Tom Spivak Report post Posted February 11, 2014 Hello everyone, I new to all this, although years ago I did do a few re upholstery projects with an old Kenmore (tuff old machine) but now would like to expand my horizons as I am getting into the "later years" . I have always been a firm believer in buying tools suited to the job the first time as there is now economy is junk, so I now have a choice between two fully operational machines. One is a Mitsubishi LU2-4400 and the other being a Reliable MSK-8600B. I would like to sew heavier gauge vinyl for tractor enclosures and do a bit of cloth upholstery as well as some leather if my skill level progresses before I die of old age. I could have either machine for $400.00 and from what I read they are both good for the task, but is there a better choice in terms of performance or serviceability/parts? I'm not going into business, just want a good machine that will do the job without a struggle. Tom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ENC Report post Posted February 11, 2014 I have a LU2-400, it is an older single needle version of the machine. A friend dubbed it "The Beast". I have sewn 13 oz sun forager tent canvas on it flat felled and it hardly even noticed anything is going through. I have sewn everything from 2 layers of denim to a 1/2 in. stack of veg tan and it has no problems. I used thread from T40 to T140 with just minor changes in the tension. The only bad thing I have found is that it is finicky about having tension on the thread tails for the first 3-4 stitches. Making sure that the take up arm is exactly at the top helps a lot. I use a sew off pad so the threads are anchored and I have something easy to hold when I start the next seam. I think I spent about $600 for it 10 years ago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Spivak Report post Posted February 17, 2014 Okay, so I bought the Misubishi LU2-4400 for $380.00. Machine looks and sews like new, bobbin winder, thread stand, table all excellent shape. Can't wait to try it out on some practice work. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Spivak Report post Posted March 22, 2014 I've got the Mitsubishi LU2-4400 up and running with no real issues except it goes like stink, so next step is change to servo motor. Ordered thread from thread exchange as it seems to be a problem getting heavy threads even in Toronto's sewing and fashion district. Any comments on the Tech Sew 550 servo? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
