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So I just picked up a nice used Nakajima 380 cylinder-bed machine and was wondering if anyone out there might have a lead on a manual for it? I know it's a long shot, but hey. Alternately, does anyone know which Juki model it would correspond most closely to, and if there might be a manual available for that? I understand they bought out Nakajima at one point, but I can't seem to find a comprehensive listing of Juki model numbers and have given up on searching images and plugging in model numbers at random. Here's the machine when I first looked at it: I redid the table and installed a servo so I could bring it home; I'll put that up in another thread shortly and link to it from here if anyone's interested.

I just purchased a "new" (only new to me--actually quite old) machine for sewing leather. It is a cylinder bed Nakajima 381L machine with a Consew clutch motor. I figured it was a safe choice because I knew it was well maintained and the previous owner had used it to make exactly the kind of stuff I want to use it for (lightweight bags and wallets). Now that I have it at home, I'm realizing what a complete newbie I am at this, and how difficult it is to set everything up without a manual--so I decided to send an SOS to you folks to see if anyone knows more about this machine--or even a similar machine that would be easier to find a manual for. After googling a few different machines, it *looks* most similar to the Juki DSC series. It lost a bit of oil on the trip from NY, and the markings for where to oil it have all rubbed off. Any thoughts on what needles and thread to use?

Hello, I'm looking to buy my first walking-foot machine for my new start-up business sewing leather goods (mostly bags, purses, belts, vests and accessories). Everything I have read on this site has been incredibly helpful so far and it's clear that there are a lot of members who really know a good deal about all varieties of leather sewing machines. I'm hoping someone here can help me compare these two machines that are currently for sale for the same price in my area ($600): a Pfaff 145 H3 and a Nakajima 280 L. The seller of the Nakajima says the knee lifter slips and may need replacing, and it comes with a clutch motor but a servo motor could be installed for $175 extra- is this a good deal, and what is the difference exactly between these motors? Thanks for your time and any advice given! -Grace

Here we have a Nakajima 280L Industrial Sewing Machine for sale. Made in Japan. Comes with table, motor, table light and 3 spool holder. This machine is also equipped with a speed reducer pulley. One Owner. Works great, rarely used, in excellent condition! Buyer pays for shipping from 94954.

Nakajima 280L Walking Foot Industrial Sewing Machine Up to 2/3" foot lift Sews forward and reverse Needle is 135 x 17 Large bobbin (side loading type M paper bobbin optional) Made in Japan Includes welting and cording/zipper foot Machine is in fine working order. You are buying the Head, Stand and Motor. I recently found a Nakajima 280L walking foot sewing machine in a sewing machine repair shop. It had been there for years and they were eager to sell it. It has been tuned up by their industrial sewing machine mechanic and runs beautifully. This is the same model of machine that I use to do most of my sewing for garments, upholstery, and lighter weight hard goods. The machine comes complete with: Power table with bobbin winder and accessory drawer. Clutch Motor 4 M sized Bobbins Thread Stand One packet of 135x17 needles size 125 Bobbin winder Knee lifter Gooseneck worklight Operating Manual in PDF format Cone of thread pictured with machine is not included, it was there simply to show the quality of stitching. If you want, I can add the foot lever reverse feature that I made for my own Nakajima 280L. it is a second pedal next to the motor pedal. you step on both together and it engages reverse before engaging the motor. I will have to price out the additional pedal, webbing and spings needed to add this feature before I can quote you a price though. Very handy feature that allows you to keep both hands on your work, or onew hand on the work and one on the wheel while you put the machine into reverse. Pick up is available in Wildomar, CA for free, or I can deliver it in the Inland Epire, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego County, or Ventura County areas for a fee depending upon how far. Shipping can be done via FedEx Ground. I can ship just the head to save you money, or I can disassemble the table and remove the motor and ship it all in separate boxes. Cost of shipping will be determined by what options you choose and delivery location. I can also palletize it for pick up by a freight company if you prefer. Asking price is $850. Reasonable offers considered. The machine pictured is actually my current machine. I will sell you either one you prefer. My current machine is on an old singer "H" leg stand with a Singer clutch motor, the newer one is on a much newer "L" leg stand with a newer clutch motor. Both tables have accessory drawers and bobbinwinders. The newer machine head looks almost identical, with a bit less of the powder coating worn off on the front of the machine head. I'm just waiting on pics of the newer machine to arrive.