mkc

This is an old topic, but since it's been bumped up, that photo of a Featherweight on a handmade modification to a vehicle depicts an irresponsibly dangerous activity. In the event of an evasive maneuver or rear end collision, that machine is flying around the cab and/or that passenger's face is slammed into the machine In the event of a front end collision and airbag deployment, either the modification prevents proper deployment of the airbag OR the machine is explosively thrown into the passenger's chest/throat/face. The modification alone may have altered/damaged the airbag function of the vehicle. Don't do it.

Why are you responding 4 years after the last post? And asking "what is your budget" is entirely reasonable to help someone find a machine.

Yay!

Retiming When and how should I retime Introduction to Timing

You might want to search for videos on how to retime Lenni. Sounds like when you hit the ruler you knocked the timing out. I think APQS might have the retiming video on their site.

So sorry to hear that for you :-( Have you tried HandiQuilter's board to post it? I am waiting (and hoping it's not too long) for the next Lenni or demo sale to get a 2020 Lenni with full warranty. I hear the next sale might be for the Lucey, which I don't have room for - wish I did but even the Lenni table is a squeeze in my space. Hopefully a fall Demo sale or a Lenni sale along with the Lucey one will happen soon.

Another quick question - is there a PDF document anywhere that shows how to assemble the standard table? I'm trying to figure out if it is possible to routinely remove the 2 front poles for a smaller storage footprint when there isn't a quilt loaded and the machine isn't in use. Michelle

Thanks @mark ! I just wanted to verify that 4'5" is the absolute minimum space a machine takes up when not used. I completely understand needing to have room around it to use it, but I'm trying to figure out "storage" footprint when not in use (every inch helps!) Michelle

2019 and newer APQS improvements The above should have some of the details to answer your questions :-) Throat design (more space) and LED lighting strip under the entire head (that switches to blacklight if needed) are 2 of them. Quick-change feet shaft as well.

Are you looking at a new Millie or a pre-2019 one? There are some differences, especially relative to your questions. I'm guessing new, since you mention lifetime warranty. I'm curious (and we can take this offline) about your decision to go back to APQS from the Amara. I had been considering an Amara (and saw your ad) as a backup plan, but I have not been able to find one to try.

Do you have an APQS dealer within reasonable driving distance so that you can see a Millie in person?

I noticed mention on the website that APQS will do custom table lengths at no extra charge. Does anyone know if that includes doing an 11' one for the current Lenni? That's kind of the "Goldilocks" length for my space and quilting needs. I also see that the recommended space for a Lenni and table is 4'5" deep. Is this the maximum footprint needed for the equipment (not including space to stand in front)? Said another way, if the longarm wasn't being used and the table could be pushed on gliders or casters against a wall so the back of the carriage was not quite touching the wall, how far out from the wall would the backing bar be? Is it less that 4'5" when not in use? Hoping someone from APQS like @mark sees this.

If you'll note, the topic title starts with "SOLD"

OP hasn't visited the board in 6 months - you might want to try sending them a PM through their profile.

"ISO" generally means "in search of", so this doesn't appear to be a "for sale" ad, but rather a "wanted" ad.

Have you called HandiQuilter? This is the APQS forum ;-)

Ah, OK. Usually when one talks about a shorter longarm because of space constraints, they are talking about table length not table/machine depth. Definitely look at Lenni. 2019 and newer are 22" throat depth (older are 20", I think). If you look at a Sweet Sixteen plus table new, they're probably close to the same price and Lenni gets you more quilting space AND the amazing APQS team behind the machine. And definitely get Bliss on the table if you go APQS. Bliss is the rail system that makes the machine head much easier/more graceful to move as you quilt, especially compared to the competition. Michelle

Have you tried calling the cell number in the ad? If you click on the advertiser's profile, they haven't been on the forum in a year.

This sounds like a "hoop frame" type machine. Babylock Coronet/HQ Simply Sixteen, Brother Dream Quilter/BlockRockIt/Grace Q'Nique. APQS doesn't make one like that. None of the frames are designed for "re-hooping" to quilt a new area. While the "hoop frame" systems do allow you to quilt by moving the machine (vs the fabric), be aware that you will still have to baste (pin, glue, spray, etc.) the quilt sandwich before loading, just like doing sit-down quilting where you move the quilt sandwich. You have to secure all three layers just like you do now. If you want to do pantographs, that's going to be "challenging" when you have to keep unloading and reloading the quilt sandwich and hoping to get it lined up properly. I'm not sure those hoop frames have a table designed for doing pantos, either. If you are seriously interested in one of those machines, the "Quilting with Grace" FB page has a lot of Q'Nique owners and you can learn more about the hoop frame there. (You'll also see a lot of people trying to sell their hoop frame so they can buy a traditional Continuum frame). Michelle

"Mid arm" meaning sit-down? Where you move the fabric as opposed to a longarm where you move the machine head on rails?

Well, since this is the APQS forum, most of us here are huge fans :-) That said, buying a longarm is a big investment. Have you rented one at all? Do you have a particular reason why you are wanting to buy one (vs. rent vs. pay for longarming)? As to brand, every one is a bit different. The best thing you can do, just like when buying any big purchase, it try out as many as interest you. Just like buying a car - you wouldn't buy what someone else likes without trying it for yourself, and trying a few others as well, right? While you can see most in one place a the big quilt shows, that's really not the best place to try them (and right now, that's not an option). There are too many people, too much distraction. Instead, find dealers within a reasonable distance from you and also look at road show schedules for the brands you're interested in. If possible, do a certification course so you get the chance to learn about loading a quilt, how the machine works. Some classes will require you to bring you own quilt media, others will have some charity quilts for you to learn on. At a road show, try to arrive a little early so you can look at the machines. You'll be able to try them after the presentation. Do so! Try every one of them. Ask lots of questions. I have tried a number of brands over the years. I was certified on and have rented APQS machines. I still wasn't sure, so I went to a couple of brand road shows over the past couple of years. For me, APQS was the smoothest, easiest machine to operate. Another well-known brand seemed very heavy and my hands and wrists couldn't handle the vibration for very long (plus my husband, the mechanical engineer, wasn't impressed with their construction features). Take your time to educate yourself and try, try, try. Michelle

Yes. Lifetime warranty is original owner only. Some used machines, if sold by APQS or one of their dealers, will have a 1 to 3 year warranty depending on the age of the machine. Private party sales do not.

Location?

The important take-away is adequate power (have seen it listed as 1000 VA pure sine wave for non-fabric advance, non-Quilt Path and 1500 VA pure sine wave for the bigger/more complex machines). The models in the above graphic might be older. Personally, we run APC equipment for our UPSes (we use them for computer networking equipment and security cameras). I've had issues with loose-fitting connectors and poor customer support on CyberPower.

Isn't that what Quilt Glide is supposed to do for you (if you have it turned on)? At least that was my understanding from the road show I attended - when turned on it was supposed to use the stitch regulator during larger motions but automatically suspend regulation when you did small movements.