Advice needed on Juki 441

[Bob]

I'd be quite sure that the motor would be single speed. What else could it be? I've never seen a sewing machine with more than one speed. they all have a clutch motor that can be feathered, allowing you to control the speed.

[stoke]

Sorry I wasn't clear. He told me that it operated at one speed (slow) no matter how far or hard you pressed on the foot pedal. At least that's what he described and he said he was pretty sure about it. Not saying this dosen't exist, just I've never seen one like that.

Jamie

[neelsaddlery]

Hello:

You'll want to ask him if it has a speed reducer installed on it. The speed redcuer is a pulley that mounts underneath the tabletop. It slows down the sewing speed of the machine. That is the only way it could go really slow.

If it is just a regular clutch motor with no speed reducer, then the machine could so pretty fast, in the 500-800 SPM range.

The reducer will slow it down to 100-200 SPM or so.

Kindest Regards,

Ryan O. Neel

Cowboy Sewing Machines

Neel's Saddlery and Harness

[Bob]

Jamie, it sure sounds like it does in deed have a speed reducer. That would be fantastic for making knife cases and small items. The only time you don't want a speed reducer is for long straight strips of sewing.

[Bree]

I own a Juki 1541. I love Juki machines. I also own many old Singer and White machines. My oldest machine is dated 1888. So I am a believer in the longevity of sewing machines.

That said... get a new one. You have 3 excellent sources for a reasonably priced 441 clone... Artisan, Neel's, and Cobra. They each stand behind the machines with service that doesn't stop. The machines are excellent quality and will last beyond your lifetime.

Pay a little more and get the service and the assurance that you have a brand spanking new machine. You won't regret it. You might regret getting the Juki 441... you don't know. That's why you are asking us... you are nervous about it.

Why take the risk?? Heck you run a risk just transferring the $$$ and getting delivery of the goods in an international transaction. Sleep easy and get the new machine.

If you don't like any of the sources mentioned there are also Raphael's in Montreal, Ferco, and Weaver... all very good North American sources for industrial machines of the class you seek... all provide outstanding service after the sale.

My $.02.

[bruce johnson]

Jamie,

If this guy is having to go check stuff you ask about, I am thinking he was not the user. I may be off base on this next part, but then again.....

If there is one speed and it is slow no matter how far you press the pedal, it may have a servo motor. The first servo motor I got didn't have a speed adjustment knob. I was merrily sewing along at a very comfortable pace, enjoying the control (one speed - slow). When I wanted to ramp up the speed for some straight projects, I called my supplier about a different speed reducer with the 3 pulleys. Didn't need it. The speed adjustment on that particular motor was done by turning a screw inside a small hole. The hole just appeared to be a ventilation hole or something - not particulary well marked. That opened up a whole new world of speed control. My later servos have a knob and dial. If this one goes one speed and slow, might be a servo with that early control.

As far as whether the deal is worth it, you just have to add up the machine and shipping and see where it falls. The price seems pretty good if everything works. One thing nobody else has mentioned, and it may not be a factor if you are just doing one thing is attachments. They are not inexpensive. As you use it you may find the need for other throat plate and presser feet combinations. I have about all of them for mine, and can say I have used them all.

[Cobra Steve]

Stoke, there is a reputable dealer in your area. If I were you, I would contact Tim Cox at Zack White Leather.1-800-633-0396. He sells a variety of leather stitchers that would suit your needs. He also sell all of the supplies you will need, and is a good guy. Thanks, Steve

[stoke]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I ended up speaking with Artisan, Steve(Cobra), Ryan(Neels Saddlery) and Tim at Zack White Leather. I spent more time on this decision than I did on my last new truck. There were advantages to each machine and eveyone was super nice but the owner of the Juki 441 dropped his price again and I found a deal on shipping with a freight company. The machine was shipped from Oklahoma on Friday and was expected no later than July 6th. I got a suprise call this morning about 9:00am and was told it was on the dock. Picked it up today and had to make room for it as it was early. Finally got one of my building rearranged and unloaded it. The thing is a beast, I'd never seen one in person. I got it set up and had to try it out. I had some old strapping and sewed a couple layers of it no problem, I want to clean it up and make sure it is lubed real well before really trying it. The pulley has a drive ratio of about 8:1, I'd say. I looks like someone made it in a machine shop, so I'm not sure it it is stock or homemade. It is one speed, about 80 to 90 stitches per minute...slightly more than one stitcg per second. It also has a swing away arm that, I'm guessing helps hold the material. The machine looks like it has hardly been used at least compared to my Consew and Tacsew machines. I'll take some pics when I get a chance. I did get a sack full of needles, all one size, must be close to 100. Schmetz Nadlen 7x3 Nm230. I've got no clue about needle sizes for this machine, feel free to comment on the needles.

