Help Me Learn To Use My Juki Ddl-5550

[Art]

This isn't doing you a lot of good now, but the 5550 is really a fabric machine. It is fine for doing boot tops and stuff like that using 46 or at the most 69 thread. The machine you need is something in the Singer 111 class, like the 618 that Highlead makes (Cobra class 18 is made by Highlead) or a Nakajima 280L. Machines of the 111 class take all sorts of feet like cording, piping, zipper, etc. pretty much everything needed for the trimming trade. If you can work a trade with someone, and even have to add a few bucks, you will be a happier camper. Try Cobra or Nick-o-Sew.

Art

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

This isn't doing you a lot of good now, but the 5550 is really a fabric machine. It is fine for doing boot tops and stuff like that using 46 or at the most 69 thread. The machine you need is something in the Singer 111 class, like the 618 that Highlead makes (Cobra class 18 is made by Highlead) or a Nakajima 280L. Machines of the 111 class take all sorts of feet like cording, piping, zipper, etc. pretty much everything needed for the trimming trade. If you can work a trade with someone, and even have to add a few bucks, you will be a happier camper. Try Cobra or Nick-o-Sew.

Art

Nakajima 280L? I haven't heard than name in a LONG time! Great machine, long repalced (must be over 20 years?) with the now discontinued Juki DNU-241, and now current model is a Juki DNU-1541 series.

Edited July 6, 2010 by Gregg From Keystone Sewing

[Art]

Hi Gregg,

I really put that out there so guys would know what it is if they run into one at a good price. In fact, buy two if they are cheap, there are still parts available. The 280 was a great machine and is still strokin' in quite a few trim shops.

Art

Nakajima 280L? I haven't heard than name in a LONG time! Great machine, long repalced (must be over 20 years?) with the now discontinued Juki DNU-241, and now current model is a Juki DNU-1541 series.

[Stocksuspension]

I'm just now realizing that maybe this machine may not be enough for what I want to do.I'm gonna give it the old college try. Although I would like another machine it's out of the budget. Today I purchased size 19 needles for leather and some nylon threadl

. Still need to practice. My stiches are very short and tight. Is there a way to make the longer?

[Wizcrafts]

My stiches are very short and tight. Is there a way to make the longer?

Have you tried moving the stitch regulator knob to the longest stitch setting? If so, and it is too short, remove the stitch regulator knob and manually set its control cam to the longest possible position. The feed dog will only move so far, so you will have to max the setting with the adjuster knob off.

[Stocksuspension]

Have you tried moving the stitch regulator knob to the longest stitch setting? If so, and it is too short, remove the stitch regulator knob and manually set its control cam to the longest possible position. The feed dog will only move so far, so you will have to max the setting with the adjuster knob off.

It has settings 1-5 I set on 5 and it was still too tight. I will try that tomorrow

[Wizcrafts]

Short, tight stitches can be caused by too much top or bottom tension, or both. Also, since your machine has a flat, static foot, too much pressure on it will drag leather and vinyl and reduce the maximum stitch length.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Have you tried moving the stitch regulator knob to the longest stitch setting? If so, and it is too short, remove the stitch regulator knob and manually set its control cam to the longest possible position. The feed dog will only move so far, so you will have to max the setting with the adjuster knob off.

Max. stitch length is 5mm, anything more and you risk disrupting the feeding mechanism ,and may prevent it from functioning properly.

As stated, this machine is best suited for very fine threads and materials, up to denim. Most commonly found in tailoring and alterations shops, dry cleaners, and the such. I would NEVER recommend this machine to a potential customer who is looking to do auto trim, or any type of canvas work. The sewing and feed mechanism is not sufficient.

[Art]

I agree. Call Nick Pittman and see if you can work some kind of trade. Even if you get a used machine in good shape, you will be ahead. The 5550 is a really good machine, a trade shouldn't be a problem. You need a good machine, new or used, that uses 111 feet.

Art

Max. stitch length is 5mm, anything more and you risk disrupting the feeding mechanism ,and may prevent it from functioning properly.

As stated, this machine is best suited for very fine threads and materials, up to denim. Most commonly found in tailoring and alterations shops, dry cleaners, and the such. I would NEVER recommend this machine to a potential customer who is looking to do auto trim, or any type of canvas work. The sewing and feed mechanism is not sufficient.

[busted]

It has settings 1-5 I set on 5 and it was still too tight. I will try that tomorrow

I think this machine runs around 3000 to 3500 stitches per minute. this will not work for leather.

Like the man from Keystone sewing said 5mm is all the stitch length you can expect.

The machine will not like sewing the 138 thread. 92 or 99 might be the biggest thread you can get to work.

I don't want to bust your bubble but I agree, you have the wrong machine for what you want to do.

Edited July 7, 2010 by busted