More on DH and the LA
#11
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Honestly, for that much money I would be looking at an Innova with lightning stitch. If I had to choose between the two you mention, I would go with the HQ simply because they have been around a long time and have a good reputation in longarm machines. I don't think Janome has been in the longarm business very long.
Last edited by Annaquilts; 04-26-2015 at 06:49 AM.
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: North Dakota
Posts: 187
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I am only in the wishing stage but if I could I would choose an Innova just because of the exceptional service and the fact that everyone I have ever heard of that has one loves it. Never one bad word ever about an Innova. If not that I would pick the HQ of the two you mentioned.
#15
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Check out how much training you get on it. For HQ, going to Utah for training for 3 days is $775 plus airfare and motels. I'm going to another dealer who will charge me $50 an hour for 4 hours to learn things my dealer should have taught.
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
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Another thing you want to look into is your machine's down time. HQ recommends all of their machines be returned to the dealer on an annual basis for routine servicing which includes lubricating internal sealed parts. This is specifically mentioned in their warranty. I don't know how many HQ owners actually do this or just take their chances.
http://www.handiquilter.com/forums/i...maintenance/p1
I do know this is not required of my Innova and the machines are so straight forward it is very easy to learn how to do a lot of the maintenance yourself. I have timed my machine and changed the belt drive. It is very easy to get at the needle bar for oiling and adjustment. Now they are shaft driven so a new Innova owner doesn't need to worry about belts.
http://www.handiquilter.com/forums/i...maintenance/p1
I do know this is not required of my Innova and the machines are so straight forward it is very easy to learn how to do a lot of the maintenance yourself. I have timed my machine and changed the belt drive. It is very easy to get at the needle bar for oiling and adjustment. Now they are shaft driven so a new Innova owner doesn't need to worry about belts.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Posts: 1,274
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I also have the Avante with no ProStitcher and I like it.....a lot! For what I do and the few people I quilt for it is perfect. My sister drives 80 miles to visit and she uses it, too.......I think she just comes to use the machine.![Stick Out Tongue](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/tongue.png)
(QUOTE=amandasgramma;7177357]Stick with HQ. I have an Avante. Friends have other machines, including the Tin Lizzy. If the Janome is a Tin Lizzy....well, I'd say they changed the name to "hide" the fact. Tin Lizzy's are NOT good machines, IMHO. I love the Avante.....so much easier to use. I don't have the Robot.....I found it made the machine heavier and I didn't have the $$. HQ has EXCELLENT customer service........and to me, that's the most important thing one needs when buying these machines.[/QUOTE]
![Stick Out Tongue](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/tongue.png)
(QUOTE=amandasgramma;7177357]Stick with HQ. I have an Avante. Friends have other machines, including the Tin Lizzy. If the Janome is a Tin Lizzy....well, I'd say they changed the name to "hide" the fact. Tin Lizzy's are NOT good machines, IMHO. I love the Avante.....so much easier to use. I don't have the Robot.....I found it made the machine heavier and I didn't have the $$. HQ has EXCELLENT customer service........and to me, that's the most important thing one needs when buying these machines.[/QUOTE]
#19
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 34
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I am thinking of purchasing the HQ Avante - I met a dealer at a quilt show that I liked a lot but she is a 1-1/2 hour drive from my home. There is a dealer closer to home and he seemed pretty forthcoming - I am just not sure about asking for questions when I need help. I did like the fact that the closer dealer would be easier to stop in .... just not sure.
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