Hey, folks. So after reading literially every single thread in this subforum on this subject, I figured I'd go ahead and make a post here asking for opinions, advice, 2 cents, etc.
My dilemma is two part. First is upgrading machines and secondly is adding bar-tacking capabilities to my shop.
Right now I have one of the infamous SailRite LSZ-1 machines. Just not cutting it as far as power, speed, room, and just plain outright usability. Definitely outgrown it.
So I am looking at buying a proper Juki or similar machine to take this Tuff Possum Gear thing from a side gig to full time job.
What I need:
- Servo
- Synchronizer
- Power enough to punch through 1000d, 500d, 55301 webbing, 17337 webbing, #10 YKK coil zipper, 1/4" closed cell foam, HANK, and such in amounts as you would expect in constructing a decent size "rucksack"
- Walking foot
- decent amount of room between the foot and arm. Not long arm size, but at least more more the 6.5" the SailRite has.
Kinda need to be able to backtack, but that does NOT need to be an automatic thing. Autothread cutter is a bonus that would be great but probably take it out of my budget.
In an ideal world, I would buy a Juki LU-2210-6 with a custom 90 degree raw finish binder, and a Brother KE430D for the tacker.
So far the best candidate, looks to be a Juki DNU1541S from Nick-O-Sew and get em to add the stuff I want. But the reason for my post is to ask what you guys think I ought to do.