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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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- Where are you located?
We are located in Southwest Michigan. We service Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and many other neighboring states. Call us toll free to find out if we can service your area at 866.556.2552.
- What kind of voltage does a Gammill Quilting System need?
Gammill machines use standard 110 voltage. A regular wall outlet is all that is needed.
- How long does it take to complete a king-size quilt?
Length of time to complete a king-size quilt would depend on the style of quilting and complexity of the pattern (i.e., number of stitches), as well as the experience of the operator. For example, if doing an overall pantograph pattern of average complexity, the operator could complete the quilt in just a couple of hours, whereas a custom quilt requiring various machine quilting techniques and/or close stippling could take a full day.
- Why would I want a 14' stand instead of a 12'?
A king-size quilt can be completed on a 12' stand. A 14' stand would be needed to complete a king-size bedspread due to its larger size.
- How big does my room need to be?
All models come on stands that are either 12 or 14 feet in length. (With Classic and Optimum size machines, you have your choice.) Your room should be long enough to allow passage around at least one end of the stand, taking into account an additional 6 inches for handwheels/hardware. (The other end of the stand can be put against a wall, if necessary.) As for width, since long-arm models can be operated from both the front and back of the machine, your room should be wide enough to allow you to comfortably work from either side of the stand. We would recommend having a minimum of about 8 feet in width for most models. (If your room is not wide enough, you could add our optional castors to the stand legs, allowing you to reposition the stand closer to one wall or the other, depending on which side of the machine you're using.)
- Can you make a custom size stand to fit my room?
Yes, we can make custom stand lengths to your specification if standard sizes are too long. (There is a nominal customization fee to make an odd size stand.) Of course, the shorter the stand, the smaller the maximum size of the quilt you can complete on it. We would not suggest going any shorter than 10' in length, unless you plan to do only baby quilts or wall-hangings.
- If another brand machine is more expensive than yours, does that mean it is better quality?
We believe that our machine is the best value on the market. There are other brand machines priced higher than ours that do not match ours in quality of materials, workmanship and features. Because Gammill Quilting Systems is familiar with almost every brand available, we can state with confidence that higher price does not equate to better quality. We would strongly encourage anyone shopping for a quilting machine to try out the various brands before making a decision. All manufacturers are represented at the major quilt shows. We would suggest you attend one of these shows, stop by each manufacturer's booth and ask to operate the machine for yourself.
- Do you sell used machines?
We have used machines available of various ages. We also accept trade-ins on used Gammills if a customer would like a larger or more current model. We also maintain waiting lists for specific models of used Gammill machines to sell as they become available.
- Why do you think a die-cast head is better than one that's welded?
Like every professional and industrial sewing machine manufacturer, Gammill Quilting Systems sewing heads are die-cast rather than welded. A die-cast head provides more precision in parts alignment than welding ever could, since welding involves heating and cooling (expansion and contraction) of materials. (Until 1989, Gammill Quilting Systems too had a welded machine before switching to the more professional and improved die-cast method.)
- Why isn't the Gammill machine head made in the U.S.?
At the present time, the industrial factories where solid die-casting (not 2 piece) is done are located abroad. However, ask any manufacturer where the important sewing mechanism parts for their machines are made (i.e., sewing hook, bobbin case, tensions, needle bar, take-up lever, etc.), and they should all answer "Asia" - even if the shell of their machine is made in the U.S.A.
Gammill Quilting System's all-steel stands are built in the U.S. Motors, electronics and many parts on our machines are installed in West Plains, Missouri. Since the majority of the total product is made in the U.S., and enough work is done to the heads stateside, our machines are NAFTA certified.
- Is the weight of the machine an issue I should care about?
Not in our estimation. Our best-selling long-arm heads weigh from 45 to 68 pounds. Although there are machines on the market that weigh less than ours, we consider our machines the proper weight to give the operator the stability needed when the machine is moved to the widest point in the carriage -- without having to use an awkwardly designed track system in an effort to provide more stability.
With Gammill's incomparably smooth wheel and track system, an operator can guide our machine with only two fingers. Finally, there are very few occasions when the head would need to be removed from the stand.
- What are ergonomically designed handles?
Ergonomic design means conditions best suited to the worker. Gammill handles are positioned for the most comfortable operation of the machine, as well as to allow for visibility of the needle.
