Peggi,
Thank you for taking the time to share these additional thoughts. I found the Longarm University post to be valuable and a reminder to me that I need to spend more time at their site. I am definitely leaning toward the big-girl machines as I really don’t want to struggle against a machine that is not particularly competent at its job and I also don’t want to go through the trouble of re-how I g such a machine once the honeymoon is over. The more ai read about Innova, the more I tend to think that is the direction I Want to head in.
All this said, I want to emphasize that I am not laboring under the illusion that this is a skill I will need little-to-no time to develop before hanging out a long arm shingle. Knowing myself, I will need to practice for a good while before I will feel confident enough to offer services to others. Quality is definitely something I care very much about. My question about computerization/robotics was not asked out of a sense of money-making urgency, but rather from trying to get a sense of what role that technology is playing in others’ businesses.
As for my local scene is concerned, I have been getting a handle on that for about the last year or so. Pre-Covid, I had been attending monthly meetings of a long arm group at one of our SM dealers and networking with the other members there. We also have a MQG chapter here as well as a general quilt guild and again, Covid has slowed things down a lot as far as meetings are concerned. I also took a half-day class in order to rent the Gammill at one of our LQSes so I know the basics of their non-robotic machine. I do need to have more specific and pointed discussions with other pro quilters in my area, but initial discussions suggest that there still is room in the market for another pro long armer In the area. In a nutshell, I have started the kind of local research you describe but I am not done yet.
Your generosity with your knowledge is very much appreciated.

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Thank you mkc

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when I was researching long arm machines, I narrowed it down to either the Innova or an APQS. I ended up getting a demo APQS Lucey which is a basic long arm, stitch regulated, down/up, and a manual horizontal channel lock. I opted for the 12 foot frame. Main reason I chose her was the price. At the time, the Innova's for home use were relatively new, no used on on the market and seemed to be a bit more pricey then the APQS. new APQS machines come with a lifetime warranty and the company has created many videos, and most of the time, the owner can do any servicing that needs to be done without the head having to be sent into the shop. As they weigh 45 pounds, that is a plus not to have to ship. My machine has needed very little done to it over the 10 years I have owned her. I only have about 60 some quilts done on her as I only quilt for myself. Good luck on your search, take your time, try them out if you can find one to do it on. My friend just bought a new Lucey with the computer after having worked on mine. She is very pleased with it so far.

sorry, I just noticed this is an old thread.

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Although the thread is old, I'm glad you posted and hope others might as well. I am new to the group (thank you to admins for allowing me to join :-) ) and am hoping to narrow down choices in my research / planning for buying a longarm. Thank you....

If you do a search, you will find lots of threads on this topic, and you are also welcome to start your own thread to ask your questions. Happy hunting!

I am also looking, and found the thread helpful. My Regional Gammill dealer said they will be having a significant price hike on July 1st. I am currently thinking Gammill or APQS…

Thank you!