TheNiftyStitcher Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 When I bought my Millie I also bought the Hartley Base Expander. I have tried to use it but each time I just get disgusted and take it right back off. When I have it on I find that I only have about six inches of working area before it strikes either the leveling bar or the top bar. I know some of you longarmers must be using a base expander of some kind and I would like to know what kind you use and what kind of working area it allows you. Also if any of you are using the Hartley Expander please let me know your secrets on how to use it with success. Any info would be greatly appreciated as I don't have a lot of hair left. Thanks, Crafttlady Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GERRY Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 I'm a newbie & I would like to know the anwer to that question as well, before I go out & buy the wrong one. All-so is there a base extender that you could leave on all the time? If that is reconmended? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeri Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 My husband made one for me out of plexiglass. I love it!! It is larger than those on the market as it is 17 inches wide allowing me to have a very stable surface for longer rulers and other templates. It also didn't cost much to make. jeri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 Craftylady. I use my Hartley base expander Check you bars to be sure you do not have them set too low. On the quilt leveling bar I test it from the back of the machine. I set it to where just my fingers go under to the first knuckle. On you quilt top roller the base will go under just a bit. But not completely I personally don't want to quilt that close to the bar when doing ruler or guide work Another tip for you base users. When I set up a machine I add another one of the flattest washers under the thread cutter plate. This get the plate up to the level it needs to be for using a base and ruler. . Another tip before you slide your base on make sure you remove the two white from tabs ? on the left side of your machine throat. ( the left side from the front) Hope this helps and is not confusing. Myrna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckirk Posted June 29, 2006 Report Share Posted June 29, 2006 I love the Rulermate, sold by Donita Reeve at www.lovetoquilt.com. Her store is Huckleberry Quiltworks. The rulermate replaces the needleplate on the machine and screws on so it is very stable. It is just the right size and you can leave it on all the time if you want. No affiliation, just a happy user! Cathy in NC, the Quilting Cowgirl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiftyStitcher Posted June 30, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 Thanks to all who answered. And a special thanks to Myrna, my leveling bar and top bar were too low. DH took care of that last night by raising each of them about a quarter inch. Now I have plenty of working area. I knew the Hartley expander was made for my APQS, you just gotta know all the little secrets. Thanks for the forum and all those who are willing to help and just to show my appreciation I am baking peanut butter cookies today. DH and I will eat a couple cookies for each of you. Many thanks, Crafttlady Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Thomas Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 I too use the "Rulermate" made by Donita Reeve. It is all one piece across the top of the needle plate and thread cutter. It is very stable and smooth. It has an added advantage for the APQS in that it is less expensive than for the other brands. Take a peek at the pictures on Donita's site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 Crafttlady.Glad you got everything lined out. The base is so easy to slip on and off. Have fun. Myrna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted June 30, 2006 Report Share Posted June 30, 2006 I also ended up buying a RulerMate. My Hartley base slips off way too easily. I would usually hear a loud crash and there it would be, on the floor! A few times it even tried to separate me from a few of my toes. I should sell the Hartley base. Perhaps it would fit better on someone else's machine. Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judi Posted July 1, 2006 Report Share Posted July 1, 2006 I use my Hartley Base table - works great! I did find that I needed another washer under the plate by my thread cutter to make it more level with the base / table. I also do pull out those little white plugs on the left hand side of my machine head - before putting the base on. I find this helps is just sit right there where it belongs. I have an older version that does not have the space filled in behind my thread cutter / base plate. So I made a little peice to stick in there out of 1/4" acrylic. Drilled holes here the screws head pop up and it now sits right in there. I have found that is wants to move around sometimes when I am doing LOTS of ruler work. So I roll a piece of masking tape and stick it in there - no more moving around! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Judi, How did you happen to get the old version of the base. Did get it with your machine from APQS? If so it should have been the new version? Myrna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judi Posted July 2, 2006 Report Share Posted July 2, 2006 Hey Myrna - I purchased my machine used from a shop owner that I worked for. She closed-up her shop and moved to another state. Which was all at a really good time for me. I had the money - I would need a job - so instead of quilting for somebody elses business, I started my own. She included everything that she had. Prewounds bobbins and such. She kept all of the rulers and template, because she still has the HQ16. I think she only used this table a couple of times. Never did ruler work, didn't like it. Oh - but I do! Love it! And the Hartley fence, I think she used that once or twice. Most people would bring in their quilts and just say "oh - just do the cheepest thing" when you ask how they want it quilted. I don't think I would want a bigger table though, this is very comfortable. You would still need to stay close by the foot / needle to stay in control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbWetzel Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Hey ladies.. Now that I have a Compu Quilter, I don't think I will be using my Hartley Fence any longer. Is anyone interested? I think I paid $500.00 for it... I will sell it for $450.00 Let me know.. Send me an email. Thanks.. Barb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenscratch Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Barb, Do you know if it will fit on my Ultimate 2 with a wooden table? I don't think it will, correct me if I'm wrong Myrna, but if there is a way to make it work I definitely want it. Teresa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted July 3, 2006 Report Share Posted July 3, 2006 Tereasa, I'm sorry it won't work on your table but I can get you one that is made for the wooded tables. I sent you an email regarding it. Muyrna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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