First Industrial Machine Purchase - Advice Appreciated!

[danicarby]

I'm trying to get the most machine for my buck and have researched and tested out many machines. If I can't find a good deal on Craigslist, I'll drive down to Toledo and buy a machine from Bob.

I need a walking foot machine with reverse for thinner leathers, but mostly for bags/purses made with thick canvas, vinyl and padding - in some areas 3/8"-1/2" thick. I need a machine that I can use a right-angle binder with and do controlled delicate work on.

Locally a few machines stand out I'm trying to decide on:

Adler 867 M-class machine with table and clutch motor (I'll need to buy a servo) for $1,500. He said it's about 5 years old.

Juki DNU-1541S basically brand new with clutch motor (would need to buy servo) for $1,400.

Juki LU2210-6 220v machine used in upholstery business for $900 - says I'd need an inverter and small air compressor for home use.

I know I can get the 1541S from Bob for a bit more, but are the other 2 a steal of a deal I shouldn't pass on?

Thanks in advance!

[Matt T]

I would buy from Bob, because you're not factoring in the ability to get service / support for your machine. Just recently I had a screw break in my bobbin case, and couldn't find a replacement part anywhere. Bob sent it to me for free.

Those other machines will end up costing almost the same, have a lot more headaches and no support.

[danicarby]

Hi Matt!

In response to your other comment about getting a cylinder bed machine, I looked into those at first because it gets really awkward working with a bulky 3D object on a flatbed... then I eventually settled on the idea of getting a flatbed first to have for more general sewing purposes. Now you got me to thinking about a cylinder bed again! Oh boy... decisions, decisions!!

IF I did get a cylinder bed I would customize an attachable table to convert it to a 'flat bed' when needed.

Can you use a binder for your Cowboy 227R? What else do you use yours for?

I would probably use the cylinder bed 30% of the time... but the ease of a cylinder bed would be really handy.. plus I like the small table they come with

[LeatherWerks]

I'll only comment about the Juki 1541S as this is one of the machines I own. If you're doing heavy leather, this is not your machine. If you're doing lighter material, then you'll love the Juki. You can get this machine through Keystone in PA new for not much more than 1400.00 but you'll still have to pay shipping. I use it to do upholstery work mostly, and it's a dream to sew with. The heaviest thread I use is #136. It may sew #46 but I've never used thread that small. I'm sure other real experts will chime in...they helped me decide on the Juki. A servo motor is a must, as you can sew at a crawl or as fast as the machine will run. The safety clutch feature, the 'S' in 1541S will save you some repair bills if you happen to sew in to something like a rivet or something that could damage non-safety clutch machines.

Steve

[BDAZ]

Of course Bob sell a "flat table work platform" that attaches to the cylinder machines and converts it to a flat bed. I would definatly consider Bob. An industrial sewing machine makes a pretty big paperweight!

Cya!

Bob

[stanly]

I too would like to know if a binder foot will work on a walking foot machine.

As far as the flatbed vs cylinder arm, I've been told that the rule of thumb is "if you can turn it inside out it can be sewn on a flatbed".

Of course there are some operations that will still be easier on a cylinder arm.

[Matt T]

I'm not sure on the binder, but there is a big list of accessories that bob has to go along with the machines. I would call them up and ask.

[danicarby]

I was going to head down to Bob in Toledo when I thought to call the guy with the Adler 867 and see if he could go lower on his price. He said he could go $1,100 so I checked it out and ended up getting it. It's a really nice machine and I'm excited. Only thing I don't like is it has a clutch motor on. I've heard Bob's servos are good (and I've tested them) and others have also mentioned Efka (I get sucked into the high-end, fancy stuff)! I'm looking into my different options right now and hope to get something mounted soon so I can use it! I really want to make the machine as easy to control as possible.

Once I change to a servo, how do I get the right belt size, or should I be able to use the one from the clutch?

I also contacted kwokhing about a large order of feets and attachments I'm interested in. I scowered their shop for binders for the 867 and only found binder feets/needle plate/feed dog that would go with a binder, but no binder. Fingers crossed they have something!

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

Dani, just because you didn't buy your machine from Bob, doesn't mean he won't service it or sell you what you need for it. He is first rate and I am sure he would help you do what ever it is that you need to do to get your machine working the way you want it.

Bob

[danicarby]

Oh I'd totally take it down in a heartbeat if it wasn't so heavy/awkward to put in the back of my car. It is a huge challenge!

My biggest concern right now is figuring out what motor to get. Buy a $150 servo or go all out and get Efka. I would most likely be selling this machine in 2 years when I move but would like to have a good re-sell value.... unless I get really attached to it like I do with my other machines!