ConradTurbo Report post Posted February 8, 2013 I am very new to the world of sewing, however my wife is quite proficient at it, so much so that she's very limited by her consumer grade machine. I have been searching for quite some time and came across a Juki LU-563 for $650. It's a few hours away from me so I had some photos sent to me and I have been told it is in good running condition. What do you think for the price listed? What's up with the stuff on the right of the sewing needle??? Judging by the photos what should I look out for? Please let me know what you think as soon as possible, if this is a good deal I plan on picking it up in the next day or two. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EquusCustomLeathers Report post Posted February 8, 2013 I have this same machine. I originally bought it to sew horse blankets and light tack, and it's perfect for that. When I got into leatherwork, of course I tested it out on leather, and it will sew 2-3 layers of light leather, with no problem at all. I use size 69 bonded nylon thread the majority of the time, but if you want to use the machine for heavier applications, I believe it can be set up for thicker, heavier leather. Hopefully some of the "sewing machine guys" will chime in on that one.. I'm not sure what you are looking to sew, but it's a reliable machine and a reasonable price. The price on this particular machine may be a little bit high, as I paid $600 (Canadian) for mine, and mine is in almost new condition. But, pricing may be different in your area. Hope that helps, and good luck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tnawrot2 Report post Posted February 8, 2013 It's a great machine, large bobbin and reverse, but it will go too fast for leather work, It has a clutch motor with a large pulley. You should get a servo motor (about $125.00) to slow it down. It won't be good for horse tack, only good for wallets and such. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ConradTurbo Report post Posted February 9, 2013 I have this same machine. I originally bought it to sew horse blankets and light tack, and it's perfect for that. When I got into leatherwork, of course I tested it out on leather, and it will sew 2-3 layers of light leather, with no problem at all. I use size 69 bonded nylon thread the majority of the time, but if you want to use the machine for heavier applications, I believe it can be set up for thicker, heavier leather. Hopefully some of the "sewing machine guys" will chime in on that one.. I'm not sure what you are looking to sew, but it's a reliable machine and a reasonable price. The price on this particular machine may be a little bit high, as I paid $600 (Canadian) for mine, and mine is in almost new condition. But, pricing may be different in your area. Hope that helps, and good luck! I'm in Saskatchewan, everything here seems to be inflated but it did seem to be a pretty good price? There's a Juki LU-562 in Calgary listed for $1000...and a Juki LU-563 (absolutely mint though) at a sewing shop across the street from us in S'toon for $2000... We're looking to do canvas, nylon webbing and the occasional leather piece too. Might hope we can stretch it and do nylon, maybe need to change or adjust the walking foot to do so. It's a great machine, large bobbin and reverse, but it will go too fast for leather work, It has a clutch motor with a large pulley. You should get a servo motor (about $125.00) to slow it down. It won't be good for horse tack, only good for wallets and such. Perfect! We won't be doing anything too terribly heavy, but heavy enough to warrant the need for a walking foot. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted February 9, 2013 For those prices you can get a new walking foot machine, not a used one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites