Artisan 2618-1B

[Googledave]

Hi all,      Does anyone know anything about this machine? Have any experience with one? The literature says it can handle 207, but that’s all I know. What is this a clone of? Thanks all

Edited January 27, 2021 by Googledave

[kgg]

Something to check with Artisan.

The information in the "Instruction Manual and Parts Catalogue" says the machine can handle needles from  size 18 to 23. That means it can handle threads from V69 to V138. You may be able to get V207 on the top but would be more then likely limited to V138 in the bobbin. Sometimes you may have to go up a needle size for a given thread size depending on what you are sewing. From the information I see if you are sewing though tough thick leather you may be limited not to V138 but V92 as a #24 needle may not fit and to get the necessary thread space you would have to go down to V92.

Example: Juki 1541 rated for V138 top and bobbin but it is rated to take a #24 needle which could take V207 in light materials but still limit the bobbin to V138. For tough thick leather the #24 needle would give V138 thread the extra thread space needed.

kgg

 

 

[Googledave]

Thanks kgg! So, what do you think a used rebuilt juki 1341 rebuild or a brand new Artisan? I have an artisan dealer 2 hours away. The juki I would have ship in.

[kgg]

Googledave, buying anything used can be risky at the best of times. Before you buy you need to know what is the max thread you want to use, what you want to sew (wallets or saddles) as well as the max thickness you want / need to sew. The class 341 machines, brand name or clone, maybe either undersized or oversized for 90 percent of your needs / wants.

It also comes down to other factors like the price of the used Juki machine. If the used Juki machine is in good clean running condition, does what you need  / want it to sew and priced at about 40 percent of the cost of the a new Juki, I would buy the Juki.

That said, I recently purchased a new cylinder arm machine to replace an old Consew. I actually went with the intention of buying a new Juki LS-1341 but the price was a little hard to justify. I ended up buying a new clone, Kobe LS-1341(really a 341clone). Much better machine then the Consew for my needs and the cost was less then half that of the new Juki LS-1341. So I said I'll give it try and see how I liked it for six months. If I don't like it, I'll sell the thing and get the Juki. The jury is still out but so far it is holding up pretty good, no issues whatsoever.

With used sewing machines regardless of manufacturer you really need to look at some things like.

i) Inspect the machine yourself to see if there is obvious sign of heavy use like thread tracks in the thread guides, tension guides, and areas rubbed smooth.

ii) How the machine runs at slow and full rated speed. Does it sound like a bucket of bolts banging around?

iii) Was it used by a hobbyist or in a commercial environment and beat to death?

iv) Was it bought at auction and being sold as a flipper or for sale off a site like e bay?

v) If it was rebuilt, who did the rebuild and do you trust their work? What was done to the machine?

vi) Does it sew a nice stitch at it's max rated thread.

I am sure there are other things to check but those are just starting points.

kgg

[Googledave]

Thanks kgg! Great info! I just saw this. The juki 1341 was a factory rebuild at a reputable dealer. I did put my money down on a cobra class 26. I’ve been waiting for five weeks any sign of it shipping to me, but nothing yet. I’ll report back when/if I get it. Again thanks for you’re help!!