Juki 1541S or Thor 1541S

[bj139]

I have been looking at a 1541 type machine for a few months.  The price of the head only, which is all I want,  appears to be the same for the Juki or the Thor.  Which one should I get?  I thought I should get the version with the safety clutch on the hook shaft.  Is this a good idea?

Edited July 25, 2021 by bj139

[kgg]

1 hour ago, bj139 said:

I thought I should get the version with the safety clutch on the hook shaft.  Is this a good idea?

I think having a safety clutch is essential on any machine. The extra $100 could save you a lot of dollars and frustration should you jam up the machine.

2 hours ago, bj139 said:

Which one should I get? 

If money is not the main factor always buy a brand name machine like Juki. When you eventually decide to replace the machine it will be easier to sell and will have a higher resale value then that of similar clone machine.

Buy Once, Cry Once

kgg

[bj139]

2 hours ago, kgg said:

I think having a safety clutch is essential on any machine. The extra $100 could save you a lot of dollars and frustration should you jam up the machine.

If money is not the main factor always buy a brand name machine like Juki. When you eventually decide to replace the machine it will be easier to sell and will have a higher resale value then that of similar clone machine.

Buy Once, Cry Once

kgg

The beauty of this is they are the same price.  The Thor has the extra tension assembly and the easy walking foot height adjustment.

[chrisash]

Still the Juki better, the original rather than the clone, but nothing to stop you telling the Juki salesman/ woman you are comparing the two and have been offered extras on the Thor (whoever they are, never heard of them whilst Juke is the worlds first maker of sewing machines)

[kgg]

1 hour ago, bj139 said:

The beauty of this is they are the same price.

For me that would be an easy decision. Juki, as their 1541S model is still made in Japan. Why buy a forgery from an unknown manufacturer with unknown parts that will have less value later on. Remember that the "Name" on the clone machines are not that of the manufacturer and quality can vary greatly.

kgg

[bj139]

18 hours ago, kgg said:

For me that would be an easy decision. Juki, as their 1541S model is still made in Japan. Why buy a forgery from an unknown manufacturer with unknown parts that will have less value later on. Remember that the "Name" on the clone machines are not that of the manufacturer and quality can vary greatly.

kgg

Thanks, kgg.  I have a feeling most people here would have the same advice.  The resale part seems important as well as parts availability.  Are all Juki dnu-1541s made in Japan?

[kgg]

3 hours ago, bj139 said:

Are all Juki dnu-1541s made in Japan?

When I contact Juki about another model about a year ago I did ask if the 1541S was still being made in Japan. At that time they were but had moved production of some models to the China and I think Vietnam. Will the quality remain the same, only time will tell. But their warranty is the same no matter where they are made. The best thing to do would be to drop them a email to be sure or a dealer as the box will say where it is made.

[bj139]

56 minutes ago, kgg said:

When I contact Juki about another model about a year ago I did ask if the 1541S was still being made in Japan. At that time they were but had moved production of some models to the China and I think Vietnam. Will the quality remain the same, only time will tell. But their warranty is the same no matter where they are made. The best thing to do would be to drop them a email to be sure or a dealer as the box will say where it is made.

I will call before I order to verify.

[chrisash]

A company like Juki will have inhouse Quality Control to the highest standard wherever the machine is made at every step of manufacture

[bj139]

I waited and a Singer 111W155 showed up.  I bought it for $175.  Can this sew 1/2 inch?  This one feels pretty tight.  It was used in a one person shop to do upholstery.