Hi everyone,
I’ve become an avid reader during these lockdowns, and recently purchased an LU-562.
I absolutely love the machine, and have completed pretty much every adjustment with success with the help of all of you on here, and YouTube as well. So thank you for all of the great info!
I am using the machine for hobby use only. Mostly canvas work for boat covers, a few leather projects with a max of 15oz combined layers of leather. I’m always finding projects with multiple layers of webbing as well. Going forward, my projects will be much of the same materials, but I wouldn’t be opposed to going even more heavy duty either, as I have a home machine that seems to handle V92 and a size 18 through quite a few layers already.
I’ve got an opportunity to move up in the world of machines, to an LU-563 that has been rebuilt (after factory use), or a brand new Seiko STH 8bld-3. Both with servo motors. Pricing is very reasonable for either unit.
I was dead set on another Juki, but some of the downsides to it that I’ve found are tension adjustments on the bobbin are very cumbersome with having to take the bobbin case out each time, and my projects are always on the small side, so I do like to switch thread sizes frequently.
Also, the slotted machine screws in one or two spots have completely seized up, causing me not to be able to loosen them with any success as of yet. It’s not the end of the world, but I always plan on servicing my machines, and this is a downfall to me if a future machine has similar problems.
The Seiko has a horizontal axis bobbin of course, and comes out for adjustments with ease. 10mm stitch length, a larger needle size range up to a size 24 (I’d like to use 207 on the top from time to time), hex bolts underneath for adjustments, and it is brand new of course.
Information on the Seiko is scarce. I am familiar with them being the manufacturer of both Seiko, and the Consew 206 older models. I’ve only found a few very positive remarks about them, and absolutely nothing negative.
Can anyone here give me some real comparisons between the two machines, from your direct experience, and some opinions on whether the brand new vs. used and rebuilt is enough to sway a purchase decision?
Thanks!