RFRLEATHER

Hi everyone, I’m looking to pull the trigger on my first industrial machine: a refurbished Juki LS-1341 from a local seller. It’s fully overhauled with a digital servo, needle positioner, and compact table. My primary focus is leather bags mixed with outdoor technical fabrics (Cordura, ripstop, canvas) and lightweight liners. I plan to keep my domestic HD machine for very light work, but I want this Juki to handle the 'medium-to-heavy' range. My Confusion: I’m seeing a lot of conflicting information regarding the needle size compatibility for the LS-1341, particularly on the lower end: • Juki Junkies: States a range of #19 to #24, mentioning that anything smaller (like an #18) requires re-timing. • Other Third-Party Dealers: Some list the range as #16 to #24 without mentioning any timing modifications. • Cobra Class 26 (Clone): Rated for #12 to #25, even though it's the same basic design. My Questions: 1. Lower Limit: Can I reliably run a #16 (Nm 100) or #18 (Nm 110) needle for sewing Tex 45 or Tex 70 thread through Cordura/liners without skipping stitches or hitting the hook? 2. Needle Systems: Does the choice between 135x17 (fabric) and 135x16 (leather) impact the timing tolerances for smaller sizes? 3. The 'Re-timing' Myth: For those of you with an LS-1341, have you had to physically move the hook closer to the needle (adjusting the needle-to-hook clearance) just to drop down to a #18? I really want a 'do-it-all' machine for bags, but I'm worried that if I'm forced to stay at #19 and above, I'll be punching 'drainage holes' into my lighter technical fabrics. Any insight from long-term 1341 users would be greatly appreciated And if there are any recommendations for other machines that might fit my needs better im all ears!