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Longarm Quilting FAQ
Q: Wow! Your 5-year warranty is the longest in the industry. Why do manufacturers warranties seem to vary so greatly??
Because we're simply the best. When you have the best quality it's easy to offer a 5-year warranty. And there's no deception in our fine print. We cover the shell, electronics and mechanical parts. Companies can choose to offer different warranties based on their expectations of loss. There are no regulations.
Q: Your long arm quilting machines are less expensive than other brands. Does than mean the other brands are better quality?
Absolutely not! Our warranty says it all! We are committed to offering the best value for the money. Dare to compare and you'll see we really do "put our money where our mouth is"!
Q: I've been looking at a longarm quilting machine that is not a molded die-cast. It has several pieces bolted together. Is a molded head better than one made from extruded aluminum?
Molded head's offer improved precision, better performance and higher quality. You get a higher long-term performance because no bolted parts loosen due to vibration. The increased rigidity and stability reduces vibration resulting in better performance.
Better yet, our product is produced in the United States by high-quality industrial factories while many competitors have optioned to use lower quality suppliers in Asia.
Q: Unlike your competitors, you offer a steel table rather than aluminum. Is there really a difference?
You bet, we're committed to delivering the best quality and performance to our customers. Our sister company is located on site and is the largest and best equipped custom metal fabricator in the southeastern United States - 188,000 sq. ft. That enables us to produce industrial steel grade quality machine frames with increased rigidity, less vibration and superior sturdiness than our competitors . . . and right here in the United States.
Q: Really, why is your CompuStitch Longarm Quilter better than computerized machines offered by other manufacturers?
Our computerized longarm quilting machine was designed with superior technology. For example, the CompuStitch Longarm Quilter can decode and read patterns made for all competing computerized machines. Other manufacturers' longarm machines can only read patterns specifically coded for their machines. The CompuStitch is the only computerized longarm quilting machine that features our patented "Teach Mode" which learns operator hand movements, then automatically quilts the pattern it was just taught. In additon, the operator can create their own artwork using AutoCad, input the file into the computer and than sit back and watch as the machine automatically quilts the pattern.
Q: Why do some manufacturers' machines seem so less expensive than your comparable machine?
Again, dare to compare. Our longarm quilting machines come fully loaded with all of our leading technology features standard in our base model. Some competitors believe in pricing a base model at a misleadingly low amount only to surprise you with a very high final price when you add the necessary features. Our longarm quilters are the best value in the marketplace when compared on an apples-to-apples basis.
Q: I'm new to quilting. What do I do if I have a technical question operating my machine?
New or experienced, we offer a staff technical line 24/7. Our professionals will guide you through any situation. We're proud to provide our customers with the best possible post-sales service in the industry.
Q: I'm very impressed with your products but if I had a concern that couldn't be handled by phone what would be my option?
Part of the importance of personal delivery is it gives you the opportunity for on-hands training to learn about the maintenance of the machine. Your technician will guide you through all aspects of your longarm quilting machine until you feel comfortable. As backup, we provide a User-friendly Maintenance Manual that should answer virtually every question. If you still can't get your machine to operate properly, simply ship it to our factory for prompt service. We feel so strong about the quality of our long arm machines and the training you receive at installation we don't think you'll find yourself in this situation very often.
Q: Should I be concerned about the machine's weight?
The machine head ways in at 52 lbs which, in our estimation, shouldn't be a concern. And our steel table offers a huge advantage versus some of our competitor’s aluminum.
Our sister company, AMF, is the best equipped custom metal fabricator in the southeastern United States so we have the advantage of being able to offer industrial grade steel tables. This quality design and production results in increased stability and reduced vibration and also gives the operator the stability needed when the machine is moved to the widest point in the carriage. Another plus, with our top-of-the-line smooth wheel and track system you can actually guide your machine with only two fingers.
Q: I noticed most manufacturers ship their machines instead of offering personal delivery, installation and on-site training. I think that’s a great advantage for the buyer but how are you able to do that?
Since we have long arm quilting machines ordered from all areas in the United States we can “bundle” orders to several different addresses in the same geographical region. When our factory trained technicians actually set up the machine and train you personally, we feel we are providing you the best machine and best service to get you started on the right foot. We also ship by common carrier.
It's just part of our mission to be… “Your Partners for Perfect Quilting”.
Q: Does the Proto Longarm Quilting System work on standard voltage?
Yes. The standard 110 voltage wall outlets found in your home is all you need.
Q: In your experience, how long would it take me to produce a king-sized quilt ?
Anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day. It depends on several factors.
First the operator's experience. Then you must consider the style of quilting and complexity of the pattern, i.e. number of stitches. The quilt requiring a full-day would probably be a custom quilt requiring various machine quilting techniques and/or close stippling.
Q: Should I choose a 14-foot or 12-foot stand?
A simple guideline: A king-sized quilt can be completed on a 12 foot stand. However, if you want to produce a king-sized bedspread, you'll need a 14 foot stand to accommodate the larger size.
Q: Should I be concerned about the size of my room? If so, can you make a custom sized stand to fit my room?
As noted above, our longarm models come on stands in two lengths, 12-or14 foot options. You want to make sure you have room to pass around one end of the machine at least.
Don't forget you'll need an additional 6 inches for hand-wheels/hardware and may need to place one end of the machine against a wall. We recommend a room for a 14 foot machine should be 9 feet by 16 feet, 6 inches. We also offer 6, 8 and 10 foot options but they do limit you on the sizes of quilts you can produce. While we can customize your machine, it's important to realize that any size less than 10 feet limits you to baby quilts and wall-hangings. There is a charge for customization.
Q: Could you please explain ergonomically designed handles in terms I can understand?
No problem. It simply means the machine is designed to be user-friend and comfortable to operate. Ergonomically designed handles are adjustable, positions correctly for the most comfort and allow for easy visibility of the needle. The end result is reduction of fatigue in the wrists, arms, shoulders, etc.
Q: What is “stitch regulator” and how does your Proto differ from other brands on the market?
A stitch regulator is designed to produce even stitch length even with the most inexperienced operator. Traditionally, an operator had to learn to move the hand-quided machine in a fluid, consistent motion to get even stitch length. A stitch regulator greatly reduces the learning curve for the beginner resulting in more professional work with less experience. We actually pioneered stitch regulator technology—the first company to offer the technology on hand-quided quilting machines- now offers the technology as standard on all of our machines. In this day and time, it's also important to know that our machines are manufactured in North Carolina and castings and other raw materials are purchased locally.
Q: Can I really make a living with my long-arm quilting machine ?
Yes you can. Due to the increased popularity of quilting in general, many long-arm quilters now rely on machine quilting as their primary source of income. The amount of income is determined by factors such as geographic location, type of work in demand by clients and the amount of time the quilter devotes to their business. However quilt enthusiast are willing to send their quilt tops great distances to be quilted due to a long-arm quilter's reputation for creative work, Added bonuses, you can be your own boss, determine your own workload by how much business you want to take on and work at home!
An important issue is pricing. Clients should be charged considerably more for custom work due to the increased skill, creativity, techniques and intricate patterns and stitches required. Of course, another factor in setting price is who provides materials (batting, lining, thread and patterns. Proper price setting is extremely important to ensure profitable margins.
Q: Is special cloth, thread or batting required for your machine ?
We're pleased to answer that you may use any kind of material, thread or batting.
The machine is equipped with an adjustable hopping foot so that it can accommodate a wide range of battings. Not having to pay for specialized materials means more savings and a more profitable bottom line!
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