Juki 1341 experience? pros cons?

[plinkercases]

To start yes I did a forum search and read up on wherever this machine appeared but I am now just looking for specific feed back on it from those who know it or use one?

So... I do all kinds of stuff of varying thicknesses but for the gun leather and sheaths thicker stuff usually hand sew or use my Boss. I am considering investing in a machine that can run from the upholstery leather stuff up to perhaps 2x11 oz = 22/64 = 2.75/8 (if my math hasn't failed me.. again). I have a line on a new in box Juki 1341 with stand et al for a very good wholesale Canadian Dollar price.

I will not be in any way a production shop any time soon and more for a Jobby (Hobby that pays a little) but I would like to pay and cry once for machine that will serve my light duty use for the coming years.

I know it is server motor, walking foot top and bottom feed, large bobbin, tub arm, and can pass 3/8th total thickness under the needle.

I am not really looking for alternatives just some feed back on this particular machine right now if you don't mind. Unless of course someone has a great deal here in Ontario on an equal or better machine for less than $1900CND....

Thanks in advance for any knowledge you can share about this machine.

[Wizcrafts]

Have you checked with Techsew yet? They are located in Montreal, Canada and carry all major brands, plus their own Techsew badged clones. Techsew is a long time advertiser and supporter of Leatherworker.net.

Was the $1900 price for a machine purchased inside Canada, from a Juki dealer? That is not such a bad deal considering the conversion of your dollar and, that if anything goes wrong, you can probably have it serviced without it leaving the Country.

[plinkercases]

Yup purchased from the importer direct and tax in, Canadian dollars and I can drive there to get it. he also does service so one stop shop. As I say I am not shopping around per se so I have checked out anything else but just walked in this opportunity and am wondering about this particular machine and if it is OK for my needs.

[Wizcrafts]

My last Juki was an LU-563. The 1541 shares a lot of features with that old model. Both use large LU bobbins that hold a lot more thread than even the large M style bobbins used in some industrial sewing machines. The 1541 is more geared toward casual users than the more expensive 1508 series. It should sew 10mm thickness, but that is the maximum. After that, parts will hit each other and all hell will break loose (literally).

[Wizcrafts]

Make sure you get a demo of the machine sewing your own leather. Ask all kinds of operational questions. Record the demo sewing and all adjustment tutorials you are offered. Buy all manner of needles, bobbins and thread. Buy a quart of Juki oil. Get thread snips. Make sure you are comfortable with the position of the knee lever, or get it readjusted before you take the machine home. Get any accessory feet, folders and edge guides at the time of the sale.

Juki machines are well built, no matter which Country has the factory. The parts and tolerances are high quality. Parts are available all over the World and there are hundreds of aftermarket accessories that fit them.

[plinkercases]

Thanks Wiz. You are saying 1531 but I assume you do mean the 1341 I am looking at. Whichever I am sure most comments would apply anyhow.

The manufacturer's site says presser foot by knee 16mm so that's good.

Good to know they are well manufactured and serviceable.

I would like to here from anyone who has used one? the search of the site seems to indicate a few folks own them but they were old threads.

[brmax]

That's a pretty nice price so I would consider it for that money, though It would be great if some 1341 operators chime in that have stitched a lot of thick stuff and for sure if they put some layers of leather or any gear like  2 x 11oz on that particular machine.  At the moment I'm showing .344" on my calculator of 11/64 x 2 but its a new one.

My 1341 will stick with the lighter stuff for a bit, as I haven't tried it on any heavy duty, and would most likely push that project under a bigger foot machine unless it needs or request a small cylinder arm, I'm mean 2 layers of that may need bigger thread securing that.

But again great price for a Juki.

Good day there

Floyd

 

[plinkercases]

What do you use yours for project wise and max thickness? What is your max thread and needle size you run? Happy with it?

And yes 2x11 oz = .344 = 8.74mm so technically it could fit under 10-16mm lift but as you say..

And thanks for a nod on the price.

Starting to really consider this now.

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, plinkercases said:

Thanks Wiz. You are saying 1531 but I assume you do mean the 1341 I am looking at. Whichever I am sure most comments would apply anyhow.

The manufacturer's site says presser foot by knee 16mm so that's good.

Good to know they are well manufactured and serviceable.

I would like to here from anyone who has used one? the search of the site seems to indicate a few folks own them but they were old threads.

My bad. Sorry bout that Chief. I am not yet versed on the 1341. But, I can tell you from my very brief investigation, they sell for the mid to high 4k US range. That would put the price in Canadian dollars at least at $5,000. So, I assume you are buying a very used machine for only $1900 CDN

[brmax]

I work with canvas projects and maybe an 1/8" over seams so not a comparison with the sheaths and leather gear projects.

At this time I haven't a lot of time on it, and honestly set it up for canvas exclusively, it is quite the machine and I am here to first help in your search but would like to hit myself in the head if you can get a new one for 1900. Canadian/1450.US they can run twice that amount.

In my opinion I see you work with more holsters so recommend something with heavier thread, this in my small opinion is best suited to the lighter work on your site, and nice site by the way.

If you decide this, please look with some others here on that particular, but in any account it will stitch all day long forever the stuff I do.