Looking for a long arm
06-05-2011, 06:46 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Wilbur, WA
Posts: 757
I've had an A1 for 4 years, and added a Compuquilter (computerized system) in January. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my A1! Keep in mind that unless you have gorilla arms or the computer, you aren't going to be really accurate much more than about 18". in all this time, I've had maybe two quilts where I really wanted more room, and that was for quilts with big blocks on point. I ended up breaking the design in half and did just fine.
Keep trying different machines. Quilting if very physical. One thing that I would never do without is a hydraulic lift. Just a little bit of movement up or down will save your body a ton of hurt.
Keep trying different machines. Quilting if very physical. One thing that I would never do without is a hydraulic lift. Just a little bit of movement up or down will save your body a ton of hurt.
06-06-2011, 05:12 AM
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: North Florida
Posts: 976
This is incorrect about not enought room in harp (neck) area. My Handi Quilter Avante has more than enough room for a King size quilt. It is an 18" machine. I have quilted a couple of oversize Kings and had plenty of room. Size of machine depends on how much you want to spend, how far can YOU reach, and do you have room for one.
Originally Posted by lllog
My late wife and I were KenQuilt dealers and for the money, I don't think that they can be beat. They have added a computerized system, but I don't care for it very much. Gamble has the best computer system, in my opinion, if you can afford it.
Most of the systems have a 18", a 23" and a longer one. I'd say your best one is the 23", because with thee shorter ones you can't cover as much material in one sweep, and the longest one dosn't do much good if you have to extend your arms to far.
Oh, I almost forgot. The height of the neck is just as important as the length. You have to be able to roll the quilt up and not touch the neck. Many of the new 18" machines don't have the space for a king size quilt.
Therefore, I reccommend a 23" with a 12 foot table.
Good luck,
Lanny
Most of the systems have a 18", a 23" and a longer one. I'd say your best one is the 23", because with thee shorter ones you can't cover as much material in one sweep, and the longest one dosn't do much good if you have to extend your arms to far.
Oh, I almost forgot. The height of the neck is just as important as the length. You have to be able to roll the quilt up and not touch the neck. Many of the new 18" machines don't have the space for a king size quilt.
Therefore, I reccommend a 23" with a 12 foot table.
Good luck,
Lanny
06-06-2011, 07:00 AM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Thornton CO (Denver)
Posts: 744
Welcome. I would say take your time. When my sister and I purchased a Tin Lizzie, I thought we had really done our homework after a year of looking. Now after using it for a year there are many things I would look at differently.
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