Reliable brand machines

[lovetocreate]

Sorry if this has been asked before,  I really can't find any  reviews/opinions on the Reliable 4200sw or 4400sw walking foot machines.   I am considering purchasing one of these two models or the Juki 1541, which I have found reviews on.  After talking with someone at a Juki distributor, I found out that they do not recommend that a synchronizor (needle positioner) be put on the the 1541.  I think I would find one very helpful, as my home sewing machine have this feature.  Initially, I would like to make leather purses, but also am looking for a machine that will be able to go through thicker leather when I progress to making other items in the future.  I would appreciate  any input.  Thank you.

[R8R]

Did they give any particular arguments against attaching a positioner to a 1541? I don't see why a Reliable machine would be a more likely candidate.

With the right setup and the right motor you can probably attach a positioner to just about any machine. On larger machines you might not be able to go full throttle, as they simply have more inertia and the positioning will not be accurate. At the lower speeds you'd be running for leather it's probably not a big deal.

[R8R]

Also the Reliable 4200 is a 1541 clone, so if the distributor is correct, you can't put a positioner on that one either. I don't think that is right though.

The 4400 is a Mitsubishi clone btw.

[lovetocreate]

13 minutes ago, R8R said:

Did they give any particular arguments against attaching a positioner to a 1541? I don't see why a Reliable machine would be a more likely candidate.

With the right setup and the right motor you can probably attach a positioner to just about any machine. On larger machines you might not be able to go full throttle, as they simply have more inertia and the positioning will not be accurate. At the lower speeds you'd be running for leather it's probably not a big deal.

Thank you for replying.  I talked with someone who works in the NJ distribution center, he told me no, that they don't put them on, nor do they recommend it.   A head technician  I spoke with said that they install it at the facility before they ship them out.

 

[lovetocreate]

15 minutes ago, R8R said:

Also the Reliable 4200 is a 1541 clone, so if the distributor is correct, you can't put a positioner on that one either. I don't think that is right though.

The 4400 is a Mitsubishi clone btw.

Thank you for your reply.  I spoke with a technician at Reliable in Canada, he said that they install the positioner before they send them out (so they are sanctioned by Reliable)... Juki does not approve them according to the rep at the distribution center. Interesting.....

 

Edited February 8, 2018 by lovetocreate

[Yetibelle]

I think we should take a moment to define what a "electronic needle positioner" does.  In the most basic sense it allows you to program repetitive work-flows.  So you place your item under the needle and press the button and it drops the foot and needle sews/backstitch sews 10 more inches backstitch, lift foot cut thread move on to the next piece.  This can save a lot of time if you are making 50-100 pieces at once.  This Pfaff 2545 has this built-in, plus it has larger bobbins.  Some other "EPS" systems setups essentially do the same thing but you can change the patterns and stitch style (if you have zig-zag) and get really complex fork-flows to the point it is automated and you don't even need to guide the project the machine will do all the work.

 

 

[R8R]

2 minutes ago, Yetibelle said:

I think we should take a moment to define what a "electronic needle positioner" does.  In the most basic sense it allows you to program repetitive work-flows.  So you place your item under the needle and press the button and it drops the foot and needle sews/backstitch sews 10 more inches backstitch, lift foot cut thread move on to the next piece.  This can save a lot of time if you are making 50-100 pieces at once.  This Pfaff 2545 has this built-in, plus it has larger bobbins.  Some other "EPS" systems setups essentially do the same thing but you can change the patterns and stitch style (if you have zig-zag) and get really complex fork-flows to the point it is automated and you don't even need to guide the project the machine will do all the work.

 

 

That is a machine with all the bells and whistles and the correct motor contoller to operate the backtack, trimmer etc.

I think we are talking about just the needle  positioner device and slightly better than basic motor that has this option, nothing more. I would think most any machine that can accept the bushing screwed into the main shaft could accept the positioner, (as long as there is room to mount it solidly) then it's a matter of how good is your motor and what speeds are you running.

[lovetocreate]

Thank you for the information Yetibelle.    What I am referring to simply returns the needle to a full up or down position with a slight tap of the foot pedal.  I have this option in my home sewing machines.  Some have called it a synchronizer and others a needle positioner.  

Edited February 8, 2018 by lovetocreate

[Techsew Ron]

4 hours ago, lovetocreate said:

 After talking with someone at a Juki distributor, I found out that they do not recommend that a synchronizor (needle positioner) be put on the the 1541.  I think I would find one very helpful, as my home sewing machine have this feature.  

 

There's no reason why one wouldn't be able to install a needle position motor on either machine. Could be that the dealer simply doesn't want to. You should have them do it before shipping it out.

[dikman]

When I bought one of my servos I bought a needle positioner as well (seemed like a good idea at the time). I tried it, of course, but soon took it off as I found that with the slow speeds used for sewing leather it wasn't really needed (and, in truth) I found it a bit of a nuisance.