Medium weight cylinder arm short list

[wkleather]

Just found a Juki LS-341 w/stand and servo motor (no speed reducer) in VGC for $1000. Any reason I shouldn't jump on it? The max stitch length is 6mm, but are stitches in 138 (or smaller) usually longer than .23 inches? 

[kgg]

23 minutes ago, wkleather said:

Just found a Juki LS-341 w/stand and servo motor (no speed reducer) in VGC for $1000.

The Juki LS-341 is basically an older model of the current the LS-1341 but is a good machine if it is in good condition. Like anything used you will to go it carefully. I only reason I would hesitate would be if it was used in an industrial setting. The greater the chance it is hammered to death and would require major repairs.  Check for visible signs of wear such as deep groves in the top thread path guides. Ask the seller for detailed photo's like closeups of the needle area, thread guides and internal timing belt (maybe frayed and cracked).

kgg

[wkleather]

1 hour ago, kgg said:

The Juki LS-341 is basically an older model of the current the LS-1341 but is a good machine if it is in good condition. Like anything used you will to go it carefully. I only reason I would hesitate would be if it was used in an industrial setting. The greater the chance it is hammered to death and would require major repairs.  Check for visible signs of wear such as deep groves in the top thread path guides. Ask the seller for detailed photo's like closeups of the needle area, thread guides and internal timing belt (maybe frayed and cracked).

kgg

Not used commercially, a hobby machine, not very old, claims maybe 30 hours on it. Looks pristine.

[kgg]

The price seems reasonable. I would definitely consider it.

kgg

[wkleather]

7 hours ago, kgg said:

The price seems reasonable. I would definitely consider it.

kgg

I'm taking some leather on Wednesday to run off a sample.

 

7 hours ago, kgg said:

The price seems reasonable. I would definitely consider it.

kgg

 

[kgg]

6 minutes ago, wkleather said:

I'm taking some leather on Wednesday to run off a sample

That is a wise idea. Bring your thickest sample along that you are planning on sewing and V138 thread, if you have some or have them setup the machine with V138 thread. The major tell tall signs of use are going to be:

i) How smooth and polished the bare metal on the nose is. A machine with 30 hours of use should have crisp edges.

ii) Look for groves worn into the thread guides that the top thread twists through. A machine with 30 hours of use should have no track marks. They should look almost brand new with freshly punched smooth round holes.

iii) Ask them to tilt back the machine so you can see the timing belt and inside the base. Look for i) worn, cracked, frayed timing belt, ii) worn or damaged gears and iii) metal / rubber filings. A machine with 30 hours of use the timing belt a should appear to be new, the gears should appear to have nice crisp edges and there should only be minor amount of rubber / dirt inside.

iv) Ask them to remove the front large plate cover and look for signs of wear and build up of dirt.

v) Slide the bobbin case cover back and see if there is a buildup of thread anywhere. A machine with 30 hours of use should have no amount of different color thread anywhere.

vi) The machine should sew a perfect stitch forward and in reverse. The reverse stitch should go back in the same holes as was made in the forward direction.

vii) The machine should have no unusual noises (banging / clunking / vibrations). Shouldn't sound like a bucket of bolts banging around.

Just some things to look for and let us know how you make out.

kgg

[wkleather]

21 minutes ago, kgg said:

That is a wise idea. Bring your thickest sample along that you are planning on sewing and V138 thread, if you have some or have them setup the machine with V138 thread. The major tell tall signs of use are going to be:

i) How smooth and polished the bare metal on the nose is. A machine with 30 hours of use should have crisp edges.

ii) Look for groves worn into the thread guides that the top thread twists through. A machine with 30 hours of use should have no track marks. They should look almost brand new with freshly punched smooth round holes.

iii) Ask them to tilt back the machine so you can see the timing belt and inside the base. Look for i) worn, cracked, frayed timing belt, ii) worn or damaged gears and iii) metal / rubber filings. A machine with 30 hours of use the timing belt a should appear to be new, the gears should appear to have nice crisp edges and there should only be minor amount of rubber / dirt inside.

iv) Ask them to remove the front large plate cover and look for signs of wear and build up of dirt.

v) Slide the bobbin case cover back and see if there is a buildup of thread anywhere. A machine with 30 hours of use should have no amount of different color thread anywhere.

vi) The machine should sew a perfect stitch forward and in reverse. The reverse stitch should go back in the same holes as was made in the forward direction.

vii) The machine should have no unusual noises (banging / clunking / vibrations). Shouldn't sound like a bucket of bolts banging around.

Just some things to look for and let us know how you make out.

kgg

All great advice. I will give it a going over. Hoping it's as smooth as my Adler.

[DonInReno]

As long as it sews this should be a safe investment - you’ll be able to get your money out of it if something comes along that is slightly better - that’s essentially free.

[wkleather]

1 minute ago, DonInReno said:

As long as it sews this should be a safe investment - you’ll be able to get your money out of it if something comes along that is slightly better - that’s essentially free.

That's part of the reason I prefer brand names, not clones. I see used Juki 341's for $1500. Not saying clones are bad, but a new clone 341 is $2100, a new Juki 1341 is $4500. There must be a reason. In 2005 I paid $1600 for my German Adler 205-374, I would want at least $2500 for it now (not for sale). Not sure I'd get that but wouldn't part with it for less.

[kgg]

1 hour ago, wkleather said:

Not saying clones are bad, but a new clone 341 is $2100, a new Juki 1341 is $4500. There must be a reason.

Not all clones within the same class of machine as those of brand name machines are manufactured consistently equally as well. Some are good and some not so good. Where as brand names like Juki or Alder have the recognized consistent quality needed for durability over the long haul. That recognized durability translates into high initial costs and higher resale values.

kgg