Anyone heard of this brand of sewing machines?

[kubacik]

Hello leatherworker community, this is my first post but I learned a lot from you while lurking around before, so thank you is the first thing.

I am about to buy my first sewing machine for leather bags. Im feeling bit lost since its so complex topic.

I am seriously thinking about this machine:

http://cz.strima.com/texi-hd-forte-cilindro-b-uf-premium-exxl-upholstery-and-leather-lockstitch-cylinder-bed-binding-machine-unison-feed-large-hook-servo-motor-needle-positioning-extended-table-top-2-years-warranty/item/1040432/

But I cant find anything about the brand or the machine here or elsewhere. I only found this video:

 

Can you please give your opinion? Since I am in Czech Republic, its hard for me to buy all the nice clones you have in States like Techsew or Cowboy. I want new machine with local support and agents. My budget is 3000 - 4000 euro max.

I need it for chrome tanned leather. I will be using max 2mm thick leather in 4 layers.

Thank you very much for your help.

 

[kubacik]

I should add that second alternative I am considering is Juki LS 1341. I am however bit concerned that its bit too heavy for finer work I want to do. I would like thinner thread and fine stitches. Thanks for considering this alternative too.

[Hockeymender]

Never heard of that brand, but I can say that is a direct knock off (clone, copy) of the Pfaff 335. The 335 is an incredibly versatile machine. Can sew thick to thin. I can say that with confidence owning three of them. 

[Constabulary]

TEXI is sold by some dealers in Germany - another Chinese clone but what I have heard quality is very good approx like GLOBAL sewing machines or the like.... But I never have touched one.

[Uwe]

I've come across the Strima website on a few occasions. They seem to have a good web presence and have a serious business going including their own house-brand TEXI. They're located in Poland, which is probably within day-trip distance from where you are. Shipping sewing machines is always risky. Sieck (http://www.sieck.de/) in Bayreuth, Germany may actually be closer to you - they also have nice used and new gear, including used original Pfaff 335 for 1500 Euro (http://www.sieck.de/maschinen/naehmaschinen-taschen-lederwaren-herstellung/armnaehmaschinen-dreifach-transport/details/7283/).  

[Uwe]

For local support and agents, you need to take a close look at Minerva Boskovice (http://www.minerva-boskovice.com/), right in your back yard. They produce for Durkopp Adler and Global. Seriously high-quality stuff.  

[Kohlrausch]

On 13.8.2016 at 7:16 PM, kubacik said:

 

 

Hi,

 

the Texi is a clone of the Pfaff 335. I have always wondered who would buy a Texi for 3000 Euros when an original Pfaff 335 can be had for 2000 Euros with clutch motor http://www.fbn24.de/epages/64180611.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/64180611/Products/WS0236

and for 2400 Euros with servo motor http://www.fbn24.de/epages/64180611.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/64180611/Products/WS0003

Frank Brunnet would also sell you a servo for 200 Euros, so if you can attach it yourself you have a servo-Pfaff for 2200 Euros. Brunnet also has a Golden Wheel 335, which is a clone of the old casting Pfaff 335, for 1500 Euros: http://www.fbn24.de/epages/64180611.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/64180611/Products/WS0244

 

HTH

Greets

Ralf C.

 

Edited August 15, 2016 by Kohlrausch

[kubacik]

Thank you guys for the comments. This is big investment for me and I cant afford to make a mistake.

So I got in touch with local agent from JUKI, and he seems very helpful and willing to help me set the machine, guide me through first steps etc. at my place, which is huge benefit for me, since its my first machine.

So far it seems I will go for the new JUKI LS 1342 from him for around 3500 Euro.

Again, it is quite important decision that will affect my years to come, so can you please give me your opinion if this is good choice, compared to Pfaff 335, which is my second candidate.

I will use it for bags from chrome tanned leather, max. 4 layers of 2mm. I am trying to do finer things, so it should be able produce nice subtle stitching (as opposite to more "rustic" thick stitching that I try to avoid).

Thank you again.

[Hockeymender]

Just be aware that the 1342 has a larger arm than the 335 does. If getting into tight places on the items you intend to sew is an issue, you might want to rethink your choice. If that's not a concern the 1342 is certainly a more robust machine than the 335, but they both have their place and uses. 

[kubacik]

One last decision to do:

Juki 1342 or Juki 1342-7?

Is the -7 version worth paying over 1500 euros more than for the basic 1342?

You can see all the additional features here, but I cant say that I understand all of them or how important are they:

https://www.juki.co.jp/industrial_e/download_e/catalog_e/ls1340.pdf

Details are on the page 3.

Would by anyone willing to look and give opinion whether the additional features are worth it or just nice to have and rather not important for one man operation without big production ambitions? I was told that they only save some time, but they produce rather same results. 

Thanks again in advance.

 

[brmax]

That's an excellent point " cylinder diameter" so the circle of items to consider, I don't have a clue of alllll the items to consider so will say as an example putting a pair of gloves for the finer among us on the cylinder to sew a seam.

10.5" circumference and about 3.25" dia for the 1341 machine this maybe the same as the 1342 but some have different options to take a look at.

If that doesn't ring think cool cup!

good day there

Floyd

[dikman]

3 hours ago, kubacik said:

 just nice to have and rather not important for one man operation without big production ambitions? I was told that they only save some time, but they produce rather same results. 
 

 

I think that sums it up pretty well. It's designed to enable the fitting of additional features, such as pneumatic operation and computer control. If you've got the money they might be nice to have but hardly necessary for most people's needs. That extra 1500Euros could buy a lot of leather, thread and needles!