jannyd Posted March 12, 2014 Report Share Posted March 12, 2014 I'm looking for a used longarm quilting machine. I would like an APQS ultimate, Handy Quilter, maybe even a grace frame. There are so many to ask about, but my determining factor is cost as compared to use-ability. I'm in the Dallas area. Thank you, Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimerickson Posted March 15, 2014 Report Share Posted March 15, 2014 Jan: I don't have any idea how much money you have to spend, but in my humble opinion, the best low priced set up in the used market is an APQS Ultimate 2 (or ll as sometimes listed). This is a real industrial machine. has a great wooden table, and all sorts of opportunities for future up grades. I wouldn't spend money on a HQ, or Tin Lizzy, or on a Grace frame. If you're serious about long arm quilting, you'll out grow them quickly. The ultimate 2 on the otherhand will never really need to be replaced. I bought mine nearly 4 years ago. I paid $2000 for Zelda, had her shipped across the country. I've since rebuilt the table some. Built a new roller system, had an Intellistich stitch regulator installed, built electronic channel locks for her, and a bunch of other little changes to make her suit my needs. Last week I went to the Dallas quilt show, and tried out some new machines. I'm proud to say Zelda stood up to the competition quite well. The stitch regulators I tried didn't perform any better than the I/S, the machines didn't stitch any smoother, and the wheel/bearing track systems weren't any smoother or more effortless than the EdgeRider wheels I have on Zelda. I've decided that I don't even want a new machine. BTW, I was surprised at how much, or maybe I should say how little more, quilting field some of the larger machines could quilt. I tried an 23" A-1 Elite, whose claim was 17.5". My tape said only 14.5" The 26" APQS's are only about 17-18" The 20" Ult2 in the original roller configuration will sew over 16", and 14.5" as I have Zelda configured. So don't let "size" fool you too much. The point is that I was able to begin with a small initial investment, and upgrade as funds became available. I didn't have to worry about whether I was "throwing good money after bad". I now have about $6500 (half of that for the I/S upgrade) tied up in Zelda. That's a lot less than what I'd have to pay for a new machine, and a good bit less than I could buy a comparable used machine (I really couldn't find a comparable used machine) for. If I wanted to, I could even add an Intelliquilter and have a state of the art computer driven machine. I quilt about 100 quilts a year, so I'm not a really heavy user, but I do quilt quite a bit. I see no need for a different set up. I've looked back a couple of months on the forum for an Ult2 for sale. Regretably those that have been listed, have been sold. If you go back even further, you may find one that is still available. If you can handle a $5000 initial price, my recommendation would be look for, and buy one, that already has been upgraded with the Intellistitch stitch regulator. If you can't afford $2000-$3000 for a standard Ult2, save your money until you can. There are several of us here on the forum that have, and use Ult2's. There are even more that have had one and moved to a different machine. I think all of them think highly of the Ult2's, and I even think some of them even kind of regret replacing their Ult2. These are good machines, and APQS support is outstanding. I don't think you can say that about some of the other manufacturers. These are my thoughts on economical -and even not so economical- long arm quilting machines. Good luck in your search. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltingjoyful51 Posted March 15, 2014 Report Share Posted March 15, 2014 I have an Ultimate 1 for $4500. for sale. It is a very good running machine. I am in Ohio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirleyl Posted March 16, 2014 Report Share Posted March 16, 2014 I have rented time on an Innova, learned on a friends HQ16, but I bought a used Millenium. Customer service is great with APQS and you can work on them yourself. My other friend with her HQ16 has to take it in to have it retimed and for everything else. Test drive all you can, but price wise you can't go wrong with a used APQS. I have test drove the new ones with bliss, but I can't justify it. I have added Quilt Path tho. If you were on an A1 sight I am sure they would tell you there's are the best. It is finding the right machine for you. Shirley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bttyboopette Posted March 17, 2014 Report Share Posted March 17, 2014 I have an HQ16 for sale. Has the studio frame. Gently used, 20 quilts done on it. 5K. I am in San Antonio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannyd Posted March 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2014 I appreciate all the input. I value everyone's experience and suggestions. I'm still looking and trying to get a bit of info and hands on testing on the different brands. If money and space were not challenges I,like most here, would buy a Millennium! But.... Well you all probably understand that there are limits (drats!). Thanks again, am considering it all right now and welcome hearing of more machines that are for sale Jan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GracieDan Posted March 19, 2014 Report Share Posted March 19, 2014 I have an Ultimate II for sale in Iowa!! She sews beautifully! