granny_59

I want a long arm for table set up - no frame.

So far I ruled out
APQS George - its too expensive for me
Baileys home quilter - the vertical throat size is 4.5"
Voyager 17 - vertical throat size 5"
They are sure great for quilting on a frame, but for my purpose I think higher would be better.
On the Nolting quilting bee I was not able to get enough info online.

So I am down to
Queen quilter eighteen - 18" x 6" and
HQ Sweet Sixteen - 16" x 8"

Anyone owns either one?
- why did you decide on yours and not the other one?
- how loud is the machine?
- do you have problems with vibrations?
- does it need lots of maintenance?
- do you know a good online dealer shipping internationaly?

I would highly appreciate your help
Granny

dakotamaid

I own a Fun Quilter by Nolting. Love it! It has a 17 inch throat.

Try yahoo groups for those machines, there will be lots of info there as well.

granny_59

And what is the verical size ?

I went to the yahoo groups and did not find answers to my questions.

dgmoby

I have an HQ16 and adore it. Can't imagine ever switching. I choose it because it had more options for the money and I didn't like the way the TL sewed at all (plus you were required to purchase a Grace frame with the TL, and I wouldn't own another Grace frame - only a 4 pole system, which is what the HQ has). I also wouldn't have a stretched machine - I wanted something more industrial so it would hold up. I love the ergonomics of HQ's, no maintenance like most others (one drop of oil per bobbin change and that's it - it's one of the few non-stretched machines that is self-contained). I adore that I can use different top and bobbin threads, which most machines can't do. I can use any thread don the market, again that's rare. And I love the user help desk at HQ. They are really awesome.

And right now, because there are so many new models out, you can get a used HQ16 for so much less than I paid (join the Yahoo HQ16 group and check out the for sale database). There's nothing wrong with the machines, as they're pretty hard to mess up, but people are upgrading to longer arms. I love the 16" reach as it's just right for me, and so far, there's nothing I've found that it can't do. And I will never own another frame system except a 4 pole. I don't want to have to deal with the take-up pole riding on the machine bed and constantly having to readjust it as the completed quilt grows larger on the take-up pole. It's one more adjustment per turn that isn't necessary, in my opinion. (Some folks don't mind, but I've been there and done that!)

This is just my 2 cents :) If I ever do decide to upgrade, I will stay with the HQ brand. Many professionals have switched from Millenniums, A1's, etc. over to the HQ brand now (Kimmy, Jamie Wallen, etc.) because they're so great.

Debbie in Austin
PS If you decide to purchase a HQ, I do know a great online dealer who has a huge following for his customer support. Send me a message and I'll hunt up his info, when you're ready to buy.

Lacelady

I got my HQ Sweet Sixteen in early November. There is another thread going on here, where I have posted my reactions to it :
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-85429-1.htm

Hosta

I have the HQ Sixteen
its great I love it

granny_59

thank you so much Debbie

I would love to buy a used one but I am afraid to do so over this distance. I must have a good dealer.
Did you ever see the sit-down model I would like to have?

will send you a pm regarding the dealer
Granny

granny_59

the cotton patch is asking $6900.............!?

dakotamaid

Not sure what the vertical size is, I'm not at home right now. But I can quilt a queen size quilt with medium loft batting easily.

Sounds like the HQ sit down is what you want. Good Luck with your search. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezn-qLKyQ-I

granny_59

thank you Dakotamaid

watched that two times :lol: