APQS Lucey vs Janome Quilt Maker 18

Technical comparison · Frame-mounted long-arm

In brief

Both are long-arm machines on a frame, and the choice comes down to more working space versus a stitch regulator with more modes. APQS Lucey has the longer arm and the higher speed; Janome Quilt Maker 18 offers four regulation modes and an LCD display. Dimensions and speeds are manufacturer-declared values.

Parameter
Identity
Use tier F5 — Professional F4 — Semi-professional
Price
Price ~11000–25000 € ~5000–11000 €
Universal specs
Weight 20 kg —
Category specs
Throat length 660.4 mm 457.2 mm
Throat height 266.7 mm —
Maximum speed 3500 spm 2200 spm
Stitch regulation Included Included
Stitch regulation location On the machine —
Stitch regulation modes Manual Cruise (constant speed), Precision (constant stitch), Manual, Basting
Stitches per inch (minimum) — 4 spi
Stitches per inch (maximum) — 22 spi
Bobbin class Class L Class M
Low bobbin sensor — Yes
Computerized system Optional —
Display — LCD
Needle stop position Yes Yes
Laser stylus Included Optional

The differences that matter

  • Arm of 660.4 mm against 457.2 mm → more fabric passes under the arm of the APQS Lucey before the quilt has to be repositioned on the frame.
  • 3500 against 2200 stitches per minute → for the same design, the APQS Lucey can cover more surface in the same time.
  • Manual-only regulator against Cruise, Precision, Manual and Basting → on the Janome Quilt Maker 18 you choose between constant speed and constant stitch.
  • Laser included against optional → on the Janome Quilt Maker 18 it is bought separately.

Which one to choose

Choose APQS Lucey if…

you work large quilts and want the laser pointer included. The trade-off is a regulator with manual mode only: no constant speed, constant stitch or basting.

See the APQS Lucey sheet →

Choose Janome Quilt Maker 18 if…

you want to switch regulation mode to suit the job (constant speed, constant stitch, manual, basting) and set it from the LCD display. The trade-off is a shorter arm and a lower top speed; the laser is an accessory you add separately.

See the Janome Quilt Maker 18 sheet →

Where to buy

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