I have a first generation HQ16 and I love it. I don't know if you can still do this, but my machine can switch back and forth from using it on the frame to using it in sit down mode. I do switch back and forth, because due to the size of my sewing room I can only set the frame up for twin size quilts. Anything larger and I have to pin baste and quilt that way. This works just fine for me. Love the machine - wish I could have the Bernina stitch regulator on it! You can get a stitch regulator for the HQ16 on the frame and mine could be retrofitted, I just haven't.

Hope this helps.

Sally

I have a Nolting Fun Quilter. I've found it's easy to use, and I haven't had any problems with it. The tension is easy to adjust, and the stitch regulator works well. It's definitely a whole new skill compared with quilting on a home machine, but (even with my limited skill and experience) is much faster.

The only drawback is the size of the work area -- its throat is 17", but due to the rolled quilt bulk, the actual working space is more like 12". I presume this is the case with any of the midarm machines like HQ 16 or George. Oh -- and I'm left-handed, so the handle controls are on the "wrong" side. I don't know if these can be switched or not, maybe so.

The George wasn't available when I bought my Nolting, so I didn't get to test this machine (though I loved the longarm APQS Millenium). Before buying, I tried every machine available at the Machine Quilters Expo. Of the midarms, which I decided I should get (I'm not in the quilting business, and couldn't justify the cost of a longarm), I liked the Nolting Fun Quilter best. It seemed solidly built and ran smoothly. I also liked the professional-grade 12' metal table I got with it, which I can use in the future if I decide to upgrade to a longarm.

Hi All --

I have George and love the machine. I would say the only thing I don't like is the fact that it doesn't have a stitch regulator. The throat size is 20", which is all the room I need. I do primarly wall hangings and every now and then a full size quilt. I use lot's of rayon and metalic thread and rarely have problems with thread breakage. I've also started doing thread painting and having this heavy duty machine helps tremendously. The learning curve is slim to none if you've been quilting on a dsm. In addition, their technical support and customer service are excellent!

Let me know if I can answer any questions.

Deb

Hi Ladies, I have had several ladies that are my clients that have the HQ16, they each had different problems, one had screaming noises as she used, another had way to many tensions problems, really make sure what ever you get the service that comes with your machine is AAAAAAAAAAAPlus from the dealer.
The George Machine, by apqs, I have only heard that the apqs is very good with the tension and the smoothness with which it flows.
but again, see if they come to set up the machine or they just ship the machine to you and you have to build it. Again, it's the dealer with which you get it that counts the most. Debbie, a longarmer who owns and has operated a Gammill for the last seven years.

I tried the Tin Lizzy last week at the local Quilt Show. I also tried the HQ16. Between the two, I like the smoothness of the HQ16 better than the Tin Lizzy. I'm sure that another person may feel just the opposite though.

I, too, am interested in the George machine. It wasn't shown at the show unfortunately. I like that it's 20 inches. You sit at this machine just like a normal sewing machine. The HQ16's table has you sit at the end of the machine. I'm not sure which I like better. They probably both have their advantages and disadvantages.

JoJo

RICKY did a session on this DVD using the George machine... it was pretty interesting.

I got the APQS dvd informercial about LONG ARM QUILT MACHINES done by Fons and Porter... it is really good gives an overview of Long Arm quilting with several award winning quilters... lots of tips... even if you are not getting a long arm it was worth watching. I got if from QNN web page.

I was thinking of getting the George mid machine before I retired... lots of nice features but I am still looking at the TIN LIZZY.

ANY INPUT on good machines to own?