David916

Ah, Youtube is a great idea. Will use that for my next post. Thank you!

Thanks!

So it turns out I did set the timing correctly many, many times. The needle was locked in, but the hook wasn't and would get out of wack after a few turns. The culprit was the safety clutch. I would upload a video but the 1.46mb cap is very restrictive. The machine sews great now and I can finally start making all the things I wanted to. Thanks to everyone for chiming in and offering support.

Silly me. i removed the entire bobbin assembly, cleaned and lubed it, put it back together and it still wouldn't turn all the way. I realized I raised the needle bar and tightened the nut because I replaced the needle and since it was so high, it would top out. I loosened the needle bar screw, lowered the bar, and now the every thing works great. At least I cleaned and lubed the entire bobbin assembly! The machine still won't sew because I need to fine-tune the timing, so if anyone has any videos they can point me to, I'd appreciate it.

Update, I removed the entire hook assembly and it still gets stock in either direction. The belt is removed from the hand wheel so it's not the motor that's preventing it from turning. img-3345_leVH5ElV.mp4

It looks like the timing is off because the machine doesn't sew. I was able to sew for 20 seconds last night and the stitches were great in both 6mm and 2mm length, as well as reverse. Then the thread broke and I haven't been able to get it to sew ever since. I can't find a video that thoroughly explains how to set the timing for this model as I tried a few different videos, but the instructions weren't too clear. I just noticed that the hook can only rotate about 90 degrees in forward or reverse before it gets stuck. Attached is a video. Has anyone ever dealt with this before or know what may be causing this? Thanks! img-3344_ZE0HK040.mp4

Wow, some GREAT advice ya'll. I'll start doing my homework this evening and will check in routinely with updates/questions. THANK YOU!

Thanks, I'm going to sew marine vinyl.

Someone posted if for free on FB Marketplace and I had a few questions: 1) Considering purchasing a direct drive servo motor with needle positioning sensor and top mount bobbin winder. This thing looks tiny compared to my clutch motor so what are your thoughts on this? I'm guessing I'd be sacrificing power for a few bells and whistles and wonder if it's worth it? 2) Does anyone know of any great write-ups on this model that I can read and learn from? From what I've read here, this is an excellent machine and should last generations if I take of it properly. I'll clean out the gear box and re-grease it, and try to clean out as many components as I can. 3) What is the largest size (diameter) needle and thread I can use? I'd like to top stitch with as thick as possible contrasting thread. -Dave Here is the machine after a few cleanings. Have a lot more work to do, but it's coming along...

Hey Constabulary, I have a Brother DB2-B755 and I'd like to use #19 through #23 needles. May I ask what you do to your machine to be able to use larger needles? I just bought a heavy duty coarse feed dog, needle plate with larger hole, and a wider presser foot kit. I just found out that I need to change the needle bar as well. Might you be able to offer a suggestion on what type of needle bar that would fit my machine? I sew boat vinyl for a living. Many thanks, Dave

Thank you Uwe for the great resources and your right, I'll end the thread here. Hey Steve, I see that you are in Roseville -I'm in Orangevale, just off Hazel and Oak Ave. Would definitely be up for grabbing a beer sometime and talk about leather. I currently engineer and build industrial machinery but am very serious about getting into furniture and it would be great to meet someone who knows more about leather than I do. Had a mini-factory in Honolulu a decade ago and did private label apparel manufacturing but never sewed leather, so I have quite a bit to learn. Dave

My computer's IO board went bad and I had to wait for a replacement and just got my computer up and running and was able to log in. I guess I just wanted to know where I could find similar leather that companies like Restoration Hardware would use. Sacramento is a small town and there isn't much fabric here and I though that maybe buying online may be the best option.

Thanks everyone for the input. I've decided to go with quality. Just ordered a servo with needle positioner for my LU-1508 and will work up to a LU-1510. Time to start looking for leather fabric for sofas. I will definitely look through the forums but since we're here, any leads? Dave

Thank you Uwe and Kgg for the in-depth responses! Definitely clears things up! So here's what I'm thinking, since the LU-1510 requires an air compressor and is very pricey, I may just go with an electric version, in particular, the 2206RB-14-7-DD from Consew. Anyone know if this would be a suitable all-electric alternative or is there something else out there that's better? Thanks, Dave

I appreciate you starting the path!

Hi everyone, My name is Dave and this is my first post on the forum. I am from Sacramento, CA and work as a new product developer and fabricator but have been sewing all my life and have wanted to get into leather work for many years now . I finally took the leap and just purchased a walking foot sewing machine and it sews great. I just wish I could upgrade it to do an automatic tac and possibly thread cutting. Would anyone out there on this great forum know if I could pair a CP-18 control panel with my Juku LU-1508? And if so, what servo motor control box would work with the CP-18? My machine came with a clutch motor so I would need to buy a new servo and control box anyhow. Also, is the thread cutter upgrade doable or is it too complex for this machine? Any advice would be appreciated and I would certainly owe you one. Cheers, Dave