Long-arm quilter recommendations

With more than 50 quilts waiting to be done, I have finally figured out that it would be more cost effective to buy a machine rather than pay some on the average of between $50 and $100 per quilt for someone to do it for me. Once I am done with mine, I would like to be open to offering services to others.
So in that spirit, what are your recommendations for the best mid-range machine and what equipment or extras will I need? Who offers the best warranty and training? What is the easiest system to learn? What are some little known facts about companies that you've uncovered along the way? Also, I am interested in hearing about company financing or available assistance.
Thanks in advance!
  4 answers
  • Fab and Pretty Fab and Pretty on Mar 22, 2015
    My mom, in the end, sadly had put so much time into quilts and wanted to 'get them done' to pass them along....once she had eventually paid the price to have them quilted she was more than happy with the quality of the work and time it took. I honestly don't think 50-100 per heirloom piece is a high price when you're doing one at a time.... please show your finilshed pieces!
    • See 1 previous
    • Julie Benson-Grant Julie Benson-Grant on Mar 22, 2015
      @Fab and Pretty Almost forgot... I do show most of my quilting on my website! Check it out! OnMyCreativeSide.wordpress.com
  • Fab and Pretty Fab and Pretty on Mar 22, 2015
    Absolutely agree...and thanks for the invite!
  • Peggy Peggy on Mar 25, 2015
    Check out for Quilting stores in your area. There you can get help with equipment, Most also I found have group posting boards. Post for help or just to as questions.
  • LoriKindler LoriKindler on Mar 25, 2015
    Once you have decided on a few brands/models, I would definitely check into Ebay, Craigslist and estatesales.net. I can't tell you how many estate sales I go to that have high end sergers, sewing machines, etc... going for pennies on the dollar.