Adler 267-373 V.s. Juki Ddl 227

[Grapejuice]

Hi All

I'm new to leather, been doing hand stitching but need to start using a machine to expand my business.. I design bags, luggage, jackets and belts.

I'm located in South Africa and good second hand machines are scarce. I've read alot of the forums and know what to look for in a machine, but finding specs on the old machines are tough and I can't seem to find proper reviews on either. I've located a two machines, an ADLER 267-373 and a Juki DDL 227, but don't know which one would be better suited to my needs? The thickness of the leather I work with ranges from nappa to veg... Quite a difference.. Would one machine do or am I over-estimating the scope of heavy duty machines? Perhaps one machine with different settings?

I would really appreciate any info that might help and I'm especially looking forward to hearing what Wizcraft has to say.

Thanks

[Trox]

Hi,

I have a Dürkopp Adler 267-373 and I am very satisfied with it.

Both Juki and Dürkopp Adler (DA) are top of the line machines. The Juki DDL 277 is to my knowledge not a walking foot machine, but a machine with bottom feed, maybe also needle feed. High-speed machine used for textiles. I do not know much about it, only that this is not a leather machine. The DA 267-373 is an upholstery class triple feed machine; bottom, upper and needle in a unison feed. It will sew up to 10, 12 mm. thick leather and up to (metric sizes) needle Nm 160, 180 (Singer sizes: 23 and 24). Polyester thread up to Tkt 15 to 13, these sizes might not tell you much; it is what we are using in Europe. I use my heavy 441 machine for thick leather and heavy thread; I never use this with bigger needles than Nm 140 (metric). The upholstery class machines will sew pretty thick, however not with very thick thread. I use this machine for leather backpack, handbags, belts and upholstery. My machine is equipped with an Efka DC 1600 position drive and is a dream to sew on. It has a large vertical hook and a built in bobbin winder. This is a reliable, straightforward walking foot (triple feed) machine.

If you need a machine to sew material more than 3/8 inch and with heavy thread, more than Tex 180 (Polyester: tkt 13 Nm). You most buy a heavy stitcher like a triple feed Adler 205-370, Juki TSC 441 or Chinese clones. Alternative a top and bottom feed (Used) Adler 105, bottom feed (used) Singer 45K. A new Chinese bottom feed Cowboy 2500, Ferdco Baby bull, Techsew GA 5-1 or similar machine with an other name. Read pin topic about it and check out our dealers in the top of site banners for prices.

Good luck to you.

Trox

Hi All

I'm new to leather, been doing hand stitching but need to start using a machine to expand my business.. I design bags, luggage, jackets and belts.

I'm located in South Africa and good second hand machines are scarce. I've read alot of the forums and know what to look for in a machine, but finding specs on the old machines are tough and I can't seem to find proper reviews on either. I've located a two machines, an ADLER 267-373 and a Juki DDL 227, but don't know which one would be better suited to my needs? The thickness of the leather I work with ranges from nappa to veg... Quite a difference.. Would one machine do or am I over-estimating the scope of heavy duty machines? Perhaps one machine with different settings?

I would really appreciate any info that might help and I'm especially looking forward to hearing what Wizcraft has to say.

Thanks

[Grapejuice]

Thanks Trox!

So the Juki is out of the equation, but I have found a few local dealers that stock Cowboy, Hightex and a few other clone brands... Still waiting on a quote or two, but the front runner at the moment is the Hightex 07440, a Cowboy 4400 clone. It is a flat bed machine, specs; compound feed walking foot system,13mm presser foot lift, 9mm max stich lenght, max speed 2000 s/m, needle system DYXS. My home sewing machine, with all the right extras eg. teflon foot, leather needles, tension adjustments etc., sews thin leather, like nappa, very nicely, so I will use the industial/heavy duty machine mainly for thicker leather, making handbags, belts and luggage.

This is the only compound feed system out of all the machines that's in my price range. The others have positive feed and drop feed systems. I have read Wizcrafts' posts on feed systems, but there was nothing on positive or drop feed systems and I'm just wondering what they are? I work with Veg and so I'm sort-of set on a compound feed machine so as not to get any unwanted marks on my products. Also because I work with a variety of leather and this system was rated as the top over-all system in Wizcrafts' post...

Would you recommend getting a new machine with the specs mentioned above or sticking with the Adler 267-373? They are more or less the same price, although I think I may have some bargaining room with the used Adler. The Adler's hook might need replacing soon though, and a sewing machine technician advised me that the Chinese brands have better support in SA.

Just for interest sake... How much does a new Adler 267-373 cost in Europe? And a used machine? I have the opportunity to ship a machine for free from Belgium and if it works out alot cheaper than buying a new Adler here I might just bite the bullet and purchase one.

Thanks again for the feedback, much appreciated!!

[Trox]

Hi Grapejuice,

I have not tried the Cowboy 7440. I know it is a copy of the Mitsubishi LU2-4400-BOB. I do not know what condition the Adler is in, is it an Adler or a Dürkopp Adler? (Adler become Dürkopp Adler in the beginning of 1990 `ties, this will help you to determinate the age of it) If the hook has to be changed, you must calculate part price and service in to your choice. Then support and parts prices will play a part too. Some dealers are selling the 267 new, but my Norwegian D. Adler dealer does not. Used sewing machine price in Norway is very low and not comparable with the rest of Europe. I cannot help you with the price example.

The different feeds can be a jungle, and different names like walking foot and compound feed can mislead you. You need a triple feed machine, under, over and needle feed. Drop feed is only under feed, feeding with a feed dog alone, like your home machine. Compound feed means; two or three feeds working together, this can be used on machine with only double feed. (Like under and needle feed).

The American term “walking foot” is legally used on every machine that has a foot that walks; even if this is, the machines only feed.

Positive feed? I really do not know what that means, it tells me nothing.

Be sure you to look at the machines data sheet to see what kind of feed it has.

http://industrialsewmachine.com/webdoc3/feed.htm

You can also read about different feeds and machines in this site.

If you buy a German or Japanese machine, you will for sure get a very good sewing machine. How many hours a day will you use your machine determinates what quality you need to buy. Today all sewing machines are made in China anyway, even Japanese and German. Buying a Chinese clone machine you must do your research on support and parts available.

What kind of motor is also important.

If you post pictures of the used machine, it is easier to help you.

Trox