Cowboy 1508 vs Juki 1508

[cdecaire]

Hey all,

I've been trying to do some research and learn more about the differences between the 2 machines. After talking to Bob at Toledo Sewing he simply stated they were identical, just different brand names and the parts were interchangeable, etc. The Cowboy retails new about $500 less than the Juki ($1900ish) with table/servo motor.

Does anyone have any experience with the Cowboy 1508? Any thoughts, reviews, or criticisms? It seems like most folks are happy with their Cowboys in general, and have mostly positive things to say about Bob/Toledo Sewing so that's reassuring.

 

Thanks.

[brmax]

Very interesting!

I have not seen this new addition to their machine lineup. 

 

Good day

Floyd

[R8R]

Genuine 1508's are some of the Juki machines still made in Japan. The ones I've seen and briefly used are nice machines. Smooth and quiet.

Artisan offers a 1508NH (heavy version) clone for $1700. Their machines are decent and they know how to time and tune for heavy.

 

That said, clones are clones.

[R8R]

Also, I can vouch for Artisan's table stands. They are well made and sturdy, I have two in my shop now, one under my 2810 and one I just picked up to go under Mauser 335. (they share the building with my Juki dealer in SF).

[kgg]

First Juki is what all the clones are being copied after these days regardless of who's badge is on the machine. I could be wrong but the last info I had was the Juki 1541's were the only ones now being made in Japan and the rest in China. Since this is going to be a large outlay of cash I would suggest visiting a Juki dealer with a sample of material and see what results their machines can offer then go to Toledo Sewing with the same sample and compare or vice versa. Compare the sewing results, the sound of the machines (does one sound rough in comparison to the other), balance of the machine (vibrations), speed control, availability of accessories and most importantly dealer support.

Dealer support before and after the sale plays a very important part in the purchase of a new machine. Having a dealer relatively close, willing and able to tune your machine to your needs can be invaluable. Then you can make a educated decision as to which machine will be the best for you and your money.

Since I am in Canada, I have not tried or seen any of the machines like the Cobras, Cowboys, Artisans and others which are common amongst a lot of the US members but have fine reputations for their machines and support. When I compared a couple of clone machines against the Juki machines up here there was no comparison they sounded like a bucket of bolts banging around in comparison and just as if not more expensive. I purchased the Juki 1541s for my needs. I figured Buy once, Cry once.

My two cents worth,

kgg

[cdecaire]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

I'm planning on taking a day to head over to Toledo sewing and see some samples and view the machine, not sure if he will have a juki setup to show as well, but could be nice to see both in person and compare.

I've never used a sewing machine, and this will be my first. I'm definitely in the mindset of spending the money on something that will be right rather than trying to save a few bucks unless there is no noticeable difference.

I'm not even sure I will be able to tell the difference in person since I have no experience with the machines.

[kgg]

Explain to the people what you are planning on sewing mostly from the thinnest to the thickest material. Remember there is no one machine for everything that is why a lot of people have more then one machine. I would also look at the following video's by Sewing Gold as they give a good comparison between the Juki ddl 8700 (taylor machine) the du 1181n walking foot and the dnu-1541s (unison feed) all sewing the same light, medium and heavy fabrics. The Juki dnu 1508 (unison feed) will be supposedly a little heavier duty then the 1541s with a double thread adjustment.

They have good sound and video as a future comparison reference.

kgg

Juki ddl-8700

Juki DU-1181N

 

Juki DNU-1541S

 

[cdecaire]

Thanks, KGG.

Yea, I suppose I could have shared some background information and I definitely understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to sewing machines and projects.  I'm primarily making wallets, passport/field notes wallets, belts, bracelets, and small bags (Dopp kits) for travel, etc. that are all relatively flat.

 

I'm not stitching anything more than a couple of 3-5oz layers of leather, other than belts (9-13oz) but I rarely stitch those and if needed can continue to do those by hand. From an aesthetic perspective, I prefer the tighter stitching from smaller thread and needles for my projects (size 69-138).

So something like a cowboy 3200 or similar isn't ideal, as I'm not a fan of the stitching size, I don't need to stitch anything that heavy and while a cylinder arm isn't totally out of the question, as noted earlier, I'm mostly stitching flat items.

Cost wise, I'd love to find a used Juki in the $1700-2000 range but after a few months of browsing here and craigslist, etc, I haven't seen a single one popup.

I'm ready to pull the trigger on a new machine which is why I originally called toledo sewing and Bob proposed their cowboy 1508 as an alternative for $1900 which saves me some cash but with such an important investment, I wasn't sure on the build quality of the cowboy vs Juki. 

 

Edited October 24, 2018 by cdecaire
grammar

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

15 hours ago, kgg said:

I could be wrong but the last info I had was the Juki 1541's were the only ones now being made in Japan and the rest in China.

kgg

Juki DNU-1541 and DNU-1541S are made in Japan.

[R8R]

Singer 111W155 right now on CL:

https://columbus.craigslist.org/art/d/commercial-sewing-machine/6730889756.html

This is a well loved machine on this forum. Tons of info.

There is not a more ubiquitous or venerable machine than that. Pretty much every compound walking foot machine made has this machine's DNA.

Literally million of parts have been made for it. Will sew wallets and the like all day every day. SUPER tough. Can be serviced by dunking the whole head in kerosene and re-oiling. (seriously)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 24, 2018 by R8R
spellings

[R8R]

Consew 226:

https://columbus.craigslist.org/atq/d/consew-226r-1-sewing-machine/6729083278.html

 

Descendant of the 111W, but with a reverse lever. This machine will also eat wallets for breakfast.

[R8R]

Note with either of the above 2 machines they are so cheap you can add a very good servo motor, spend a little money on getting it timed and tuned, and still be well below like $800. You could even buy both and add nice servos for less than a Juki.

Just food for thought, there are options.

[katit]

7 minutes ago, R8R said:

Just food for thought, there are options.

I wish we had those choices here in St Louis  

NONE since July.

[cdecaire]

Thanks R8R.

I might have to follow up on that 226. I had been looking around and saw nothing for the past few months. I probably last checked 3 days ago right before that was posted. lol.

[R8R]

1 hour ago, cdecaire said:

Thanks R8R.

I might have to follow up on that 226. I had been looking around and saw nothing for the past few months. I probably last checked 3 days ago right before that was posted. lol.

Cool. That said, if it seems like a junker and the owner is clueless, no big deal walking away.