Originally Posted by
beatifik
JUKI's are the best machines BAR NONE. all fashion schools use em and the majority of factories/sweatshops i've been to in NYC are all filled with JUKI.
but....
make sure you get one of the older ones that are made in japan. the newer ones are made in china and while they still kick ass, they will die faster than a japanese one. if it's a gross green color it's a pretty sure bet it's a japanese one. if it's white, it's probably chinese.
FYI -- that's not entirely true; only Juki's lower-end machines are being made in China. My DNU-1541-S is still made in Japan (purchased new at the beginning of 2007). It's also the finest piece of machinery I own. When I was shopping around for an industrial walking foot, I briefly considered the Juki 1181, but it *is* made in China. I'm very, very happy with my 1541.
I mean, just look at this oil tank/gearbox:
