My Home Quilting System
I have a HandiQuilter II table top frame with a Juki TL 98Q sewing machine. The HQII frame is expandable and can accomodate a king size quilt. The Juki is a small arm, high speed sewing machine with a larger than normal 9" throat space. I love my Juki! You do have to oil it frequently, but that's no big deal. I also have the Handi-Handles with the optional front mount frame. Links to the related websites are provided below. You can click on each photo for a larger view.
Table Top Frame and Machine
This is the Handi Quilter II frame with a Juki TL98Q sewing machine and Handi-Handles with a front mount frame. All four were separate purchases:
~Handi Quilter II Frame ($799)
~Juki TL98Q Sewing Machine ($899)
~Handi-Handles ($100)
~Handi-Handles Front Mount Frame ($129)
Handi-Handles and Front Mount Frame
I highly recommend the Hand-Handles and the front mount frame. Both are made by the same person; a very nice man in Wisconsin. You can purchase the handles and frame directly from him. Other websites (Allbrands, Sew & Vac Direct, etc) sell them but I recommend ordering directly from the source, it's quicker and less expensive.
You can purchase just the handles, but then you will be working from the back of the frame and machine. The handles feature a start and stop button, an automatic thread cutter (for the juki only) and a speed control dial. I do not use a stitch regulator with mine, although you can purchase one if you like.
Homemade Side Tension Leaders
I made these side tension leaders because I was not happy with the single side clamp that came with my HandiQuilter frame. I found a wonderful tutorial by Sharon Schamber on You Tube (you can watch part 1 below). The tutorial is actually a series of 3 videos, so be sure to watch all of them. Sharon explains step by step how to make these side tension leaders. They make a huge difference!