Juki 1541S 5 Years Old

[LeatherWerks]

I finally found a machine that I think I'll make my second machine. I've got a 441 clone and now need something for lighter work.

I know a Juki 1541S is a great lighter weight machine, but what do the experts think about the price of 1400.00 for a 5 year old machine. It comes with a few different feet, several spools of thread and of course the table and light.

Does the price sound right? Person was asking 1500.00 at first.

Steve

[gottaknow]

You can get a new one for a bit over 1700. I would want to see it sew for sure. I'm thinking even for 1400 it would need to be in near new condition and been taken care of. Check the point of the hook. It should be very sharp and not flat on the tip. It should poke your finger if the hook hasn't been abused. I find many of these machines don't have the needle guard set correctly and the hooks get beat up.

Regards, Eric

[LeatherWerks]

Thanks Eric, I take a look and see what condition it's in. I guessing you'd say, spring for the extra 300.00 and buy a new one?

Steve

[gottaknow]

Thanks Eric, I take a look and see what condition it's in. I guessing you'd say, spring for the extra 300.00 and buy a new one?

Steve

There's a lot to be said for new Steve, especially when there's not that much difference in price. Support is a huge issue. That and you don't know the history of a used machine. New hooks can run $200-$400 depending on generic or original, and that's assuming you can change it yourself. If you buy a used machine from a dealer, you will get some level of support. From a private party, not so much. I know the dealers here seem more than generous with their support as word of mouth means a lot.

Regards, Eric

[LeatherWerks]

Eric, you are right about new, my Cobra 4 came from Steve at the Leather Machine Company and the support has been great. I know Steve sells a Cobra 18 that would be like the Juki, maybe not as high quality, I'm not sure. Do you know anything about the Cobra 18 and how that might compare with the Juki 1541S?

Thanks,

Steve

[gottaknow]

I can't really speak for the Cobra machines. I have worked on lots of Juki's. I do know that the Juki's made in Japan are superior to the Chinese. Juki has had to contract machines to be made in China due to price point pressure. I have 2 identical models of Juki double needle machines. The older one (6 years) was made in Japan. The one I bought 6 months ago was made in China. At least in our factory setting, with regular maintenance but with 40 hours a week of hard use, the Japan machine will outlive the China one by a long shot. While the Chinese have made strides in their machining abilities, they lag well behind the models made in Japan. The difference shows up in the tolerances of the bearing stays, bushings, the shafts, needle bars and gears. It will translate to excessive play which simply can't be compensated for with adjustment. That aside, for home shop use, the Chinese machines should give good service if taken care of. I personally wouldn't buy a China made machine except from a dealer offering support. Just my 2 cents worth.

Regards, Eric

[LeatherWerks]

Eric, how would I know for sure the Juki I spoke of is in fact made in Japan? I've heard that Juki has outsourced some of it's manufacturing to China. Can I trust the label on the machine?

Steve

[gottaknow]

Eric, how would I know for sure the Juki I spoke of is in fact made in Japan? I've heard that Juki has outsourced some of it's manufacturing to China. Can I trust the label on the machine?

Steve

I'll post a pic tommorow night of each of the country of origin for my two double needle Juki's. Easy enough to compare.

Regards, Eric

[LeatherWerks]

Thanks, I'll look for it.

Steve

[gottaknow]

Here you go Steve. The plates are the same size and are both riveted to the casting. I've heard of some folks taking the blue Juki decals off and putting them on clones. I guess another good reason to go through a reputable dealer if you're unsure.

Regards, Eric