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HCM

What Models To Replace My Machines With?

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Hi all, I am in need of a little machine advice. I am considering selling off a couple of my machines to consolidate to one foot system. I have two Pfaffs and two Jukis, so it's kind of annoying not being able to use certain feet on two different machine types. It's more annoying than anything, but sometimes it actually causes problems because I have some very specially made feet for certain operations that I would like to be able to use on all my machines when necessary. So, I am thinking of getting rid of the Jukis and going with just Pfaffs, because I already have parts and machines in Pfaff. The machines I would sell are a Juki DNU-1541s and my Nakajima 380 (made by Juki also). I absolutely love both of these machines, and will have an especially hard time parting with the Nakajima 380. So, my questions are regarding what models to look for. The Nakajima 380 is a medium duty machine, and I am having some problems with the thicknesses of leather I am sewing. I actually had to grind out some of my foot because the needlebar was actually hitting the foot on one of my workpieces. Well, not the needlebar exactly, but the thread holder on the end of the needlebar. Anyway, point is, I need something with a little more capacity. The Nakajima sews up to about 9mm (almost 3/8"), but it's not comfortable. I need something with a few more millimeters or room. I don't always sew pieces that thick on it, but it would be nice to have some more lift on some of my work because it's hard to turn the pieces sometimes. So, I want to find a Pfaff that would be a little heavier duty than what I have in the Nakajima. I already use a Pfaff 335 clone, and I think that machine maxes out at or below what the Nakajima does, so I need something that is a step up from the 335, but can still do medium weight work comfortably. The Juki DNU-1541s is a medium-heavy duty flatbed, so I need to find something similar to that. I already have a Pfaff 1425, but it is a programmable machine with all the bells and whistles. I need something that is just a simple machine without the needle positioner,thread trimmer and computer stuff, just something for my slow paced stitching jobs. I am thinking about just getting another 1425 without the automatic functions, but I would like to know if there is something better out there that will handle up to about 3/8". I really don't want to get rid of these two machines, but I think it will be good to consolidate systems. And besides, I need an arm machine with more capacity anyway, so the time to say goodbye is upon me. I would appreciate any advice on the models, because I am not that familiar with the options. Thanks.

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HCM;

Are you aware that you can raise the needle bar and use the longer Pfaff system 190 needles in the Nakajima 380? I use those needles in my National walking foot machine and it gained an additional 1/8 inch sewing capacity. It does involve re-timing the machine, as you raise the bar to position the longer needle's eye to the pick-up point.

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HCM;

Are you aware that you can raise the needle bar and use the longer Pfaff system 190 needles in the Nakajima 380? I use those needles in my National walking foot machine and it gained an additional 1/8 inch sewing capacity. It does involve re-timing the machine, as you raise the bar to position the longer needle's eye to the pick-up point.

I didn't think to do that, actually. Good idea, thanks! I can adjust the needle bar and time the machine just fine, but won't I have to adjust the Presser feet too? That I will have to look into.

My Pfaff 1425 and 335 actually came to me running the 135x16 system, so I didn't even realize pfaff ran a different size! Still not sure I want to have to adjust the machine, buy needles and change everything back when I sell it. Good idea though.

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Good morning ,

If you want a really good machine , get an adler 269-373 or a clone there of . Where as your 335 the feed dog doesn't rise up the 269 does making better traction and the bobbin is twice the size of your 335 .

And as Wiz said you can easily arrange all your machines to take the same needles but unfortunately not the feet .

post-23271-088943700 1319005506_thumb.jp

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Good morning ,

If you want a really good machine , get an adler 269-373 or a clone there of . Where as your 335 the feed dog doesn't rise up the 269 does making better traction and the bobbin is twice the size of your 335 .

And as Wiz said you can easily arrange all your machines to take the same needles but unfortunately not the feet .

post-23271-088943700 1319005506_thumb.jp

The Nakajima 380 is a drop feed machine too, one of the reasons I like it. I considered going all Adler too, but then I would have to start all over with all 4 of my machines. Not sure I want to to that.

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I had a Nakagima 280L and it was one of my better upholstery machines. I sold it to a car upholsterer (trimmer) and he is still happy with it today. I assume the 380 is an upgraded model of that. There is a point to my madness. The DNU-1541 is also a good trimmer machine, but my point is they both use 111 feet, and 111 feet are really inexpensive compared to Pfaff, in comparison dirt cheap; and there are 111 feet to do darned near anything without putting them on the mill or taking a file to them. But they are cheap enough to carve them up if needed. Pfaff machines are great, I have two, but I use them with the feet they have, I tried to find a teflon or roller for my 142 and that was way more trouble than it was worth. The bobbins in the Pfaff are a little different also. You said you want to sew a couple more mm than 3/8 and THAT is really pushing 1/2" which is outside the medium frame machine, except for maybe the Pfaff 1245, but that would be using it at max capacity which will work, but you will get a little more wear. Maybe one of your machines should be a 441 clone, plenty of capacity but again nothing much in the way of special feet.

Art

Hi all, I am in need of a little machine advice. I am considering selling off a couple of my machines to consolidate to one foot system. I have two Pfaffs and two Jukis, so it's kind of annoying not being able to use certain feet on two different machine types. It's more annoying than anything, but sometimes it actually causes problems because I have some very specially made feet for certain operations that I would like to be able to use on all my machines when necessary. So, I am thinking of getting rid of the Jukis and going with just Pfaffs, because I already have parts and machines in Pfaff. The machines I would sell are a Juki DNU-1541s and my Nakajima 380 (made by Juki also). I absolutely love both of these machines, and will have an especially hard time parting with the Nakajima 380. So, my questions are regarding what models to look for. The Nakajima 380 is a medium duty machine, and I am having some problems with the thicknesses of leather I am sewing. I actually had to grind out some of my foot because the needlebar was actually hitting the foot on one of my workpieces. Well, not the needlebar exactly, but the thread holder on the end of the needlebar. Anyway, point is, I need something with a little more capacity. The Nakajima sews up to about 9mm (almost 3/8"), but it's not comfortable. I need something with a few more millimeters or room. I don't always sew pieces that thick on it, but it would be nice to have some more lift on some of my work because it's hard to turn the pieces sometimes. So, I want to find a Pfaff that would be a little heavier duty than what I have in the Nakajima. I already use a Pfaff 335 clone, and I think that machine maxes out at or below what the Nakajima does, so I need something that is a step up from the 335, but can still do medium weight work comfortably. The Juki DNU-1541s is a medium-heavy duty flatbed, so I need to find something similar to that. I already have a Pfaff 1425, but it is a programmable machine with all the bells and whistles. I need something that is just a simple machine without the needle positioner,thread trimmer and computer stuff, just something for my slow paced stitching jobs. I am thinking about just getting another 1425 without the automatic functions, but I would like to know if there is something better out there that will handle up to about 3/8". I really don't want to get rid of these two machines, but I think it will be good to consolidate systems. And besides, I need an arm machine with more capacity anyway, so the time to say goodbye is upon me. I would appreciate any advice on the models, because I am not that familiar with the options. Thanks.

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I had a Nakagima 280L and it was one of my better upholstery machines. I sold it to a car upholsterer (trimmer) and he is still happy with it today. I assume the 380 is an upgraded model of that. There is a point to my madness. The DNU-1541 is also a good trimmer machine, but my point is they both use 111 feet, and 111 feet are really inexpensive compared to Pfaff, in comparison dirt cheap; and there are 111 feet to do darned near anything without putting them on the mill or taking a file to them. But they are cheap enough to carve them up if needed. Pfaff machines are great, I have two, but I use them with the feet they have, I tried to find a teflon or roller for my 142 and that was way more trouble than it was worth. The bobbins in the Pfaff are a little different also. You said you want to sew a couple more mm than 3/8 and THAT is really pushing 1/2" which is outside the medium frame machine, except for maybe the Pfaff 1245, but that would be using it at max capacity which will work, but you will get a little more wear. Maybe one of your machines should be a 441 clone, plenty of capacity but again nothing much in the way of special feet.

