Juki Machine Identification and Tips for Buying Used

[Askal]

Hi folks, bit of story time to preface my questions:

I was trawling CL for woodworking/general handiwork tools when I came across a listing for a welding shop closing out. I noticed a few things in my wheelhouse I'd be interested in... and this sewing machine. Sewing is not my wheelhouse, but it piqued my interest since it looks well built. It could be a nice gift for mom! So I began looking up vintage Juki machines and comparing visually, which has left me thinking it might be a 562 or 563? My leatherworking experience has been limited to hand stitching so far, but I'm interested in learning to sew by machine, for clothing alterations and making things from canvas. A leather-capable machine would be a huge plus. At the very least, I always hate to let a good tool languish or deteriorate when I can help it live on to find capable hands and good work.

Thing is, I have no experience with sewing machines whatsoever, other than my curiosity and being around mom and grandma. Do I know restoring woodworking handtools? You bet, inside and out. Shop machinery? As needed. That's been enough that I know to check for condition, electrical wiring compatibility, missing parts, ease of replacement, etc. but when it comes to knowing how to check for those when it comes to sewing machines? I am a complete and utter neophyte.

I don't think the seller will know much. He's a welder, and I've found from past experience that workshops here tend to accumulate things as they change hands, with new owners not having a clue about what they've held on to if crafts differ. This could be a plus, as I could get a great machine at a steal, but it may (probably does) also mean it's in less than stellar condition.

So, situation explained, I'm hoping for advice from you lovely people as to what model I'm looking at exactly, what to look for when actually on site with the seller, and anything else you think I should know. Here's the picture from the CL listing. Thanks for your time!

Edited August 25, 2018 by Askal

[Uwe]

It sure looks like a Juki LU-562 or LU-563 to me. The two are identical except the LU-563 has a larger bobbin/hook. Reverse lever is a good sign - that means it's not one of the odd "Subclass 3" machines without reverse. The type plate is normally just below the reverse lever handle. Ask for a picture of that area.

They're GREAT machines, really, but don't tell the seller that. More like "You want how much for this tired old thing?"

[DonInReno]

To give you an idea for what a lu-562 sells for on eBay - on the low end for just the head and a sewing sample so it is at least capable of sewing - I can’t remember seeing one for less than $400US plus another $90US to $125US for shipping.

You will want to look it over closely for cracks - it’s not a big stretch of the imagination that someone brought it in to see if a cracked frame can be repaired and either balked at the repair cost after the repair and didn’t pick it up, or balked at the repair cost up front and just left it with them as scrap.  In the few dozen welding shops I’ve visited over the years I’ve never seen one with an industrial machine, although making custom rain or dust covers for equipment isn’t uncommon so it’s not out of the question it was actually used at the shop.

How fun - it is a great machine.

[dikman]

As long as the frame isn't damaged it could be a good buy, tell them it's an unknown quantity because they can't tell you if it's working and the table looks pretty knocked around. Turn the handwheel and make sure that the needle bar/feet move up and down with no binding and there's no funny noises.

If you get it at a good price but it proves to have a problem you can always sell it for spares.

[Askal]

 

21 hours ago, Uwe said:

It sure looks like a Juki LU-562 or LU-563 to me. The two are identical except the LU-563 has a larger bobbin/hook. Reverse lever is a good sign - that means it's not one of the odd "Subclass 3" machines without reverse. The type plate is normally just below the reverse lever handle. Ask for a picture of that area.

They're GREAT machines, really, but don't tell the seller that. More like "You want how much for this tired old thing?"

Wow, these are definitely things I wouldn't have noticed, or even known to check for. The shop is actually in walking distance for me, and the owner is still there regularly, just at reduced hours; he's fine with me stopping by with just a call to give a heads up. I can always come and go, without asking for pictures and revealing my real level of interest- you know, help sell the line better 

What would I be be looking for on the type plate?

20 hours ago, DonInReno said:

To give you an idea for what a lu-562 sells for on eBay - on the low end for just the head and a sewing sample so it is at least capable of sewing - I can’t remember seeing one for less than $400US plus another $90US to $125US for shipping.

You will want to look it over closely for cracks - it’s not a big stretch of the imagination that someone brought it in to see if a cracked frame can be repaired and either balked at the repair cost after the repair and didn’t pick it up, or balked at the repair cost up front and just left it with them as scrap.  In the few dozen welding shops I’ve visited over the years I’ve never seen one with an industrial machine, although making custom rain or dust covers for equipment isn’t uncommon so it’s not out of the question it was actually used at the shop.

How fun - it is a great machine.

 

20 hours ago, dikman said:

As long as the frame isn't damaged it could be a good buy, tell them it's an unknown quantity because they can't tell you if it's working and the table looks pretty knocked around. Turn the handwheel and make sure that the needle bar/feet move up and down with no binding and there's no funny noises.

If you get it at a good price but it proves to have a problem you can always sell it for spares.

Whoa. I did search the forum for Juki posts to make sure I don't retread questions regulars would be sick of, and saw prices for known quantity machines that got me wide eyed, but didn't think even low end would be that much. Assuming it isn't a good fit for a full restoration, it's great to know there's still demand for a basically functioning machine, and that I can part out while funding my existing addictions hobbies! Thanks for the tips, I will check for any cracks and frame damage.

I'll keep you all updated. 

Edited August 26, 2018 by Askal