Juki LU 563 or new Sailrite Fabricator?

[RecklessRed]

I am making small purses of light chap leather and another product of 5/6 oz oil tanned, ? backed with 10/11oz doublr shoulder.  Have a Singer132K1 for the heavier stuff which handles it with ease but has no reverse. I am looking at a clean Juki LU563 with new servo motor set up and tested for $1100, or buying a new Sailrite Fabricator. Any thoughts please

Edited March 30, 2019 by RecklessRed
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[mikesc]

I am looking at a clean Juki LU563 with new servo motor set up and tested for $1100

Yes..In a heartbeat..( they can be found cheaper, but "tested" is important if you want to be in production without delay(s) ) ..

Sailrite Fabricator...Absolutely not..


It is like comparing a Mercedes..against a Trabant..

Yes..I've owned a few Mercedes, and driven more..and driven a few Trabants..owned a few Jukis, amongst other brands ( still have one Juki DLU 490-4 , not a LU 563 ) and other machines, mainly industrial Singers..and sewed ( if one can call it that ) , very briefly with a few Sailrights, which belonged to other people ) ..horrible ( very expensive for what they are ) nasty , rattly, clattery, imprecise, badly made things..

Edited March 30, 2019 by mikesc

[RecklessRed]

Thank you Mikesc.  I appreciate your input. Going to. Check out the Juki this week.  Haven't had the chance to sew on either so hard to compare.

[dikman]

5 hours ago, mikesc said:

 ..horrible ( very expensive for what they are ) nasty , rattly, clattery, imprecise, badly made things..
 

But Mike, what do you really think of them?

[kgg]

I think you are on the right track with looking into the Juki however if you only want / need a walking foot I would suggest that you look at a new Juki DU-1118n for about $1200 US with a servo motor set-up. I think the Juki LU-563 is getting a little long in the tooth and is way over priced. If you bought the new Juki DU-1118n you would still be less then the Sailrite Fabricator and have similar capabilities.

kgg

[SilverForgeStudio]

I will advise to consider three things when selecting a machine-

1. Resale value. The Juki will hold it- the Sailrite will not
2. Buy a machine that is one level higher than you- it will handle everything you are doing with ease and in the event you grow- you are not immediately looking for a new machine. (The Sailrite in itself CAN do what you are asking it to- but it can not grow easily as it is a standalone niche machine)
3. Service and part availability- Juki has a network like many of the long time production machines of service centers and parts suppliers

Kgg has a great idea with servo control- and if you are serious about production work this is your best avenue from my viewpoint- Full disclosure- I am testing and playing with Juki, Pfaff and Singers at several places near me to evaluate what type/model I am in need of- I am in search as you are of a machine... and this advice has steered me clear of obsolete or outdated machines that were "Great Deals" but I could not get parts for or found out they would require major costs for service/parts.

[RecklessRed]

Thank you kgg and Silver Forge. Sounds like good advice.  Should be able to look and compare several machines this week.  I appreciate your viewpoints.

[CowboyBob]

I hate to disagree with anyone but the Juki DU-1118N is more of a canvas machine,it has feed dogs the help pull the material,the upper feet also have teeth & does not have a needlefeed that the Juki 1541S has which is a way better machine for leather,the feed dog has teeth on them BUT since it is a needlefeed they can be ground off & it won't affect it at all.

[kgg]

I do agree that the Juki 1541S would be a lot better machine and choice if the budget allows.

kgg

[SilverForgeStudio]

Not a chance Bob- your advice is always welcome- you have steered me in more ways than you know with your previous thread messages- welcome to the party!

[CowboyBob]

The Juki 563 @ $1.100.00 is 1/2 price of the new 1508 &  in good condition it's worth it.You might even be able to get them down alittle on the price.

[RecklessRed]

Really appreciate all of the specific information available here. You all are so informative and I feel now that I can ask appropriate questions and make a better decision. Will be able to see the machines in a week and hopefully bring one home. Leaning toward the 1541.  Thank you for sharing your experience, it is invaluable.

[Pintodeluxe]

I might be biased because I use a Juki 563 as my primary machine.  It is built like a tank for an upholstery weight machine.  I never weighed it, but it feels a good 5-8# heavier than a comparable Consew or Pfaff.  I had been running it with a servo, and it worked great.  I added a box style speed reducer recently, and it really feels powerful and easy to control now.  If you look at the details of how a 563 is put together, it's quite impressive.    

[mikesc]

If you look at the details of how a 563 is put together, it's quite impressive.

Precisely..

[R8R]

Sailrite has good products and support but mostly geared to canvas/sail making. Best thing about the Fabricator is the motor but you can buy one separately. (I had a Fabricator, and even on woven nylons I maxed it pretty quick) They are decent machines for the price but not nearly as refined as any Juki. They are very similar to a Consew P1206.

Similar spec Juki would be the 1541 (horiz bobbin).

 

 

[RecklessRed]

Thanks very much for all of the comments received. Decided on the 1541 and am getting started with it. So quiet, love it.

[kgg]

Reckless, I think you are going to be very pleased with the Juki. Did you get the 1541 or the 1541s and a servo?

kgg