CowboyBob

Ok - so after much research, and SO many industrial machines hitting the local market, this is what I've gleaned. 

Juki 555-5 $200 with table, an hour away. 

Consew 226 $500 with table, 5 hours away.  Hs walking foot.

Juki DDL 227 $185 with table, 15 minutes away. Old saddle maker w neuropathy in his feet. Very clean machine. Guy says walking foot can be installed (??)

Juki dnu 241hs $600 with table, an hour away. Talked him down from $800, he's the one who hasn't a clue about the machine. Has walking foot.

Mitsubishi LS2-180 $320 with table, 1.5 hours away. No WF

There are 15 total available in the area right now for $1500 or less. 

I'm inclined to grab the 227 15 minutes away assuming the old guy will help out a newby to leather and possibly building a relationship. He knows where in town to have it serviced when needed as well. Once I have some $$ saved up, I can buy a walking foot machine and sell this one or keep it if I've fought the 'bug' I keep reading about 

I am a little rushed because I want to make several collars and leashes in advance of a show in September which should be pretty profitable. 

What is your opinion of the 227 and my plan to get it and replace soon?  Your opinion of the other machines?  Any suggestions?  Would the resale on the 227 be decent?  Seems really low asking price but I kind of think it's the guy and not the machine. The pictures look clean and quite pristine. Of course, I will take some leather scraps with and try any machine I look at. 

Thank you for your time and opinion!

TY

No,you can't put a walking foot on the Juki 227 it is a garment machine (light duty) get the 241

Thank you. 

TY