First Machine. Juki Dnu-1541 , Highlead Gc20618-1 , Highlead Gc0618-1-Sc , Typical Gc 6-7, Gc0628

[cristabel]

Hello

I am new here, so hello to everybody.

I am from Poland and there is not much info about industrial machines in Polish sites, actually I have found nothing about it. I keep visiting this forum for month, and the same time I am searching info about sewing leather.

I sell clothes online for 9 years and I decided to start making some of my own. I have familiar, very talented tailor, but she has only old light weight sewing machines.

Now I am looking for my first machine for leather.

My favorites for now are:

1. one of less expensive: HIGHLEAD GC0618-1-SC , TYPICAL GC 6-7 or GC0628 (Juki 241H clone).

2. little pricier: JUKI DNU-1541 or HIGHLEAD GC20618-1.

More expensive machines have vertical bobbin and there is one difference I can find myself. Is this important? Or maybe they have more features, more important.

I have no idea how it goes so I am not sure is it worth to spend much money. But if sewing will be worth it or just give me fun, hobby and good spending my time - I don't want that for couple years it will turn out I could spend little more and make sewing much easier and just nicer.

Oh, I forgot to mension - I have no clue about sewing.... for now.

I have Highlead major distributor in my city, 10minutes from my home, but I don't know how to compare to Juki - can I or my tailor will know the diffrence (she do her job 50years). I think it is major Highlead's advantage for me. But Juki is very known in Poland, and it is Japanese.

Please treat me with indulgence, I don't want to ask stupid questions, I just don't want to spend 1-2.000$ in stupid way.

Regards.

Damian

[Wizcrafts]

Juki makes top of the line sewing machinery. The 1541 is a very good machine for light to medium weight material. It will easily make clothing.

If you should decide to venture into also producing leather clothing and accessories, a Juki LU-1508 is one of the best in the business, for walking foot, flat bed machines.

These are just recommendations. You should bring your tailor along when you go to look at machines. The actual sewer will know which machine is best for the tasks at hand.

[cristabel]

Hello

Really thank You.

But.... I can't find anywhere in Poland Juki LU-1508. I send couple request to mashines selling companies, I will wait.

But If I may, can You tell me what is the difference between DNU 1541 and 1508? Why 1508 is better for accesories?

And is rest of machines I mentioned is not worth to think? I will focus on Juki then.

Regards

[Wizcrafts]

But If I may, can You tell me what is the difference between DNU 1541 and 1508? Why 1508 is better for accesories?

And is rest of machines I mentioned is not worth to think? I will focus on Juki then.

Regards

The 1508 is a beefed model, with higher presser foot lift. It was designed to sew leather goods and even some shoes. It can take more pounding than the 1541 before wearing out. Also, it has extra clearance inside the head to allow for longer needles and higher sewing thickness: about 12 mm. Without this extra clearance one cannot sew a compressed thickness beyond 10 mm.

Even with these improvements and higher lift (plus longer needles), the 1508 is not a substitute for a harness stitcher, like the Juki 441 or Adler 205 and their clones, that many leather crafters here are using.

Highlead is a well respected brand name, Worldwide. If you will have dealer support in your own locality for a Highlead machine, you probably won't be sorry. Also, if you decide you need something stronger, your dealer may allow some value on a trade in.

Edited May 4, 2014 by Wizcrafts

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Just for the record here, Juki DNU-1541 and Juki LU-1508 both have the same presser foot lift of 16mm using the knee lifter.

[Wizcrafts]

Just for the record here, Juki DNU-1541 and Juki LU-1508 both have the same presser foot lift of 16mm using the knee lifter.

Greg is right, in that the standard build of the LU-1508 has the same foot lift and sewing capacity as most other walking foot machines. I mistakenly forgot to append the "NH" designation when I mentioned this particular Juki machine. The LU-1508NH has higher lift and sewing clearances and uses system 190 needles.

I modified my National 300N to sew just under 1/2 inch, using system 190 needles. Because these needles are 3/16" longer than standard system 135x16 and 17 needles, the bottom of the needle bar, at BDC, is also that much higher. This allows the presser feet to be raised 3/16" higher using the knee lever. The hand lift lever only raises them the standard height.

[gottaknow]

I bought a new Highlead 3 step zig-zag a few weeks ago. I could tell it was made in China, I had to make some changes on the thread guides but aside from that, it's working good. When I buy a new machine, I usually remove the hook and re-polish them. I was pleased to find a Japanese made Seiko hook. I would consider looking at some of their other models as I need to. The top arm mounted bobbin winder failed after two weeks, so I installed a standard winder. I knew it would fail, rubber vs metal. Good luck with the new machine purchase!

Regards, Eric

[cristabel]

Thank You guys. I think I will go for 1541. I found lu-1508, but it cost here over 3.000$. I think for first machine 1541 will be ok. If somehow I will manage my new job with success I will buy 441 or its substitute.

But 1541 is not something I will regret, right?

Best regards

[Constabulary]

Have you ever considered buying a used machine? Or do the above mentioned machines have some special features you need?

[cristabel]

I though about Adler 167 or 267.

But I am not sure what condition it will be. And anyway they cost 700-1000$.

You have something on Your mind?

[Constabulary]

No, it was just an idea. Well, I think most of the used Adler machines are not worn out. They normally last for decades.

Are you looking for a cylinder machine? If not I have my hands on a Dürkopp 239 flat bed machine with compound feed (triple feed).

Just for the case you are interested but I live in Germany.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

;)Again Mr. Wiz, I must interject...

[cristabel]

One more question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIayaGo8ge0

what is this machine? It is flat bed? cylinder?

[Wizcrafts]

One more question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIayaGo8ge0

what is this machine? It is flat bed? cylinder?

Nope and nope. It is a post machine with a roller feed. These are typical machines for the shoe and hat trades.

[cristabel]

Hello

One more question

Is Juki 1541 will sewn through butt or yuft 5mm leather?