The Juki is a 9" throat- NOT a long arm. I have the Juki with a GMQ frame and I love it, but I don't think you should compare it to an 18" machine.

I have 17" Bailey and cannot praise it enough. Does king size without any problem. I would recommend to anyone to get the 17" if they can afford the difference in price. Will be so much happier.

Hmmm. I guess I'm not too jazzed by the idea of using pvc for handles:< I'm saving for my dream of a long arm and it doesn't involve PVC.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MY BAILEY!!!!

AND, Chuck (the owner) is super friendly and helpful....will answer your questions and/or troubleshoot for you in record time!

Also, there is a Bailey Forum and Debbie on the forum is a pro at this machine....and you can ask her questions day and night!!!

I have a Bailey 13 and love it. Join the Bailey group on Yahoo and you can learn a lot. I have had my machine for less than 2 months and have quilted 4 small and one king on it. I purchased a used Handiquilter frame for 250.00 and we got some plywood for the frame to set on.
I am very pleased with the machine.
Mary in TX

This machine is only a 9 inch arm space. Bailey is 13, 15 or 17.

Thanks for all the replies,it seems the good outweighs the bad. I will never really be able to justify a long arm or have that kind of money so I thought something like this would be great. I loved the comment about the meredes and the camaro lol.

not quilt related but I just LOVE your avatar - bassets are so cool.....

...I'm leaning towards one of the packages on Amazon....Juki and the Gracie frame....near the price you provided a link to. I've heard so many good things about the Juki....don't know much about the Bailey.

Might want to join a few yahoo groups aimed at various mid/long arms - and see what they all have to say.

Thanks for this subject. I love the advice of all these knowledgeable ladies.