Brad2017

Just an update- the Juki 1541s was purchased through Greg at Keystone. Good price and very patient with all my questions.

Hi Kgg i think the final straw was the needle size / resell value. I’ll report back on it. All the best.

Kgg- thank you !!! I ended up purchasing the Juki 1541s. Thank you for your responses.

Doninreno- thank you!!!

Thanks Djole- edit made.

Hi All- Im stuck and need some quick advice please. I have narrowed it down to 2 machines but keep going back and forth between the two. I’m mainly sewing webbing/ multiple layers and some medium leather ( like belt thickness) - not sewn together. 92 - 138 thread.....love to do one more step up but I don’t think either can handle. Seiko STH-8BLD-3 Juki 1541s Seiko seems like an older design but a proven design that is simple. Built tough with all metal parts that will probably outlast me. Juki has rave reviews and a more modern design. Seems harder to learn and parts more expensive. Some plastic parts on inside? Both have same servo Family Sew 550 servo. How slow will they sew turned way down? Most important thing is reliability and simplicity? Please please- give me a few opinions as I’m buying one of them tomorrow. Thank you for any and all responses. All the best.

Thank you to everyone who responded. I will reach out to the recommended vendors and see what we can come up with. I will keep you posted on the final choice of machines. I truly look forward to participating with everyone in the future. All the best.

Good Morning All- First, thank you for allowing me to join this forum. Just looking to gain valuable information from the experts and hopefully in return some day. I have been searching the Internet for information / reviews on sewing machines and always get directed to this site. I have spent weeks reading various discussions and reviewing numerous websites. Unfortunately, I am still new to all of this and need a little guidance. I thank you all in advance for any information you might provide. Type of sewing: Heavy Canvas / Upholstery fabric / light to med. Leather. - Mostly the Canvas & fabric in multiple layers. - Heavy/strong thread (138???) - Us of the machine would prob. Be in the range of a few hours per day- nothing like a production factory. I have spent too much time researching different machines and I think that’s part of the problem- confused with too much information. I was hoping the experts here might be able to guide me a little in this department. Machines: ( Only new or almost new) Juki 1541s: Seems to get mostly good reviews but a little out of the price range. I like the fact it has a “safety clutch” on it to prevent a serious disaster when I mess up. Not sure I would need it but sounds good right? Also, seems to be able to handle much more than what I would need it for at this time, which is a good thing. Juki DU1181N: Again- good reviews but no safety clutch. Much cheaper than the 1541. Per the specs, it’s a medium weight machine- not sure if this would work for my application. IS that safety clutch needed? Consew 206rb-5: Seems like a true workhorse per all the reviews. Can handle anything from light to heavy and just about all threads that I would need. Read a few negative reviews but most positive. Sailrite New Fabricator: Looks like everything I have been looking for but there aren’t any reviews on this thing. Who makes this machine? Also, it is said that they tune the machine in the USA prior to delivery. Nice servo motor / table / etc. Also, there support seems top notch. Also, it has a type of pin safety clutch which is a positive, I think. It also has been said it will take the 138 thread. The video is very impressive and it seems to be a nice package. Also- with the discount, shipping would be free. Here is a link if anyone would like to view: - I think it’s new for 2017 and really would like feedback on this one as I am leaning toward it. I have looked for all of the above models (except the Sailrite) at various vendors and found prices all over the board. Unfortunately, the shipping for these machines ranges anywhere between 200-400 dollars, which defiantly factors into the decision process. Also, the type motor that comes with it. Anyway- I won’t keep typing everything that pops into my head. Can anyone please give me their thoughts on these machines? Quality / Customer support / history / anything else? All the best and I truly appreciate your help – and so does my wife as I keep hearing…….”just pick one and get off the computer”. Brad Wilmington N.C.