Juki 8700 vs Sailrite LSZ-1

[shamus275]

Is a Juki machine any easier/user friendly than the Sailrite? I have a Sailrite with the monster II wheel on it and I HATE this machine with a passion! A lot of it is occasional user error and the fact that I’m new to sewing machines. This machine makes it difficult for me to learn on and I bought it to make/modify my own gear. So far I’ve managed to fix my Phantom saddle (G-Hooks on leg loops were backwards) and I had to repair my Predator pack. I’ve also managed to fabricate a linesman attachment point/band around the waistband for my rock climbing harness. It probably should’ve taken me a couple hours to do this but in reality it was 3-days and most of that time was fighting with the Sailrite.

So….is it easier to use a Juki? I’m ready to send this Sailrite down the road or tie to my boat anchor.

 

[Treehopper2]

I can’t speak for how a sailrite machine runs but I have a Juki 8700 and it’s a very nice machine and very easy to use and learn on once you slow it down.
If you have future plans of building saddles or multi layer heavy webbing I would look into a larger juki walking foot machine.


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[shamus275]

The Sailrite is a walking foot machine. I’ve been on the fence about spending the $$$ on a servo motor for it to SLOW it down. That’s why I bought the monster wheel but that doesn’t slow it down enough. The Sailrite will sew through several layers of webbing and run V92 thread. Does the Juki run that same thread or the 138? (I think that’s what it’s called). By the time I spend I spend the money on a servo motor I’m twice the cost of a Juki. It’s be nice to put back some of that money in my pocket.

 

[Squirrels]

I have an 8700H, it and the standard 8700 can run up to 92. I've run 138 through my 8700H but it causes pains along the way. The Juki 1181-N will run 138 thread great. The 1181-N is a top and bottom feed machine, it's sort of a walking foot but technically not when it comes to classification. To move to a true, triple feed walking foot you would need to move into the 1541S, which will cost you another $500. Personally, I've never used the 1541S but I can't imagine it being worth spending another $500. Someone with experience on both the 1181N and the 1541S may be able to provide more input on that. If you hate that Sailrite, you should sell it and just buy the Juki 1181N. You can get it shipped to you for $1300, that's with a table and servo motor.

 

[shamus275]

As long as I can slow the 8700 way down and use up V92 on it I think I’d probably be good. I honestly don’t see myself ever needing to use 138 thread. The other thing about the Sailrite that annoys me is how short the distance between the needle/foot and the machine housing is. It’s about 7” of space to pass your hand and materials through and it’s a pain.

 

[Treehopper2]

I have an 8700H, it and the standard 8700 can run up to 92. I've run 138 through my 8700H but it causes pains along the way. The Juki 1181-N will run 138 thread great. The 1181-N is a top and bottom feed machine, it's sort of a walking foot but technically not when it comes to classification. To move to a true, triple feed walking foot you would need to move into the 1541S, which will cost you another $500. Personally, I've never used the 1541S but I can't imagine it being worth spending another $500. Someone with experience on both the 1181N and the 1541S may be able to provide more input on that. If you hate that Sailrite, you should sell it and just buy the Juki 1181N. You can get it shipped to you for $1300, that's with a table and servo motor.

I agree the juki 1181-N looks perfect for what we would need in a machine.
Once I retire I may pick one up and save my 8700 for edging and smaller stuff.


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[sojourner]

The below link explains the different feed types.

Comparing Sewing Machine Feeding Mechanisms

DetailsEvery sewing machine features a form of feeding that allows is to move materials to create a stitch. Because of this, it’s beneficial to understand the differences between these feeding mechanisms so you can choose the one best suited for your next project. In this handy blog, we’ll...

www.sailrite.com

If it were me and I was going for an expensive industrial. I would go compound feed and either juki 1541s or a consew 206rb5.

That said, if you haven’t sewn before or sewn much before, maybe spend some more time with your sailrite and/or a cheap domestic to “get the hang of sewing” before you drop down a chunk of $. Are you really sure it is the machine holding you back or your experience level?

That way, you get more experience and will find out if creating your own gear is a once in a while endeavor or something you will do frequently.

And if frequently, you will have more direct experience to guide you to a machine tailored to what you will be doing.

 

[shamus275]

The below link explains the different feed types.

Comparing Sewing Machine Feeding Mechanisms

DetailsEvery sewing machine features a form of feeding that allows is to move materials to create a stitch. Because of this, it’s beneficial to understand the differences between these feeding mechanisms so you can choose the one best suited for your next project. In this handy blog, we’ll...

www.sailrite.com

If it were me and I was going for an expensive industrial. I would go compound feed and either juki 1541s or a consew 206rb5.

That said, if you haven’t sewn before or sewn much before, maybe spend some more time with your sailrite and/or a cheap domestic to “get the hang of sewing” before you drop down a chunk of $. Are you really sure it is the machine holding you back or your experience level?

That way, you get more experience and will find out if creating your own gear is a once in a while endeavor or something you will do frequently.

And if frequently, you will have more direct experience to guide you to a machine tailored to what you will be doing.

Good advice! I’m not “new” to sewing per se, I was the guy that deployed with a thread injector and was the go to guy for gear mods on the Team. Need a pocket moved? Need a harness repaired/modded? I’m your guy. I’ve made lots of stuff and never had issues with my cheap Singer. This is the first real go around with heavy webbing, saddle type materials, etc., the machine just gives me fits of rage. I researched the crap out of this machine and I thought it’d be perfect for what I wanted to do…which is mod stuff for me. Not trying to start a saddle company.

I did call Sailrite and explained some of my issues and they gave me some tips to get thru them. I also got some info on a servo motor that should also give me more control so I’ll be getting one of those. I’ve already spent a lot on this machine so I guess it doesn’t make sense to abandon it just yet.

Thanks for the advice Gents!

 

[Homebrew454]

Good advice! I’m not “new” to sewing per se, I was the guy that deployed with a thread injector and was the go to guy for gear mods on the Team. Need a pocket moved? Need a harness repaired/modded? I’m your guy. I’ve made lots of stuff and never had issues with my cheap Singer. This is the first real go around with heavy webbing, saddle type materials, etc., the machine just gives me fits of rage. I researched the crap out of this machine and I thought it’d be perfect for what I wanted to do…which is mod stuff for me. Not trying to start a saddle company.

I did call Sailrite and explained some of my issues and they gave me some tips to get thru them. I also got some info on a servo motor that should also give me more control so I’ll be getting one of those. I’ve already spent a lot on this machine so I guess it doesn’t make sense to abandon it just yet.

Thanks for the advice Gents!

One thing that helps me is sewing without shoes on. I feel like I have more control on the foot pedal. @Squirrels talked me into the 8700h and I use it all the time. One of the best purchases I have ever made. I was going to go with the sailrite you have.

You may want to look at YouTube for theJasonofalltrades. He has quite a few sewing videos and is very high on the Sailrite machines.

Some day I may get the walking foot but right now the 8700h does everything I need.

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[bj139]

I have a few sewing machine and climbing videos.

billj139

I am just an old guy having fun tree climbing and playing with sewing machines. Both these things grew out of an interest in saddle hunting from a tree saddl...

www.youtube.com

I just got a Singer 111W155 a walking foot machine without reverse.
I have a Singer 281-1 that I like very much and is probably all I would ever need. No reverse on that either.
It is a predecessor to the Juki 8700 and pretty much does the same thing.
Heck, a Singer 15-91 is all I would ever need.

 

[sojourner]

Good advice! I’m not “new” to sewing per se, I was the guy that deployed with a thread injector and was the go to guy for gear mods on the Team. Need a pocket moved? Need a harness repaired/modded? I’m your guy. I’ve made lots of stuff and never had issues with my cheap Singer. This is the first real go around with heavy webbing, saddle type materials, etc., the machine just gives me fits of rage. I researched the crap out of this machine and I thought it’d be perfect for what I wanted to do…which is mod stuff for me. Not trying to start a saddle company.

I did call Sailrite and explained some of my issues and they gave me some tips to get thru them. I also got some info on a servo motor that should also give me more control so I’ll be getting one of those. I’ve already spent a lot on this machine so I guess it doesn’t make sense to abandon it just yet.

Thanks for the advice Gents!

Did you happen to order the sailrite WorkerB? Just curious, no direct knowledge about it.

Sailrite® WorkerB® Power Pack Motor System (110V)

DetailsUpgrade your pre-February 2023 Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine to the WorkerB® Power Pack and experience unrivaled power and control like never before. If you feel your machine sews too fast and want to sew with slow stitch-by-stitch speed, you need the WorkerB. If your sewing machine has ever...

www.sailrite.com

Good luck and best wishes.

 

[shamus275]

Did you happen to order the sailrite WorkerB? Just curious, no direct knowledge about it.

Sailrite® WorkerB® Power Pack Motor System (110V)

DetailsUpgrade your pre-February 2023 Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine to the WorkerB® Power Pack and experience unrivaled power and control like never before. If you feel your machine sews too fast and want to sew with slow stitch-by-stitch speed, you need the WorkerB. If your sewing machine has ever...

www.sailrite.com

Good luck and best wishes.

That’s what I will be ordering.

 

[Viiiwonder]

I’ve been considering placing an order for the LSZ-1 premium which includes the WorkerB. I really don’t want to deal with the full size table aspects of a Juki, which is why the prospect of a portable Sailrite was really appealing.

Did you order your WorkerB? Is there anything specific that you would care to say is your frustration points with your LSZ? Tension issues? Speed control?

 

[enkriss]

I have an 8700H, it and the standard 8700 can run up to 92. I've run 138 through my 8700H but it causes pains along the way. The Juki 1181-N will run 138 thread great. The 1181-N is a top and bottom feed machine, it's sort of a walking foot but technically not when it comes to classification. To move to a true, triple feed walking foot you would need to move into the 1541S, which will cost you another $500. Personally, I've never used the 1541S but I can't imagine it being worth spending another $500. Someone with experience on both the 1181N and the 1541S may be able to provide more input on that. If you hate that Sailrite, you should sell it and just buy the Juki 1181N. You can get it shipped to you for $1300, that's with a table and servo motor.

whats the difference between the 8700 and 5550?

 

[Squirrels]

whats the difference between the 8700 and 5550?

Not familiar with the 5550 but I did some quick googling. I’d opt for the 8700 due to it having a longer arm. The 5550 has some bells and whistles that I would find absolutely useless for buying a shorter arm and more expensive machine.

 

[shamus275]

I’ve been considering placing an order for the LSZ-1 premium which includes the WorkerB. I really don’t want to deal with the full size table aspects of a Juki, which is why the prospect of a portable Sailrite was really appealing.

Did you order your WorkerB? Is there anything specific that you would care to say is your frustration points with your LSZ? Tension issues? Speed control?

Kids having accidents that end up being expensive fixes for dad put an end to potential worker B order this month. I’ll pick one up next month.
Overall it’s a lack of me not knowing how to use it properly. I’ve since figured it out…the basics anyway. I’m pretty sure you could sew 3/4” plywood with the Sailrite, it has that much power. Which is also an issue because it’s hard to control.