First Machine Suggestions

[Wild Dog]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forums. I have lurked for a while ,researching and learning about many different things being new to leather work. This place is a wealth of knowledge. I am so thankful to have found it.

Mostly I make leather dog collars and leashes, sometimes with hair on hide overlay. The leather I use is 7-8oz and the hair on hide varies in weight. I would guess at the most I sew together is 16oz. I am looking for suggestions of machines that will handle this. Being this is something I do on the side and not my F/T job I am working on a budget of around $1000-$1200 or less if possible. I have read all the warnings about the ebay and craiglist machines that are listed as heavy duty and industrial. I am staying far away from them. I know I need a walking foot machine and something with a servo motor to slow the speed of the stitching down. I have found a couple machines locally and would like some suggestions/opinions on them.

The first one is a used Juki Lu 562 - from the little bit I have found to read about them it sounds like they can sew up to 20oz of leather and are an overall good machine. This particular machine has not been used in over a year, the gentleman that used it had an upholstry business and has passed away. I spoke to his wife about the machine and she said it is in good working order. She is asking $650 for the machine and a couple tables he had to go with it. Is this a good price? Would this machine work for what I do? My guess is not being used in so long it would need a good servicing. Correct?

Another machine I have found is a new Juki Dnu 1541 - however I went to look at it from a local sewing store in town and had been misquoted a price and it was $700 MORE then I was told. The saleman was also very sleezy and then said I could use a Tacsew machine but he didnt have any in stock. I have read about those machines on this site as well and said thanks but no thanks and quickly left that store. Just not a good vibe.

I am looking for opinions/options to get me pointed in the correct direction. Being a "big" purchase to me I want to get the right machine to get started. It is better to find an older used machine that is in good working order or try and find a decent valued new machine? Hopefully down the road I will be able to upgrade if it is needed.

Sorry if I have rambled too much. I appreciate any and all replies. Thank you!

[CowboyBob]

The first one is a used Juki Lu 562 - from the little bit I have found to read about them it sounds like they can sew up to 20oz of leather and are an overall good machine. This particular machine has not been used in over a year, the gentleman that used it had an upholstry business and has passed away. I spoke to his wife about the machine and she said it is in good working order. She is asking $650 for the machine and a couple tables he had to go with it. Is this a good price? Would this machine work for what I do? My guess is not being used in so long it would need a good servicing. Correct?

Take sample of what you want to sew & try it out,that's not to bad of a price if it sews ok,you should oil it too before you sew on it,esp the hook & bobbincase area.

HTH

Bob

Edited September 4, 2012 by sewmun

[Cobra Tom]

Here is an article that might interest you.

http://www.nationalnewstoday.com/industry/compare-dealers-brands-and-retailer-prices-before-you-buy-a-commercial-machine-for-sewing-leather.php

[Techsew Ron]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the forums. I have lurked for a while ,researching and learning about many different things being new to leather work. This place is a wealth of knowledge. I am so thankful to have found it.

Mostly I make leather dog collars and leashes, sometimes with hair on hide overlay. The leather I use is 7-8oz and the hair on hide varies in weight. I would guess at the most I sew together is 16oz. I am looking for suggestions of machines that will handle this. Being this is something I do on the side and not my F/T job I am working on a budget of around $1000-$1200 or less if possible. I have read all the warnings about the ebay and craiglist machines that are listed as heavy duty and industrial. I am staying far away from them. I know I need a walking foot machine and something with a servo motor to slow the speed of the stitching down. I have found a couple machines locally and would like some suggestions/opinions on them.

The first one is a used Juki Lu 562 - from the little bit I have found to read about them it sounds like they can sew up to 20oz of leather and are an overall good machine. This particular machine has not been used in over a year, the gentleman that used it had an upholstry business and has passed away. I spoke to his wife about the machine and she said it is in good working order. She is asking $650 for the machine and a couple tables he had to go with it. Is this a good price? Would this machine work for what I do? My guess is not being used in so long it would need a good servicing. Correct?

Another machine I have found is a new Juki Dnu 1541 - however I went to look at it from a local sewing store in town and had been misquoted a price and it was $700 MORE then I was told. The saleman was also very sleezy and then said I could use a Tacsew machine but he didnt have any in stock. I have read about those machines on this site as well and said thanks but no thanks and quickly left that store. Just not a good vibe.

I am looking for opinions/options to get me pointed in the correct direction. Being a "big" purchase to me I want to get the right machine to get started. It is better to find an older used machine that is in good working order or try and find a decent valued new machine? Hopefully down the road I will be able to upgrade if it is needed.

Sorry if I have rambled too much. I appreciate any and all replies. Thank you!

The price on that Juki 562 is ok, but keep in mind if you're buying used from a previous owner you may need to pay to have the machine serviced and you'll need to purchase a servo motor if you want to control your stitching speed. This could add up to $300 to your purchase price. Also the 562 is not a large bobbin machine, meaning you'll have trouble sewing with large thread sizes because the bobbin thread will run out quickly.

A note on machines you'll find on ebay - only buy if it's from a reputable dealer who will prepare the machine for you before shipping it. Do not by any means purchase something listed as "industrial strength".

Essentially what you're looking for is a flatbed, walking foot machine capable of sewing up to 3/8" thickness, using #138 or #210 thread, needle sizes up to #24, with a servo motor. You should be able to find all this for around $900 plus shipping or $1000 to $1500 for a new one. A new machine will usually include a warranty and most importantly free tech support so you'll be covered for as long as you own it.

Good luck with your search.

Ron

[Wild Dog]

Thanks everyone so much for the replies. I appreciate it!

[Techsew Ron]

Thanks everyone so much for the replies. I appreciate it!

No problem!