Art

I'm not familiar with the 280L, but I do love my 380.

Regarding the feet, my issue is that the person who makes my attachments and custom parts doesn't make anything for singer 111 style feet. He only has Adler and Pfaff machines to test on, so he can't make me anything for the Juki or Nakaima. I usually make all my feet because of that, but when it comes to things like custom feed dogs and needle plates, he can't do anything for me. I have tried other companies to make my parts, but nobody else gets the job done the way he does. I stick with who I can trust, and unfortunately, that means adapting to his standards.

I don't really ever stitch more than 3/8", that is honestly about the thickest I ever sew, and usually that is only at a point where a piece is folded or maybe around stitching some hardware on. I want a little more foot lift clearance more than anything, just so I can lift my feet and turn workpieces easier. My Pfaff 1425 has 16mm max lift, but I can't do a lot of my work on that machine because it has a needle positioner and makes it hard to do work where I need to be real careful about where I put my needle. My 335 clone has quite a bit of lift, but it is set up as a binding machine anyway, and with the binding needle plate and feed dog, I only get maybe 7mm lift. I'd have to check what it is really capable of without that setup.

One thing I am really not looking forward to is the Pfaff reverse. I do very precise work and usually need both my hands to hold pieces when I stitch, so I have come to use my elbow to engage the reverse lever. My 1425 has a reverse lever, but a lot of Pfaffs have the bar that is also the stitch length adjustment. Unfortunately, you cant hit that with your elbow!!! Oh well.

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The Pfaff 1245 is a different machine than the 1425.

Art

I'm not familiar with the 280L, but I do love my 380.

Regarding the feet, my issue is that the person who makes my attachments and custom parts doesn't make anything for singer 111 style feet. He only has Adler and Pfaff machines to test on, so he can't make me anything for the Juki or Nakaima. I usually make all my feet because of that, but when it comes to things like custom feed dogs and needle plates, he can't do anything for me. I have tried other companies to make my parts, but nobody else gets the job done the way he does. I stick with who I can trust, and unfortunately, that means adapting to his standards.

I don't really ever stitch more than 3/8", that is honestly about the thickest I ever sew, and usually that is only at a point where a piece is folded or maybe around stitching some hardware on. I want a little more foot lift clearance more than anything, just so I can lift my feet and turn workpieces easier. My Pfaff 1425 has 16mm max lift, but I can't do a lot of my work on that machine because it has a needle positioner and makes it hard to do work where I need to be real careful about where I put my needle. My 335 clone has quite a bit of lift, but it is set up as a binding machine anyway, and with the binding needle plate and feed dog, I only get maybe 7mm lift. I'd have to check what it is really capable of without that setup.

One thing I am really not looking forward to is the Pfaff reverse. I do very precise work and usually need both my hands to hold pieces when I stitch, so I have come to use my elbow to engage the reverse lever. My 1425 has a reverse lever, but a lot of Pfaffs have the bar that is also the stitch length adjustment. Unfortunately, you cant hit that with your elbow!!! Oh well.

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The Pfaff 1245 is a different machine than the 1425.

Art

Yeah, I know. I was just referencing the 1425 because I have one.

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I've lost track of what it is you want us to help you with.

What do you need to sew, or do with a sewing machine, that is not possible with the machines you have?

If it is just a matter of more thickness, a CB2500, GA5-1, or a similar machine, based on the ancient Singer 45k style, can sew 7/16" out of the box, with #138 thread and up. They have drop feed only.

If it is a matter of getting specialty presser feet made, there are dealers who can do this for you, for the Juki type machines. What do you need?

