Chaney Ranch

Good evening from Texas! I am new to your group and I have really enjoyed reading the different posts from everyone on quilting topics. Tonight I am asking for your opinions on different brands of quilting frames. I am wanting to purchase a reasonable priced used unit to begin quilting the tops I make. (It is so expensive to have them done, plus I have not been particularly pleased with the quality of the workmanship.) Please post your opinions and comments on the Grace, Handi Quilter, New Joy, and B-Line tabletop frames, plus others if you have used them. Until I can afford a mid-size longarm machine for the frame, I hope to use my Bernina 830 that I "retired" when I got a Bernina 730 Artista. Feel free to make suggestions on mid-size longarms as well. I was able to spend only one day at the Houston show this year, and I didn't take the time to even look at the machines! Thanks in advance for your help!!! Chaney Ranch

patski

I have the Handi Quilter and love love love it. It does not give me any problems after 5 years and dozens of quilts

Prism99

I don't think it's common to use a mid-size longarm machine (13"-17" or so) on a tabletop frame. I think tabletops are generally used for domestic machines (maybe 9-11" harp size). If you haven't already, take a look at the Ken Lund tabletop frames on Youtube. His kits run around $175 to $255.

What is your price range? In general, if you go for a midarm or longarm machine you want to buy it at the same time as the frame to be sure they are compatible. It's often possible to find a used Voyager 17/Hinterberg stretch frame for under $3,000.

If you want to use a vintage Bernina 830, you need to be sure that the frame is strong enough to handle the weight of that machine.

Candace

A vintage 830 has an awfully small throat space to put on a frame....

Chaney Ranch

I just watch several of Ken Lund's Youtube videos. After reading other replies, I may need to start out with this setup until I can spend the money to purchase a compatible frame and longarm. Thanks so much for your comments...they are very helpful! The more I read, the more I realize I need to learn.

jlm5419

I have a 15" Bailey on a little Gracie frame. It works OK. I would not want to try to use a smaller machine on a frame; there is too little throat space.

Joset

i have a 1600 p on a gracie frame and it works great.

Prism99

If you do a search on the Quilting Board for Ken Lund, you will find a number of threads that discuss shortarm quilting -- including modifications members have made to the Ken Lund frame. Here are a few:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...k-t196187.html
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t195959.html

Chaney Ranch

Prism99, thanks so much for these threads! They have helped tremendously. I think I will order his frame system and get started!

SuzieQuilts

I have a Bernina 820 on a Bernina Frame. The frame is very sturdy and well built. The directions are very good for putting the frame together, but poorly written for loading the quilt. If you do buy that frame, PM me and I will give you pointers.