms and also rents them in their shop so you can go there and they will help you practice and get set up. A lot of the people have done their own enough to get quit good. Only thing is I felt for the cost a day I can pay some one to do my quilts. Shop for a long arm quilter there are some really good ones that do custom work but it will cost be sure you see their work first, I had three quilts, ruined because I just took someones word she was good and inexpesive. She was inexpensive, and I got what I paid for. I still won't live long enough paying a good quilter to match what it cost to buy a long arm and then still have to do the work. I would rather spend my time making my quilts.