Chinese knock offs

[Nightshade]

Has anyone tried or seen reviews for the Chinese knock offs of machines like the Juki DDL8700?

 

I'm getting into machine sewn holsters and knife sheaths. I've looked at a Juki DNU1541S and Cowboy 3200. But cost is a factor to see if these lines will be a viable addition. I'm also looking for a machine that can handle thinner garment, 2-4oz layers, for some of the reenactor and biker stuff I do. 

 

Heres a link to a knock of I saw...

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sewing-Machine-with-Table-Servo-Motor-Stand-LED-Lamp-Quality-Stitcher-Manual/392106527423?_trkparms=aid%3D444000%26algo%3DSOI.DEFAULT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D53210%26meid%3D3f7afaddf679482190d37e4ec6f7eb3b%26pid%3D100752%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D173283495047%26itm%3D392106527423&_trksid=p2047675.c100752.m1982

[TomG]

The listing says it's a chain stitch machine.  If I remember correctly, that's the type of stitch that you see on top of dog food bags so you can remove a lock stitch at one end and pull the thread end. You literally unzip the bag. Not what you want for leather, clothing or any durable goods.

Plus, it sounds pretty lightweight. 

Hopefully, someone much more knowledgable than me will chime in.

Tom

[Nightshade]

I did some more poking and it looks like the same California Chinese sales group, the ones that have 126 different seller ids all selling the same stuff within pennies of the same price, are selling Juki 8700s complete for $700 shipped.

 

I just don't know if the 8700 will do what I want. I'd like to get the Cowboy 3200, but he wants $1650, that's almost new cost less shipping.

 

 Then I saw this...

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Extra-Heavy-Single-Needle-Cylinder-Bed-Compound-Feed-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine/142027698300?hash=item211182b07c:g:cCUAAOSw1ZBUuGLq

[billybopp]

Personally, I wouldn't risk buying one of these and would buy from a known reputable dealer such as the ones listed in banner ads up at the top of the page here at LWN.  They go through the machines they sell and set them up properly to sew leather before delivery to you.  They also provide superb after-sales support both here and by phone.  If you buy a no-name machine, you may be totally on your own for initial setup, parts and support.   Unless you have LOTS of experience with industrial sewing machines, that is certainly worth the relatively small price difference.

Just my opinion, FWIW

- Bill

[kgg]

Hi Nightshade,

You are looking at three different machines made for doing three different functions. The Chinese machine on ebay is listed as a chain stitch machine which is made mostly for the garment industry you need a lockstitch, the Juki 1541S is a good machine but I wouldn't attempt to use mine for anything close to holster work where as the Cowboy CB3200 would I think be the smallest size to do some types of holster work.

If the cost of a new machine is above the budget I would visit a brick / mortar dealer and bring along a sample of what you are wanting to sew to test drive a good used machine. I would stay away from the Chinese knockoffs on ebay and deal with someone who will give you support. You will need to decide which type of machine will give you the best bang for your buck capable of doing what you mostly do. Flatbed vs Cylinder vs Cylinder with table top attachment.

kgg

 

[Wizcrafts]

@Nightshade

I have an entire sewing room full of industrial and non-industrial sewing machines. Some are heavier duty than others. What I have learned over the decades I've been doing this are that one should purchase the best built machines that can perform particular desired jobs best and with the least downtime and that have plenty of aftermarket or real market parts available.

To that end, while my primary bevy of machines are all walking foot or patcher machines, I do have one straight stitch tailoring machine that is best used on garments and satin linings. That machine is a 1920s Singer 31-15. It shares an industrial 20x48 inch table with an early model Singer 111w153 walking foot machine. I swap out the walking font machine for the 31-15, move the knee lever and adjust the motor position to accommodate the bottom feeder. That ancient Singer machine does a beautiful job on materials too light for any walking foot mechanism. Best of all I only paid $180 for that machine, including the table (Craigslist ad). I did swap out the old clutch motor for a servo motor I got from Toledo Industrial Sewing Machines.

If you search your local (SC) Craigslist you can probably find some inexpensive low speed (manually oiled) Singer or Consew sewing machines, or even real Juki machines at a price you can afford. Then you will have enough left to order a brand new CB3200.

BTW: Since you plan to sew holsters and sheathes, consider saving up for a full blown CB4500 instead. It sews over 3/4 inch, while the 3200 stops at 1/2 inch.

[Nightshade]

 I'm looking at a couple of used on local CL, an Artisan 618-1SC, a Singer 112w140 and a Singer 128 that was refurbished. I have one that needs a good cleaning and tune up but is much too light for anything more than 2 thicknesses of garment. I also have a White Rotary, 50s vintage, good for about the same.

 

To start with my plan was to make concealment holsters and mad pouches then reinvest in a better machine, like the 4500, for cowboy or duty type work. Retasking the starter machine to chaps and saddlebags after getting the bigger machine.

[kgg]

Forget the Singer 128 it is a domestic sewing machine that has a vibrating shuttle, a long thin bobbin, with low capacity that rest inside a boat shaped shuttle. The very max thread size that I could push through with the 127's and 128's I once owned was v92 and the shuttle a lot of times will not work properly from one machine to another. If you are looking at portable machine with a walking foot consider machines like Reliable Barracuda or a Techsew 611. These are about $500 US new.

kgg

[dikman]

Cost is nearly always a factor, but if you have a market for your products then the initial outlay will be money well spent. If you're purely a hobbyist, as many on here are, then it can be hard to justify the expenditure. If all you're going to make is pancake-type concealed holsters then a CB3200 would be a great machine, but if you intend doing Western-style holsters then you'll really need a CB4500, anything smaller is not going to be suitable.

[Nightshade]

What I mostly make is stuff for reenactors and medieval faires. I have a bit of extra money and I'm looking to reinvest. I'm also recovering from rotator cuff surgery and wont be able to do much until around the first of the year.

 

I'm trying to move more to a wholesale/consignment business model rather than direct retail in that market and expanding into other area like holsters and motorcycle leather.

Edited August 26, 2018 by Nightshade