Back problems

[yweinst]

I have back problems and have tried a few longarm companies out. I am leaning toward the Millennium and APQS in general because of a few features: hydraulic lift, bliss system, advance feed, light weight head, and multi-positional handles. 

 

If you have back problems or even if you don't do these features help you with the stress on your body?

 

Thanks, 

Yael 

[Busy Quilting]

I have upper back/shoulder problems and chose the APQS machines because of the handles.

Have since upgraded it to a Bliss, with fabric advance and hydraulic lift.

 

I can still only spend a maximum of six hours a day on the machine.

 

But I love it....

[delld]

MY BACK WAS KILLING ME!!!!

 

The lift makes all the difference. I can change the height just a little and and then I use different muscles! Wow what a difference it made!!!!

[zeke]

I've been quilting for 20 years. Long arm quilt. I've had 2 back surgyes and one neck. I take several breaks and made vertical handles for my APQS machines. I can make them for you as well. Zeke.....

[BethDurand]

No back issues, but I certainly noticed a difference when I went from my former non-Blissed machine to one with Bliss.  Wow!  I ordered Bliss that very afternoon.  I upgraded to a 2013 machine last year, and got the lift at that time.  Previously thinking that since I was the only one that would be quilting on it, what would be the point of needing to change the height?  Boy am I glad I got the lift!  I'm always going up and down, sitting on my stool, standing up, what a difference.  Do it, and you'll be glad that you did.

[anniemueller]

I have back issues.  I only quilt for a few hours a day and take frequent breaks to stretch.  I definitely find that the hydraulic lift, Bliss and microdrive handles help a lot.

[Quilting Heidi]

I have lower back issues and the lift makes all the difference.  Just a little change and it makes it better.  I don't have bliss but will probably eventually add it.  I use a saddle stool most of the time.

[LindaSteller]

I've been rear-ended in a car six times -- the first case of whiplash being so bad it ripped the cartilage out of my jaw on one side.  My neck was like a hump instead of an inward curve for years.  Then, I fell backwards on my lawnmower engine and ruptured three discs in my lower spine.  I now have a three-level spinal fusion (can't say I recommend it - recovery was sheer hell).  However, a hydraulic lift on your machine will be your lifesaver.  When you get tired and achy, raising or lowering it by just an inch can make all the difference in the world.  I also mostly sit to quilt -- also on a saddle stool.

 

So, in other words, I'm a total train wreck.  Yes, you can quilt comfortably, as long as you have the ability to change positions frequently.

[Leigh]

I have back issues as well Zeke can u post picture of your handles thanks

[Sue E.]

I have both back problems and shoulder problems. I love my Millie with hydraulic lift but my best friend is my computerized system. I can just set my design and watch the Millie stitch. I love it! I can only quilt for about 15 minutes without the computer.