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I would like to know what model is a step up from the Pfaff 335, and what machine would be equivalent or maybe a step up from the Juki DNU-1541s.

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I would like to know what model is a step up from the Pfaff 335, and what machine would be equivalent or maybe a step up from the Juki DNU-1541s.

I can't help you with Pfaff machines. But, I can tell you that the next step up from the DNU-1541 would be a Juki LU-1508 NH. This machine is factory converted for high lift and system 190 needles. It uses the same big Juki bobbins and accepts all type "111" feet and attachments, of which there are dozens of styles.

The next step after that is a CB2500, shown here. This machine is made to sew up to 7/16 all day long, with thread sizes 138 through 346. The foot lifts exactly 1/2 inch and can be replaced with a large roller foot, or "harness" foot.

As Art mentioned, you could move up to a 441 clone, based on the Juki 441 type. They sew up to 7/8", with thread sizes 92 through 415. However, there are very few presser foot options available.

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Yeah, I really want to move to Pfaff, just because I have more availability for parts in my particular needs.

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Yeah, I really want to move to Pfaff, just because I have more availability for parts in my particular needs.

You should find a Pfaff dealer, with machines in stock, and present your requirements to them. Are you in the USA, Canada, Europe, or elsewhere? Your About Me page says nothing about your location.

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I am in the US. I have a dealer I use for most of my equipment, but they are not in town. I am in Las Vegas, and the nearest dealer is in Los Angeles, about 5 hours away. So, I kind of need advice from actual technicians, so I can make an informed decision. Sometimes, dealers will sell you a machine simply because they already have it. I prefer to know what machine I am looking for and have them get me what I need, not sell me something that may fit the bill just because they already have it. You know what I mean?

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Perhaps one of our member dealers is authorized to sell Pfaff machines. If there are any, they might reply to this topic.

Until then, I found this model 2335 Plus, on the English version of the Pfaff Industrial machines website. It is an enhanced version of the 335. I found no other cylinder arm machines, but lots of flat beds. Check out the Pfaff website, using the left navigation sidebar.

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I just spoke with one of my suppliers. It turns out my idea is not a slam dunk. The feet are not so interchangeable like I thought. Actually, it is just as impossible to switch the feet between some of the Pfaff machines as it is with a Juki! So, I will have to rethink this idea. I'll let y'all know what happens!

Darn it, I accidentally edited this post instead of posting a new one. Hope you saw my replay about the 2335 plus, because it's gone now!

Edited by HCM

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... Darn it, I accidentally edited this post instead of posting a new one. Hope you saw my replay about the 2335 plus, because it's gone now!

I saw it. :thumbsup:

If it should turn out that none of your courses of action will work, will you consider a totally different machine? If so, state your requirements for such a machine and we will try to find you some good matches.

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I saw it. :thumbsup:

If it should turn out that none of your courses of action will work, will you consider a totally different machine? If so, state your requirements for such a machine and we will try to find you some good matches.

Considering keeping the Juki and only ditching the Nakajima for an Adler. Maybe something along the lines of a 269?

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Hi HCM, I am always loathe to advise people to get rid of any of their machines unless it is absolutely necessary. There are probably some jobs that it is good at that it's replacement may not be so great at and also because you will probably only get half of the replacement cost for it. You have a machine that you know well and have said you "love" so do you really need to sell it?

Considering keeping the Juki and only ditching the Nakajima for an Adler. Maybe something along the lines of a 269?

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Yeah, I hear you loud and clear, Anne. I also tend to agree with you. I would prefer to keep this machine, but I already have a graveyard of machines. I have a Consew 277, Econosew 206RB, and several non-walking foot machines just collecting dust. I would like to keep the Nakajima, but if I sell it, I get money to put towards the new machine and I save space, which I don't have much of. What I will do though, is I will get the new machine first and make sure that it can do everything I need it to do before I sell the current one.

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