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bttyboopette Posted March 19, 2014 Report Share Posted March 19, 2014 My HQ16 is set up right now at 6 ft. The table comes in 3 pieces so it conveniently changes sizes. I was in a small apartment until recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenscratch Posted March 19, 2014 Report Share Posted March 19, 2014 I agree with Zeke. The Ultimate 2 is the ideal starter machine. It is not as large as a Millenium, is easy to handle, and the lack of stitch regulator or computer really makes you learn how to correctly use a longarm machine before you upgrade to a SR machine. Looking back, I would have tried to find a way to keep my Ultimate 2 and still buy my Lenni. Lenni's SR is wonderful, but it is just not as smooth and easy to handle as the Ultimate 2 was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted March 26, 2014 Report Share Posted March 26, 2014 Jan where are you located? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeccaG Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Have you found anything? Ive got a HQ16 that im looking to sell. Its got the stitch regulator. 10' frame. Bobbin winder and bobbins! You can call me at 712-541-7283 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rihans63 Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 I'm in NE and I have an ultimate all with 12' wood table for sale Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackvelvetstitches Posted April 28, 2014 Report Share Posted April 28, 2014 I'm in the dallas area and have a Gammill vision 22-10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imjustme822 Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 What is the difference between Ultimate1 and UltimateII Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunningThreads Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 Ultimate 1 has 26 inch throat and a hopping foot like the Millennium. The Ultimate 2 has a 20 inch throat and has a glide foot. Neither machine came from the factory with a stitch regulator but many of us have added the aftermarket Intellistitch. Both machines are quite reliable and easily maintained by the owner. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeke Posted May 6, 2014 Report Share Posted May 6, 2014 Nicely said Nigel. Zeke........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cudawn Posted May 26, 2014 Report Share Posted May 26, 2014 I have an Ultimate 1 for $4500. for sale. It is a very good running machine. I am in Ohio. Do you still have your machine for sale? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4fore Posted June 2, 2014 Report Share Posted June 2, 2014 Jan if you're still looking, I have an Ultimate I with 14ft metal frame. I'm in Keller. I just sent it in last Fall for its spa day. Please call me at 972-979-2907 if you would like to come see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whatever66 Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 I have an Ultimate II $3000 I am in Florida PLEASE I need to sell it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whatever66 Posted June 10, 2014 Report Share Posted June 10, 2014 Ultimate 1 has 26 inch throat and a hopping foot like the Millennium. The Ultimate 2 has a 20 inch throat and has a glide foot. Neither machine came from the factory with a stitch regulator but many of us have added the aftermarket Intellistitch. Both machines are quite reliable and easily maintained by the owner. Nigel Doesn't the Ultimate II have a 22 inch throat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimerickson Posted June 11, 2014 Report Share Posted June 11, 2014 Whatever: No, the Ultimate 2 has a 20 inch throat, not 22. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pka820 Posted June 3, 2015 Report Share Posted June 3, 2015 I have an Ultimate I located in Sherman, TX. There is a complete ad with pictures on this forum. My husband works in Sunnyvale and would be happy to deliver the unit to your home. It has a lot of "new" in 2014 parts. At this time, it is not set up as I use it in my living room. However, with school dismissing next week (I am a teacher) I will be setting it back up. If you want to come see it in action we can plan a visit. You may call me at 903-267-1311. Peggy. My email is: pkabernat@hotmail.com APQS ULTIMATE 1 $4999 - Delivery available!! - $4750 - Ultimate 1, 14 foot table -Want to sell my 1999 model Ultimate 1 APQS long arm quilting machine. I am the second owner. It is a reliable work horse deluxe in great condition! You can do great edge-to-edge work with it and do micro-stippling and tiny feathers/designs. This machine can stitch in any fashion that you desire. The Ultimate 1 has a 26" throat, with 2014 - APQS table legs, rollers and Texas Hold 'em system attached to original aluminum glide table top. Since the table is 14' long, it has stabilizer bars that span from end to end under the rails. Comes with 12 feet of Plexiglas top for edge-to-edge pattern placement. My husband recently refurbished the machine, using APQS parts, including new M&M wheels on both carriage and sewing head, new motor brushes, new thread tension, new timing, newly installed electronic needle up/ needle down function. Machine does not have stitch regulator, does have a thread cutter. Package includes new laser light, Hartley base expander and ruler, numerous "L" bobbins, oil and some edge to edge patterns. This is a good, clean, reliable machine, ready to quilt! Machine is available for pick-up, or delivery for a fee within 100 miles of 75090. We do have a trailer that we can haul the long parts on. Located in Sherman, TX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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