Machine Choice Heavier Than A Juki 1541S

[stickandtin]

In the future, I can see the benefit of having a second machine for wife's upholstery business. I have read the Juki 1508 is the next step up from the 1541S. One advantage of the 1508 is the much larger bobbin. She already has noticed the inconvenience of the smaller 1541S bobbin. I have also read the japanese made Consew is an excellent machine. I have seen used 226 and 206RB-5 machines for sale. Which one is heavier duty and which one would be a step up from the 1541S. Thanks for your help.

[Wizcrafts]

The Juki LU-1508 NH is the next step up. It is still an upholstery grade machine, but uses system 190 needles and the body has been modified to allow the feet to lift and alternate higher (almost 1/2 inch).

[Wizcrafts]

Warning about high lift walking foot machines using system 190 needles

I modified my previous National 300N walking foot machine to this spec. While it did allow me to sew thicker material, it was hell on thin needles sewing thinner leather. I used to break #18 and 19 needles every day I sewed with #69 thread, into 8 ounce hard leather belts. The extra 3/16" length made the thinner needles easier to deflect into the side of the feed dog. The problem resolved itself with #21 and larger needles. Of course, they left a hole that was too big for the thread. I came to the conclusion that this setup is best used with a #23 or #24 needle and #138 or #207 thread.

I later restored the original timing and system 135x(16 or 17) needles and it worked much better with #69 thread

[CowboyBob]

The 1508 bobbin is only 1/8" larger than the 1541,the 226 is smaller & the Consew is the same size.Machines with bobbins that load underneath like the 206 & 1541 will have many parts & be very similar to sew with.The 1508 that loads from the top is easier to jam up if you aren't careful.It is best to stay with a similar machine if you plan on getting another one so your bobbins,threading & operation is pretty much the same.Also id you get spare parts like bobbins,bobbin cases & etc they will interchange.

[stickandtin]

Thanks for the guidance. If I'm reading this right, the Juki 1508 has a different operating system. For some reason, I thought the bobbin on the 1508 was much larger. Thanks for clearing that up. Would the feet from the 1541 work on the 1508. Would the feet from the 1541 work on the consew 206? I guess what I'm trying to figure out is what would be the best route to go for a backup machine. Interchangeable feet would be nice. I've only looked at consew and juki. Are there other machines that would be as good or better? What would you do if you were considering investing in a backup or 2nd machine. Eventually, wife will be reupholstering seats, cushions etc for the vintage travel trailers I restore. Possibly making awnings for the same out of sunbrella and similar material. With that in mind should I be looking for a heavier machine or stick with one similar to the 1541?

[stickandtin]

Found a place in Dallas(Sewing Machine Warehouse) selling a new Consew 206RB-5 with table, light, bobbin winder, thread stand and semi servo motor set up for $1200.00. Ad says semi servo motor has speed adjustment control. What is a "semi servo motor"? I've only heard of a servo motor. Wonder how they can sell this machine set up for so cheap. Are the Consews made in China now?

[SARK9]

Semi Cervo??

Yes, the Consew 206RB-5 is now made in China. However, I've had one for a couple of years and have no real issues with mine.

I would suggest you make sure its been unpacked, assembled, set up and sewn off before you pull the trigger....and see what the local buzz is about dealer support and warranty, especially if you're not a DIY tinkerer type.

I don't think the Consew 206's are really super different than the Juki 1541s though.

-DC

[CowboyBob]

Yes,the 1508,1541,206 & even old Singer 111w,211 feet interchange.

[Wizcrafts]

Juki machines are made to work hard and hold up. Once your wife's business gets moving she will appreciate the higher quality machines they build. The Consew 206RB-5 is a Japanese design that is now assembled in China.

FWIIW, I have a modified Singer walking foot machine that is based on the 111 design. It has been modified to use a Juki LU hook and large bobbin system. It takes a myriad of presser feet made for this ubiquitous type of machine. It is the second most used machine in my shop (next to a Cowboy CB4500). It features Poor Man's Reverse and stitch length adjustment via a knob on the handwheel. It is straight out of the 1960s and works like a charm. It is, however, way to easy to jam the top thread in the bobbin case. My next walking foot machine will have a horizontal shuttle, a stitch length knob on the front and a push down reverse lever, like the Consew 206RB-5 has.

[Wizcrafts]

Member "StickAndTin" asked about an upholstery grade sewing machine that is heavier duty than a Juki DNU-1541s. Here is one that I have seen and operated it in person and it is awesome:

Adler 867 complete

from one of our advertisers, Weaver Leather. I would love to have one of these machines!