stickandtin

Bought a new Juki 1541S from Toledo Industrial. I give my experience with them an A-1 rating. Great to deal with, a wealth of knowledge and helpful in every way.

Jennmetesh- Back in Nov/Dec I was in a similar situation as you. The folks on this site were extremely helpful in guiding me to the right type of machine for what we were getting started in. Our adventure is getting started in upholstery work. Thanks to the great advice given on this site we ultimately bought a new Juki 1541S from Toledo Industrial Sewing Machine Co. Our experience dealing with Toledo Industrial was wonderful. This machine is a perfect match for us. If you have never used an industial machine, I can tell you I compare the quality and performance of this Juki to the difference between driving a Ford Pinto and a Ferrari. As others have mentioned, there are poorly made Chinese machines out there disguised as "good deals". When you are on a budget, it can be alluring but don't get taken in. You will regret it. It's more important to buy a quality machine(new or used) and establish a relationship with someone who knows how to repair the machine you bought. Another bit of advice I picked up here is buy a machine that has the capability to do a little more than what you are expecting. Don't be afraid to ask questions, everyone here was a newbie at one time. Good Luck.

We got our new Juki 1541S machine last month and are going through the learning curve on how to use it. Having never sewn with an industrial machine, this is a new "guy question". Bought some 8/32 woven welt to make some piping. Tried using the 1/4 pressor foot(I assumed 8/32 was same as 1/4)and the machine sewed into the welt. Put the 3/8 pressor foot on and the machine sewed along the edge of the welt where it should be stitching. Is this a rule of thumb....use the next size up presser foot from the size of the welt? Thanks, Ron

Hello Everyone- after anxiously awaiting delivery of our new juki 1541S, it arrived yesterday at my wife's work. Went to pick it up today and got it home. Wasn't expecting it to weigh 275 lbs LOL I would recommend dealing with Bob and Bobby Kovar at Toledo Industrial if you are in the market for a sewing machine. They were super helpful. The freight company and people at the loading dock where my wife works are another story. The table was damaged during shipping. One edge was gouged up pretty good and the top had a 7 inch long deep gouge in it. On top of that, the dock worker did not alert the driver of the visible damage when he unloaded it. Toledo Industrial had the machine insured, but because dock worker didn't alert freight truck driver, we can't claim damage. FYI....make sure and check any shipment for visible damage and alert delivery driver immediately. They will note on bill of Lading so you can put in an insurance claim. Once delivery person leaves, you out of luck.

I wanted to thank everone for their generous help and guidance in making recommendations for a machine for our restoration business. I ordered a new Juki 1541S from Toledo Industrial Sewing. Bob and Bobby were awesome to deal with and answered all questions. I feel confident we will get excellent customer care from them after our purchase.

Thanks for the advice. Looked at the banner ads and checked out the Cobra site. Does anyone know where the cobra machines are made? Is the series 18 comparable to the juki 1541 or 1508? Thanks

Folks, there is a reason we humans are at the top of the foodchain. Treat animals with care and respect/appreciate what they can supply us with. I agree "slaughter free" leather is nothing more than a gimmick to cater to a few who have made different life choices.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas with their families/friends. Have another question. I found through reading posts that Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines is a great source. Tejas told me about Keysew.com. I can't seem to find anyone around my area that sells/services industrial sewing machines. Did an internet search including albuquerque NM and only thing that comes up is home sewing machine dealers. Can anyone give me some other names of reputable industrial machine dealers that provide great service after the sale? Thanks.

Thanks to everyone for sharing all your knowledge. What a great site!! My wife was off today so we went to a starbucks and spent some time on the internet looking at pics and reading specs on different machines. Since our vintage trailer resto business is a mom/pop operation, speed isn't a critical issue......at least not like I would imagine it would be in a bigger commercial operation numerous people. Turn around time on a trailer restoration tends to take a while, so there is some leeway. My wife watched a couple of videos of machines running with both clutch and servo motors. At her upholstery experience level and the lack of necessity for speed, she said she definitley doesn't need or want a clutch motor. I definitely want to get a machine that exceeds our needs, not just meet them. Sounds like the 1541S will fit the bill. I will spend some time shopping around for the best package deal on one. Any recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I have already checked with keysew.com . Thanks again to everyone who took time out on Christmas Eve day to answer a new guy's questions. Merry Christmas.

Howdy DC, fellow Texan. Thanks for the machine advice. Yes Lubbock(also called dirt city) is a long way from anything. Kind of like being on Gilligan's Island LOL. I have read that the older German made Adler and Pfaff machines are excellent quality but hard to find attachments for. I have also read replacement parts are now made in China. I think I saw the Juki 563 ad you are referring to on amarillo CL. I emailed the seller and asked for maintenance records and features on the machine.....no reply as per usual with a lot of sellers on CL. Tejas, I looked at Keysew website. They are selling a juki 1541s for $1610 and free shipping. Ad didn't say if machine had reverse. I'll call and get more details after Christmas.

Wizcrafts and Tejas, thanks for the replies. Is the Juki 1541S a new machine? If I was lookkng for a used or refurbished older machine what would be your brand and model recommendations? Thanks and Merry Christmas. One other question, on the juki 1541S, does that have a servo motor or clutch motor? Thanks

I have a vintage trailer restoration business near Lubbock, TX. I have been farming out the upholstery work. My wife would like to take over those duties. She has nearly 30 years hobby sewing experience, but none of it upholstery work. I searched the site and couldn't find a topic specifically for upholstery, so I figured this one might be a place to start. Most of the upholstery work will involve anything heavy cloth type material to vinyl to leather. I read through wizcraft's posts on different machines for different jobs(fabulous write-ups for new people). From thise write-ups, I am gathering that I will need a machine that offers walking foot, compound feed, reverse, large bobbin and a servo motor. I began the search for a machine but my head is spinning and my brain is beginning to ooze out of my ears at all the possibilities. Mass confusion has set in. Which machine from which manufacturer is best for what our needs are??? Add to that I am reading that a lot of once reliable name brand manufacturers of industrial sewing machines are sending their manufacturing to CHINA and are now producing inferior quality machines. How disappointing!! So I need some guidance. What machine should I buy for our business? Should I buy new or used? I don't want a chinese made machine. If I buy used, who should I go to? I checked the Lubbock yellow pages and couldn't find anyone in the area that specifically sold or serviced new or used industrial machines, just household type machines. Because service won't be readily available, I want a machine that will serve our needs with a history of reliabilty. I also want a machine that will exceed, not just meet our needs. Any help will be greatly appreciated...... Thanks!!

New guy from Texas. I have a vintage trailer restoration business near Lubbock, TX. I have been farming out the upholstery work, but my wife would like to take over those duties. She has been sewing for nearly 30 years, but not any upholstery work. This is going to require an equipment upgrade and I expect a lot of education on both our parts. I searched the site as a guest and feel I have come to the right place. Couldn't find any upholstery forums that offered the knowledge and experience I found here.