stoke

Last night I finally got everything set up and spent a couple hours with the machnie. I cleaned it up and lubed it, then fired it up. I'm going to have to raise the table, as it seems to be set up for a very small person. I tried a couple different threads/needles up to 346/347 thread and 27 needles, I think. Made a few ugly tangles before I got straightened out. So far I'm pretty happy with it, however I'm far from jumping on a new sheath, (it takes too long cutting them out and getting everything glued and clamped for me to mess one up just yet).......it sure acts a lot different than my other sewing machines. Seems everything works like it is supposed to, I may have to adjust the belt tension for sewing 1/2" stuff. It slipped a little when going really slow, but only on 4 layers. I'm sure I'll be adding different feet, feed dog and maybe a servo motor before too long. I did get it to make a very nice stitch, even adjusted down to where it almost cuts the leather in half, because the stitch was so close together. First project is to make a cover for it, so the wife doesn't notice how big it is and put two and two together. The eight year old was there when I unloaded it, and so far hasn't spilled the beans.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I ended up speaking with Artisan, Steve(Cobra), Ryan(Neels Saddlery) and Tim at Zack White Leather. I spent more time on this decision than I did on my last new truck. There were advantages to each machine and eveyone was super nice but the owner of the Juki 441 dropped his price again and I found a deal on shipping with a freight company. The machine was shipped from Oklahoma on Friday and was expected no later than July 6th. I got a suprise call this morning about 9:00am and was told it was on the dock. Picked it up today and had to make room for it as it was early. Finally got one of my building rearranged and unloaded it. The thing is a beast, I'd never seen one in person. I got it set up and had to try it out. I had some old strapping and sewed a couple layers of it no problem, I want to clean it up and make sure it is lubed real well before really trying it. The pulley has a drive ratio of about 8:1, I'd say. I looks like someone made it in a machine shop, so I'm not sure it it is stock or homemade. It is one speed, about 80 to 90 stitches per minute...slightly more than one stitcg per second. It also has a swing away arm that, I'm guessing helps hold the material. The machine looks like it has hardly been used at least compared to my Consew and Tacsew machines. I'll take some pics when I get a chance. I did get a sack full of needles, all one size, must be close to 100. Schmetz Nadlen 7x3 Nm230. I've got no clue about needle sizes for this machine, feel free to comment on the needles. I know I went against almost everyones advise, but I just didn't have the extra money in my "fishing account". Even with shipping, I'm still right at $1,000 less than a new machine. I'm sure I'll end up with a couple different feet for it, but so far I'm pretty happy. As far as working on the machine, I've got a Juki dealer about 100 miles from me, anything else I can probably make the parts in my machine shop. Thanks, Jamie

Sorry I wasn't clear. He told me that it operated at one speed (slow) no matter how far or hard you pressed on the foot pedal. At least that's what he described and he said he was pretty sure about it. Not saying this dosen't exist, just I've never seen one like that. Jamie

Well, I still don't know what I'm going to do. I spoke with the owner today and asked about the motor set up. He told me that he thought it was set up for a single speed. He was pretty sure about it, but is going to check tonight. Has anyone ever heard of this for one of these machines? Thanks, Jamie

Thanks for all the responses. The machine comes complete with the table and motor, ready to sew. The machine is in perfect shape according to him, he did say the table had a few bolts that were a little rough. The owner said if I wanted he could sew some leather and send email photos of it. He also told me he tried it on leather when he first got it and it did fine. I think he owned a shop near a military base and used it on bags and straps. He had four of the machines and has kept this one for himself. I don't think he has used it for quite a while. As far as being able to work on it, I might be OK. I pretty much have a machine shop in the building where I work on my knives. Making or moding parts shouldn't be a problem...to a certain extent. Then again, it would be nice to be able pick up the phone and call someone for support. I'm going to check on the freight charges and speak to the owner tomorrow, I think he might even split the freight charges with me. He seems to need money for another purchase. Again, thanks for all the answers. I can see both sides of this. I'll let everyone know how this turns out. If the owner sends some good photos, I'll try to post them. Jamie

Hello everyone, I'm new here, so I'll give a short background. I started messing with handmade knives in about 1984 and have continued to do so for the last 25 years. I am not a full time maker, but do sell a few on occassion. Up to this point I've always stitched my sheaths by hand, but now I'm thinking of buying a machine. Most of what I sew is no more than 1/2" thick. I do own several commercial machines, Consew,Tacsew,singer, Rex, and one 1966 model Union Special. None, however are heavy enough for sheaths. I have seached the forum several times and read what I can, but I'd like some advice. I have the chance to buy an older Juki-441( I'm guessing maybe 10-15 years old), but will not have the chance to view it in person. Also, I'll end up paying freight for about 1,000 miles. The owner seems very honest, said the machine is in great shape...but who knows. I can get the machine for $1,500.00. Now the delimma. Do I buy a new Toro 3000/4000 with the great warranty and customer support or do I save the difference and get the Juki. I have heard that they(Juki) are great machines. I believe the machine was used to sew military cargo straps. By the way, I'm in central NC. Thanks, Jamie