Debwinter Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 I just purchased a used Ultimate 1 with a 12 foot metal table. This is my first longarm machine and I am so excited to get going. What I have noticed when practicing that the machine does not glide smoothly when doing curves or circles. I have a couple of different options M & M wheels, Edge-rider, and the Bliss system…. Any suggestion for a new quilter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heirloom Quilter Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 I upgraded to the M & M wheels a while back and they are great. But, if $$ wasn't a problem I've heard Bliss is the way to go. It's on my wish list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcclannan Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 New wheels or a Bliss would be a great upgrade but no one has great circles and curves when they first start quilting with a long arm. As you practice you'll see your curves smooth out so I'd give it a little time. You're going to be amazed when you compare your first practice pieces to future ones. I promise!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myrna Ficken Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 If you can afford the Bliss get it, it's so great! If not the M&Ms are a good second choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cblevins Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Our m&m wheels helped a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoAnnHoffman Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Clean, clean, clean your carriage rails and table rails. Clean inside groove of wheels too. I have polished my rails with carnauba car wax before and it's amazing how smooth and slick they can get. M&M makes a huge difference too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 What JoAnn said with additional thoughts that you didn't say how old the machine is or if you do have the original brown wheels that can wear out. Knowing that, it very well could be just all that needs replacement. If there is grease showing around the center hubs it's time to at lease consider new wheels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Linda S Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 The M&M Wheels are great! I can't believe how smooth they made my machine. Of course, it's all going to depend on what you're used to and, since you are just starting out, the smoothest ride you can afford would be the most helpful. I actually found the Bliss a little too loose for me when I tried it, but that's because I got used to really fighting for my circles and diagonals over the years. Given a little time, I'm sure I would have adapted. Whatever you decide, enjoy using your machine. It is so fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debwinter Posted February 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Yes they are the brown wheels, the woman I purchased the machine from did not know the age of it. She said she purchased from APQS in 2004 and it was used. Thanks for all of the information, this site is wonderful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunningThreads Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Deb We have two machines one with Edgeriders and the other with M&Ms. I prefer the feel of the M&Ms but either are a big improvement over the old brwon wheels. The instructions are better with the M&M's and they cost a little more. My opinion would be to buy the M&Ms from APQS and while you are ordering ask Amy to send you a package of spare parts. We got a package at the maintenance class last year and it had things like cover screws, needle bar screws, check spring, bobbin case and spring, pigtails, needles and gearbox grease probably about $30 worth of stuff you will use. Nigel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisquilter Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Spare parts are so important! I broke a check spring right in the middle of a rush quilt. Thank goodness another quilter in the area had one. My Machine is an older Millennium that was a very stiff mover with the old brown wheels. I switched to the M & M wheels and this baby moves like a charm. As your muscle memory improves, so will your circles. New wheels or Bliss will make it happen faster! ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerriVB Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Deb--Let me know if you decide to go the M&M wheels route--I had them on my plain Freedom for 6 months and then purchased a new FreedomSR--so I have wheels that you could purchase. And I agree with the others--they made my machine nice and smooth--no more feeling like I was falling off a cliff when stitching. Just let me know... Terri Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debwinter Posted February 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Terri sent you a U2U Deb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Originally posted by Debwinter Yes they are the brown wheels, the woman I purchased the machine from did not know the age of it. She said she purchased from APQS in 2004 and it was used. Thanks for all of the information, this site is wonderful. If you really want to know how old your machine is, you can either call or email your serial number in and they can tell you the exact birth date. Your number should be just behind the needle bar stamped into the metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fineseams Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 I had an Ult 1 and (although a TOTAL newbie) couldn't make good circles. Ordered edge riders and saw a huge improvement. However, I got sucked in by an APQS roadshow, and the terrific roadshow pricing and trade-in value, and upgraded to a 2011 millie with Bliss. I love my millie, but the edge riders did cure my square circle problems. Don't know the difference in price between edge riders and M&Ms, so really can't advise you which to choose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 They cost about the same in price, but remember that the M&M wheels were made for our machines by our engineers and are not an after market item that does a good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debwinter Posted February 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2012 WOW the M&M wheels arrived what a difference, it is so smooth. Thanks for all of your help.... Love it! Well this proves it it is not the machine it is me... I need practice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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