Juki LS-341N or DSC-245

[CBaker]

Hi - Hoping to get some advice on which machine to get.  I have been hand sewing leather a few years but want to get a solid walking foot machine that can easily sew through no more than 1/2” veg tanned leather for bags, backpacks, etc.  I have found two used industrial, cylinder arm Jukis - one is a LS-341N in great condition (looks almost new - NOT a 1341).  The other is a DSC-245 (heavier use on it is visible).  Both have been professionally serviced and come with a 90-day warranty from the seller on the machine head.
 

From what I can find, the 341N seems like a slightly more heavy duty machine but wanted to see what you think.  Is one easier to get replacement parts for?  Maybe there is a clone that uses all the same parts out there?  

Would one be better for me than the other based on my use?  I do not do saddles or tack but smaller personal things.  Any concerns with one over the other?

Thanks for your input.

C Baker

[kgg]

11 minutes ago, CBaker said:

Hi - Hoping to get some advice on which machine to get.

Assuming the machines are in good operating condition. As a note the ls-341 is basically an older version of LS-1341. There is a topic that should answer your questions.

kgg

[CBaker]

Thanks for the link but it really doesn't address my questions about availability of parts, dependability, or which may be better suited and honestly, I have no idea was the last two points are even talking about. 

Since the LS-341N is older than 1341 then they are not the same but is the 341N still a solid choice?  Any concerns about not being able to get parts for either option?  In looking at the Juki manuals it seems the DSC-245 is a lighter duty machine - is that correct?  The links reference to thread size says the 1341 can do more than the 245 but is that true of the 341N as well?

Thanks.

 

[eblanche]

The DSC-245 uses a small size bobbin (I forget what size exactly) but the 341 uses style M larger size bobbin. You have to jump to the DSC-246 for M size bobbin.

 

It seems most parts for the dsc series are readily available but have to order from Japan - 3-4 weeks. This is my experience for ordering a half dozen parts for a dsc-246.

 

Yes, the DSC245 is more light duty than the 341.  21/69 thread for the 245 compared to 23/92 for the dsc-246. That's pretty light but I have never worked with leather. Engineers manuel for 341 versions: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://semsi.com.mx/Manuales/JUKI/LS-341N,%20LS-341N-7%20Engineer%20Manual.pdf lists needle size as 14-24 for the non-auto version.

Edited April 14 by eblanche

[CBaker]

Thank you!  This was helpful.