- Why do machine manufacturers' warranties seem to vary so greatly?
We encourage you to request a written copy of the manufacturer's warranty before making any purchase. Our warranty is four year against mechanical or electrical defect, with four years free in-shop service (when you return your machine to us or the Gammill service center.)
Our warranty against mechanical or electrical defect is for four years because any manufactured defect would exhibit itself during that time period. If you'll read the fine print on some of our competitors' warranties, you'll find their deceptively generous warranty is only on the external shell of the machine - not on the mechanics or electrical, which at the time of this writing is comparable to ours. We see no reputable or valid reason to warranty the shell of our machine "10" or "20" years, even though we could.
- Do you ever have any specials?
Due to our pricing philosophy and policy to treat all customers the same, we do not offer discounts on our machines. We price our machines to stay in business and make a fair profit. We do not believe in elevating prices so we can give customers a so-called discount, or offer a reduced price "floor model" -- just to make the sale.
Regarding show specials, we might offer extra patterns, etc., as a special for orders placed at shows, but machine prices do not change for shows.
- How does the double-capacity bobbin work?
Gammill's patented Automatic Thread Escapement system allows you to use the double-capacity "M" style bobbin. Since it releases all stress on the thread as it passes through the escapement, superior stitch quality is achieved regardless of speed.
- How do I know which model best suits my needs?
The throat space on each model determines capacity for piece size, batting thickness, and pattern width. Since Gammill offers four long-arm sizes and a short-arm model, there's a Gammill machine to fit every need and budget. If you're planning to machine quilt as a business, we would recommend either the Classic or Optimum size machine. The Classic's 26" by 10" throat space is large enough to handle any quilt a client might ask you to do. The Optimum's larger 30" by 12" throat would be better suited to the quilter who also does bedspreads (which are larger than quilts and use thicker batting), the quilter who prefers wider patterns and a larger work area, or the quilter who simply wants to roll up the fabric less often.
Gammill's smallest long-arm, the Premier 18-8, is generally sufficient for the person who's just quilting for family and friends, or doing limited business. (A king-size quilt can be done on the Premier if thin batting is used.) However, if quilting as a business, you would encounter some limitations with this model with regard to pattern width, piece size and batting thickness, due to its smaller 18" by 8" throat space.
Gammill's largest long-arm models, the Supreme 36-14 and Supreme Plus, are designed for the large decorator workroom doing mass production bedspreads (channel, outline or simple pantograph). Their extra large 36" by 14" throats are greater than someone making quilts would need or want for doing the intricate patterns usually desired on quilts.
Gammill's short-arm model, the Homecraft, is designed for doing narrow (6" wide) pantograph patterns on up to queen-size quilts. Its throat space is that of a standard industrial sewing machine - 11" by 5.5". This machine does not have nearly the capacity or versatility of a long-arm model, but it does an excellent job at what it can do, and is a comparably inexpensive way to start machine quilting.
- Do you have a trade-up program?
Yes. If a customer purchases a new Gammill machine and is ready to trade up to a larger model within or at one year of ownership, we will offer 75% of the purchase price back as a trade-in allowance (assuming the machine and stand are in good condition). The percentage we can offer as a trade-in allowance decreases with additional years of ownership.
- If my machine should ever need service, where do I take it?
We offer toll-free technical support six days a week. Part of the training we provide with personal delivery is on the maintenance of the machine, and our machines come with an easy-to-follow Technician's Service Manual. If you were ever to encounter a service issue we couldn't address by phone, we would ask you to bring or ship the head to our service center or to Gammill's shop for service. Otherwise, because our machines are made with standard industrial sewing machine parts, anyone knowledgeable in working on industrial sewing machines should have the know-how to work on ours. (Contact us or the Lead Technician at Gammill for authorization before you take it to a local repairman.)
- How can you offer personal delivery, set-up and training, instead of just shipping by truck line like most other manufacturers?
We offer these personal services because our customers benefit from our worry free delivery, trouble-free installation, and the convenience of personalized on-site training. We set up the machine and stand for the customer and provide instruction on the basic operation of the machine. To supplement the training we provide upon delivery, we invite our customers to come to our studio for an intermediate class at no charge. Although each Gammill machine comes with an excellent instructional video for reference, we find that nothing beats hands-on training when first getting started.
