Practically of a Long Arm machine?

[RC65]

Been a long time since posting here but I’m back with a possible brain fart!

So I’ve been into some automotive upholstery projects lately (Door Panels)

and the reach on my juki 1508 NS is ok but it sure would be nice to have the extra throat depth with a long arm.

The machine I’m considering is the Consew 255 RBL 25 due to being top loading with a U bobbin.

I guess the only hang up in my mind is the lack of a hand wheel closer to the business end of things.

Am looking for someone’s experience with this issue if it’s one and overall opinions of pros and cons?

Sure love my juki!

[kgg]

47 minutes ago, RC65 said:

I guess the only hang up in my mind is the lack of a hand wheel closer to the business end of things.

To get that feature in a new brand name it would be a Juki TSC461 in a cylinder arm or a Juki LG-158-1 in a flatbed. Then there are the clones which Consew is that aren't going to hit the pocket book as hard. Have you considered a used long arm Singer or buying a new clone directly from China???

kgg

[Wizcrafts]

I have an old Singer 139w109 that has a 20 inch flat bed from the needle to the body, plus it has a compound feed walking foot mechanism. It was converted to take Juki U size bobbins. The wheel is on the back, but that isn't a problem. It is easily reached. This type of machine is based on the ubiquitous Singer 111 series machines. It can sew 3/8 inch of material with up to #138 bonded thread. I mostly use it to sew embroidered patches onto biker's vests. That's where the 20 inches of bed space comes in handy.

[RC65]

46 minutes ago, kgg said:

To get that feature in a new brand name it would be a Juki TSC461 in a cylinder arm or a Juki LG-158-1 in a flatbed. Then there are the clones which Consew is that aren't going to hit the pocket book as hard. Have you considered a used long arm Singer or buying a new clone directly from China???

kgg

I’ve considered a clone but really haven’t pursued that since I assumed the Consew would be better quality.

wasn’t aware that the Consew was a clone.

I’ve actually had good luck with my 4800 pro which is a clone.

Maybe I need to investigate them.

[RC65]

9 minutes ago, Wizcrafts said:

I have an old Singer 139w109 that has a 20 inch flat bed from the needle to the body, plus it has a compound feed walking foot mechanism. It was converted to take Juki U size bobbins. The wheel is on the back, but that isn't a problem. It is easily reached. This type of machine is based on the ubiquitous Singer 111 series machines. It can sew 3/8 inch of material with up to #138 bonded thread. I mostly use it to sew embroidered patches onto biker's vests. That's where the 20 inches of bed space comes in handy.

Guess that’s the biggest thing I’d have to get accustomed to is the wheel location.

Im still on the fence about spending this amount of money on a machine that in my mind is useful in alot of my work but have a hard time learning new tricks! ( On a different machine)

[kgg]

39 minutes ago, RC65 said:

wasn’t aware that the Consew was a clone.

Most machine these days are clones or hybrid clones. The typical brand names are Juki, PFAFF, Dürkopp Adler. Even with the brand names you have to familiarize yourself with what models are made where as not all Juki's are not made in Japan. The Juki DNU-1541S and your Juki Lu-1508 NS are made in Japan while the Juki DU-1181N is made China. I can see between my 1541 and the 1181n there is a build quality difference. The 4800 you have is a hybrid clone of the Juki LS-341, the LS-1341 and the LS-1342.

Some people on the forum have bought machines directly from China and seem to be pleased both price and quality wise. However that is not for everyone for many reasons.

kgg

 

 

[RC65]

51 minutes ago, kgg said:

Most machine these days are clones or hybrid clones. The typical brand names are Juki, PFAFF, Dürkopp Adler. Even with the brand names you have to familiarize yourself with what models are made where as not all Juki's are not made in Japan. The Juki DNU-1541S and your Juki Lu-1508 NS are made in Japan while the Juki DU-1181N is made China. I can see between my 1541 and the 1181n there is a build quality difference. The 4800 you have is a hybrid clone of the Juki LS-341, the LS-1341 and the LS-1342.

Some people on the forum have bought machines directly from China and seem to be pleased both price and quality wise. However that is not for everyone for many reasons.

kgg

 

 

Yes I’m more comfortable crying and paying for quality once.

Yes I went out on a limb with the Techsew but it serves a general purpose of medium duty.

Mainly leather bags.

Guess I’ll be patient and research a little more before I pull the trigger if I even pull it.

I appreciate everyone’s input and suggestions!