I’ve just acquired a new machine tool for the workshop – a Juki LU 563 walking foot sewing machine. Now the Imperial interior gets real!
Why do I call this a machine tool? It is a fabrication tool, just like my milling machine, lathe, bandsaw, drill press, table saw, or welder. Instead of wood or metal it works with fabric. It is an industrial machine, designed for heavy fabrics, upholstery, or leather.
It is (obviously!) a used machine. After doing a fair amount of research I discovered that regular sewing shops don’t handle industrial sewing machines but there is one place fairly close by that deals with industrial sewing machines – Sloan Machinery in Salem NH. I gave them a call and they had two questions: “1. What are you trying to do? 2. Will you consider used?”
After describing what I was doing they said that the machine I was originally considering, a Juki 1541, was too light weight. Since I was willing to consider used, they said that they had a couple of Juki LU 563 machines they were getting ready to rebuild. Older machines, simple, but sew great. After hearing the price I immediately told them “I need me one of them!” They said it would be 2-3 weeks before they were done. And it was just over 3 weeks before I picked this machine up.
They overhauled the machine, replaced high wear parts, tuned it up, and fitted it with a new servo motor and a new table. The servo motor is a major upgrade from the older clutch motor that the machine originally came with. It makes the machine much easier to use and to control, especially for beginners. Having a machine that works and is properly adjusted seems (seams?) like the way to go, especially for a rank beginner.
She Who Must Be Obeyed points out that sewing isn’t as easy as it looks on YouTube. I’m well aware of this! I’m looking at this as another skill to be learned – just the way I learned welding, auto body, machining, electrical, etc. Take it slow, plan on making mistakes, and keep trying until you get acceptable results. Use available resources including YouTube, automotive upholstery books, and Internet forums. Get feedback and suggestions from people who have done similar things. I believe I can do this. Of course, time will tell…
My plan of attack for gaining this new skill is:
- Practice sewing on test pieces using the junk vinyl I got for learning. Practice until I can run the machine, sew straight lines that are actually straight, turn corners, and sew corners that are smoothly rounded. Keep going until I consistently get good seams. Then throw the test pieces away.
- Make more test pieces with more advanced techniques, including piping and pleats. Keep going until I consistently get good results. Then throw the test pieces away.
- Make a throw pillow using all of the techniques I’ve been practicing on test pieces. Probably make another throw pillow to correct mistakes and improve quality.
- Pick the first real piece to attempt – either a door card or a seat back. Make and fit a cover for it using the junk vinyl. Test fit and repeat until I get something acceptable.
- Make the cover using good vinyl. If it isn’t “perfect enough” repeat the process until it is.
- Move on to the next part.
I suspect it will take me 2-4 weeks before I get a good first part. I’m planning on a month of frustration and tearing my hair out before I develop a reasonable level of skill. If it takes less time or frustration than this, great! But, like learning any new skill, expertise is what you end up with, not what you start with.
Wish me luck!