The Upholstery Forum

Hi

I'm looking at my first machine to buy and for the money the Juki DU-1181N seems to fit my budget, I'm looking at doing auto upholstery and a bit of marine part time so want a walking foot, this being a compoud walking foot is that suitable for what I want to do, we don't have a big used market in New Zealand so limited on whats for sale.

Any advice would be appreciated

Although juki has better options out there (like a 1541 or 1508), you would most likely do ok with that machine. It isn't triple feed (unison feed) but plenty of people get by with them. You mentioned the used market, is this a used machine you are considering?

Hi Adam, thanks for the response, the 1181 is a new machine for $2000, the 1541 is $5700 and the 1508 is $6500 over here, I've been looking for a couple of months on the used market and can't find anything......until last night, a 1541 came on the used market 30 minute drive away for $2500, might be able to get it a bit cheaper hopefully, might as well spend a bit extra then I wont be able to blame any bad workmanship on equipement, only myself!

I have a Consew that looks similar but is compound feed, I used to have a portable machine that was unison feed and it worked fine but only had a 6mm presser foot lift. The Juki has a 15mm foot lift so will work for built up assemblies and welting. Considering the price difference I would consider it and just be a little more careful basting my work with a plier stapler if you have any material slippage.

Excellent Malcom, thanks for the advice!

It is not a compound feed machine, just walking top & bottom foot. The needle does not move with the work as a compound feed machine does. It will do OK, but not the best that you could do.

A Consew 206RB-4 (or -5) may be a better choice.

Thanks Ted, I've been looking for a Consew on the used market over here and haven't found any models yet but I'm going to look at a used Juki 1541 this weekend so hopefully that works out

Where is "over here"?

And as excellent as this forum is, you might also want to check the www.leatherworker.net forum. There's a specific section for sewing machine discussions and there are members there from all over the world. Someone there might be able to suggest where to look for you, or maybe even suggest a good used machine.

If at all possible, I'd strongly suggest you get a machine with compound (triple) feed.

The 1541 has a 16mm foot lift, excellent machine and if it's only a little more money get it.

Thanks Mtl_Biker, over here is New Zealand, I will have a look at that other forum you mentioned too.

Bought the used Juki 1541 yesterday, looks like a good machine!

Congrats on the Juki!! That's a great machine and should serve you well.

Welcome to the forum! @Coughup You will love that Juki. Its a great machine and you wont out grow it.

Thanks John, I think I did the right thing by paying a bit more and getting the right machine for the job, I also talked the guy down and got $200 off the asking price so I'm happy with that!