I know I went against almost everyones advise, but I just didn't have the extra money in my "fishing account". Even with shipping, I'm still right at $1,000 less than a new machine. I'm sure I'll end up with a couple different feet for it, but so far I'm pretty happy. As far as working on the machine, I've got a Juki dealer about 100 miles from me, anything else I can probably make the parts in my machine shop.

Thanks,

Jamie

[neelsaddlery]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their help. I ended up speaking with Artisan, Steve(Cobra), Ryan(Neels Saddlery) and Tim at Zack White Leather. I spent more time on this decision than I did on my last new truck. There were advantages to each machine and eveyone was super nice but the owner of the Juki 441 dropped his price again and I found a deal on shipping with a freight company. The machine was shipped from Oklahoma on Friday and was expected no later than July 6th. I got a suprise call this morning about 9:00am and was told it was on the dock. Picked it up today and had to make room for it as it was early. Finally got one of my building rearranged and unloaded it. The thing is a beast, I'd never seen one in person. I got it set up and had to try it out. I had some old strapping and sewed a couple layers of it no problem, I want to clean it up and make sure it is lubed real well before really trying it. The pulley has a drive ratio of about 8:1, I'd say. I looks like someone made it in a machine shop, so I'm not sure it it is stock or homemade. It is one speed, about 80 to 90 stitches per minute...slightly more than one stitcg per second. It also has a swing away arm that, I'm guessing helps hold the material. The machine looks like it has hardly been used at least compared to my Consew and Tacsew machines. I'll take some pics when I get a chance. I did get a sack full of needles, all one size, must be close to 100. Schmetz Nadlen 7x3 Nm230. I've got no clue about needle sizes for this machine, feel free to comment on the needles.

I know I went against almost everyones advise, but I just didn't have the extra money in my "fishing account". Even with shipping, I'm still right at $1,000 less than a new machine. I'm sure I'll end up with a couple different feet for it, but so far I'm pretty happy. As far as working on the machine, I've got a Juki dealer about 100 miles from me, anything else I can probably make the parts in my machine shop.

Thanks,

Jamie

If the needles are strictly labeled 7X3, then they are most likely they are for fabric. For leather point needles, you need to look for the designation of 7X4, or 794. These numbers indicate that the needle was meant for leather sewing, and usually they have some letter indicator that talks about the point type, such as DIA, RTW,S, LR, etc.

If you bought that machine delivered for at or under $1600.00, then I would say you did just fine. The Juki 441 is a very good machine, and it will last you for the rest of your life.

If you ever need any parts for that machine, please let me know, as we stock all different styles of presser feet and accessories to fit it, as well as all different types of parts.

As we discussed on the phone when you called me, our Cowboy (Neel's Saddlery) 441 is a 100 percent exact same copy of the Juki 441, so all of our parts will fit it exactly. The other clones have some small differences in their parts and manufacture which means that some parts may not cross over exactly.

If you need any help with your machine, please le me know. I will be glad to help you in any way I can.

ENJOY!!!!!!!

[stoke]

Last night I finally got everything set up and spent a couple hours with the machnie. I cleaned it up and lubed it, then fired it up. I'm going to have to raise the table, as it seems to be set up for a very small person. I tried a couple different threads/needles up to 346/347 thread and 27 needles, I think. Made a few ugly tangles before I got straightened out. So far I'm pretty happy with it, however I'm far from jumping on a new sheath, (it takes too long cutting them out and getting everything glued and clamped for me to mess one up just yet).......it sure acts a lot different than my other sewing machines. Seems everything works like it is supposed to, I may have to adjust the belt tension for sewing 1/2" stuff. It slipped a little when going really slow, but only on 4 layers. I'm sure I'll be adding different feet, feed dog and maybe a servo motor before too long. I did get it to make a very nice stitch, even adjusted down to where it almost cuts the leather in half, because the stitch was so close together.

First project is to make a cover for it, so the wife doesn't notice how big it is and put two and two together. The eight year old was there when I unloaded it, and so far hasn't spilled the beans.

Edited July 1, 2009 by stoke