- What is a stitch regulator and how is Gammill's different than others on the market?
A stitch regulator is a device that gives the operator even stitch length regardless of his or her skill level -- essentially reducing the learning curve for someone who is brand new to machine quilting. On a conventional hand-guided machine, the operator must learn to move the machine in a fluid, consistent motion to get even stitch length. While this is something anyone can achieve with varying degrees of practice, a stitch regulator allows more professional work to be done with less experience. Even seasoned machine quilters find a stitch regulator beneficial, particularly for handling patterns and designs with points.
Our stitch regulator is a built-in feature on our "Plus" line of machines introduced in Spring 2001. The Classic Plus, Optimum Plus and Supreme Plus are essentially stitch-regulated versions of our conventional deluxe line, but with a few extra features in addition to the stitch regulator.
On our Plus machines, stitch length (i.e., number of stitches per inch) is selected from a display panel at either end of the machine. Encoders in the wheels signal the motor to speed up or slow down based on the operator's movement, so even stitch length is achieved regardless of whether the operator is moving the machine at a perfectly consistent speed or not.
Gammill was not the first to put stitch regulators on the market. Ken Gammill worked with several electronics engineers before finding the one who was able to design and develop the product he wanted for his machine. Gammill could have introduced a stitch-regulated machine sooner that would have been similar to others, but he chose to wait until he had a stitch regulator that was superior in performance, simplicity of operation, noise level, and offered brand new features to further distinguish Gammill from the rest. These added features unique to our Plus line include a low bobbin alert, "stop-sew" sensor, run-time clock and dual channel locking system (horizontal and vertical).
- Does the Gammill machine have any patented features?
Yes. Gammill Quilting Systems has patents on six features, three of which are Automatic Thread Escapement, Variable-Stroke Hopping Foot and Auxiliary Intermittent Tension.
- How long does it take to get the fabric pinned and set up to quilt?
Initially, it takes a new machine quilter 20-30 minutes to get the fabric pinned. Speed and agility come with repetition and reduce the prep time to 12-15 minutes.
- How much money can I make machine quilting?
The amount of money a person can make machine quilting will vary due to their location, the type of work clients are willing to pay for, and how many hours a machine quilter can devote to their business.
Our customers tell us consistently they are booked ahead weeks or even months with orders. Quilting in general has steadily increased in popularity over the years -- and continues to do so as more folks decorate with quilts and pursue quilting as a hobby. So, the more pieced tops done, the more there are to be machine quilted! In addition, machine quilters are not restricted to just their own geographic area for their client base. Many people are willing to send their quilt tops great distances to be quilted due to a certain machine quilter's reputation for creative work, the lack of machine quilters in their area or too long a waiting period.
With regard to how much to charge, overall pantograph patterns take less time to complete than custom work so should cost less to have done. Clients are expected to pay considerably more for custom work because it demands more skill, employs various techniques and requires a greater number of stitches for intricate patterns and complex designs. Other factors, such as who provides materials (batting, lining, thread, patterns) are important to consider when setting prices.
Many machine quilters rely on machine quilting as their primary source of income. We have numerous customers who've left professions to stay at home for one reason or another, yet still needed to generate some degree of income. As a cottage industry, machine quilting is an ideal pursuit to allow someone to "be their own boss", and take on as much or as little workload as they want to stay busy.
- Do you offer financing?
We offer in-house financing through an equipment leasing company that works closely with Gammill. However, our customers often get financing through their bank or credit union. To facilitate financing, we can provide you a proforma invoice listing what charges would be if you were to purchase a specific model. (There is no obligation to purchase. You need to activate the proforma to place an order.) Your bank might wish to see this type of official document from us listing model, options and pricing for the machine you're interested in purchasing. We can also sell through a leasing company of your choice, if you prefer.
We accept Visa and Master Card for charges up to $1,000.
Do you have a question we didn't address?
Use the form below to enter your contact information, and the Question box to ask your question, or email us at sales@accomplishquilting.com
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| Testimonies |
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"My machine is everything you promised and more."
Nora Brant
Mantua, OH
"Accomplish Quilting's service has been amazing from start to finish. I especially appreciate the follow-up calls, even late at night."
Anne Blair
Owner of Heritage Custom Quilting
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA |
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