OliviaNewbie

An update on this for anyone that finds it in years to come. I ended up picking up the 1508NH after I found a little Brother DB2-755-3 virtually free down the road so that will be employed for the lightweight work. A first very quick play with the Juki and I LOVE it. Went through 2 layers of 3.5mm veg tan like butter without any sort of adjustments/playing around after it come off the van.

Yes someone else suggested that as an advantage of the 1541. I’ll be honest, the 1508 bobbin system is the same as what I’m used to at work so it seems far friendlier in my head! It’s just what you’re used to at the end of the day. I’m sure I would get used to scrabbling around under the table pretty quickly.

I had wondered about a cylinder arm with flatbed attachment option. We used to have cylinder arms in college for my saddlery. Also by topstitch, I was meaning a decorative stitch, should have explained that! Think that’s a UK/US lingo difference! I’ve always used 40 for construction and 20 as a decorative or twin needle stitch. Back to the drawing board with a cylinder arm I think!

Thanks for the input. Webbing: 2-4 layers (I’m guessing at 3-8mm or so) Leather: 3-7mm vegtan. Possibly thicker but that would be 1 layer of leather and 1 foam Thread: TKT 40, possibly 20 for topstitch. I think that’s 69 and 138

Hi fellow leatherworkers! I’m a trained saddler that’s also been in the automotive/aerospace industry doing upholstery. The places I’ve worked are big businesses (Rolls Royce) so naturally I’ve been very spoilt with machines! After a long break I’m now looking to set up a very small 1-man band business just to get my craft fix. I’ll be using mainly webbing (max 4 layers) for the business but my I’ll also want to do some leatherwork (I make bits and bobs for my dog, friends etc which I currently hand stitch) I imagine max 2 layers of 3.5mm bridle butt, any more layers would be split. Possibly some foam backings. So I’m looking for a unicorn! I’ve found an ex-display JUKI 1541 as well as a used but still very good condition 1508NH for the same price (£1400). Do you think the 1508NH will be okay with just webbing or will it be hate it? The 1541 seems better suited to the webbing but it’ll be annoyinf if I have a machine and STILL have to hand stitch everything in thicker leather. I’ve spent weeks researching and honestly my brain is now overwhelmed. Your wisdom is much appreciated!