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from a prospective HQ-16 owner
campbellkid
Joined: Sept. 1, 2009
Posted: Sept. 17, 2009, 10:10 AM
Seems like there are a lot of owners who have problems and become disillusioned with their machines - this from reading the forums. But it also looks like those who love them, really are having a lot of fun and enjoying quilting on them. For those who are feeling they are "outgrowing" their hq-16, is it because you are wanting to go into business and need a larger quilting area? I just want to do quilts for myself and charity so I'm thinking the 16" machine is plenty big enough for my needs. Looking forward to hearing from some HQ-16 users and what problems they are having and if so, would they have selected a different machine to start with? Thanks for any replies.

Sarah in Indiana
Re: from a prospective HQ-16 owner
crashnquilt
Joined: Nov. 24, 2008
Posted: Sept. 20, 2009, 10:29 AM
When I bought my HQ16, I had put a deposit on a "name brand" machine. The other machine did have a larger throat space, but after test driving the HQ that space went out the window for me.

I love the fact that I don't have to re-time my machine during maintenance. I just take a shop vac and brush to the machine a poof 5 minutes later I'm done!

I know this will sound strange but I also love the sound of the HQ. Much quieter than my original choice. My dealer (have bought several machines from her in the past) is a true gem. She called her HQ rep to see if she could offer me a deal and VOILA I got a GREAT DEAL!

I do quilting on a commercial basis and have not regretted my decision in the least. For one, I had to look at the world of physics. 1. My eye sight is not the greatest. 2. My arms are SHORT. 3. I am SHORT and heavy set. Taking this into consideration, if my machine had a 24" or 30" throat space I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the area because the laws of physics tell me it's impossible! hmmmmmmmmm, 24" throat, thread breaks at farthest point, NUPE ain't gonna rethread at that point.

Beyond all of the above, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the point that I've not come across a thread I cannot use in my machine with minimal fiddling.

In all fairness, I do wish HQ would improve the tracks for the machine. My tracks do get "flat spots" in them for some odd reason. I rub the tracks with some emery cloth and that will smooth it out. But I do believe the track system could be better.

I hope this helps with your decision.
Re: from a prospective HQ-16 owner
campbellkid
Joined: Sept. 1, 2009
Posted: Sept. 29, 2009, 3:46 PM
Well, today was the day! I wanted to get in on the free shipping offer and went to my quilt shop today and ordered my Handi-Quilter!! I am so excited. Now I've got to get my room ready for my new "baby". I had pretty much made up my mind before I ever went to test-drive the Handi-Quilter, but that really cinched the deal for me. Also, the dealer is excited about the product and offers classes and help with whatever I need, as well as having accessories such as needles, etc. available at the shop all the time, which is only about 20 minutes from my home. I'll keep you all posted on my progress!! Thanks for your kind reply, crashnquilt.