JUKI DDL-5550 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

I would normally be hesitant about making such a big purchase without trying it out first, but I've used a very similar model at the sewing studio I go to and already knew it was a great machine. This particular model is made in Japan whereas the 8700 is made in China. I figured for $100 more I couldn't go wrong with the Japanese made model. I specifically bought this machine from Amazon because it comes fully assembled at no extra cost (a lot of other online retailers charge you extra for shipping an assembled machine). I'm pretty handy, but there are so many little parts to put together I didn't want to bother assembling it myself.It comes on a pallet and you should have moving help as it is extremely heavy. I hired some movers to bring it upstairs to my sewing room. All you have to do is screw on the thread holder, add oil and plug it in- it is ready to sew! I will also add that it comes with a pack of needles, a bobbin, bobbin case, two screwdrivers and a bottle of oil. I bought extra bobbins and presser feet as it only comes with one. It does come with instructions, but I did a quick search online and found some very useful online tutorials about how to thread. Once you get the hang of it, it's easier than a home machine.As far as performance, this machine can't be beat. It sews over thick layers of fabric without any complaint. I'm currently sewing a historically accurate Renaissance gown which requires lots of layers of fabric and trim- this machine just zips through it without a worry. It is extremely quiet and has an adjustable speed motor so you can turn it on low until you get more comfortable using it. Another great feature is the built-in bobbin winder- you can sew and wind a bobbin at the same time and it will automatically stop once it's full.If you are a hobby sewer like me, you might be wondering if you actually need an industrial machine. The answer is you probably don't NEED it, but it sure does make sewing a much more enjoyable experience. If you compare the cost of this machine to high-end home machines like Bernina or Pfaff, it is a no-brainer. The caveat is this machine only does one stitch- straight- but it does it better than any home machine can. I can't even remember the last time I used a stitch other than straight on my home machine anyway. I kept my Singer home machine just in case I ever want to do a fancy stitch, but I don't see myself using it very much now that I have the Juki. Now I find myself planning a lot more projects as this machine has made sewing a joy and not a frustration!

This is the 2nd time we have ordered these machines. The first time the 2 that we ordered were great. This time one of the machines was missing the needle thread guide pin. It is worth purchasing the part instead of sending the whole machine back but for the price we would want a complete package.

My first own sewing machine is a home sewing machine, but this machine is way better, the stitch quality, the hold of the fabric and the accuracy of the tension, home sewing machine cant be this good. Of course you still need to know how to adjust the foot pressure, tension of machine and the bobbin case sometimes to make it even better, but when it came in it was already set nicely.I love the easy adjustment for seeing speed on the bottom too. It is definitely worth investing on!It come well in package for safety, its really hard to take them apart from the big screw on the planks but its worth it.I would have given it 5 starts if the light is working on the table, I think its broken, the light is placed on the sewing machine and plug to the sewing machine, when I use my table light to plug to the sewing machine it works so I'm pretty sure it arrive defective.otherwise its great! Its not very clear how to open up the machine to pour the solution in so its pretty tricky unless you know what to do, have to think yourself where to unscrew. Good luck and enjoy!

this machine was sold as a package deal that included machine head, servo motor, sewing table and ergonomic chair. The machine is perfect, the motor is perfect---- the table doesn't fit the machine, and the chair was never received. The seller refuses to make adjustment. Juki is a good brand..,., this store is a rip off.

This product seems like it was refurbished or used. I am not happy with it at all.

Loved the machine. The servo motor sews really slow, really fast, and every speed in between with ease. I was not a bit happy with the freight company CEVA. They didn't show up when expected. I rescheduled for the next day, they showed up but didn't call 1/2 hour ahead of time as expected. Then they dumped the machine off on the garage pad, even though Amazon's email said I had threshold delivery. Which means just inside the door of your house....No, the driver said, "You have basic delivery, you have to pay extra for threshold delivery". I managed to get it into the house, even though it weighs a grip. When I took off the spool stand that was wrapped around the back horizontal brace of the table with plastic wrap, I discovered that brace is bent toward the front of the machine about 6". That could have only been bent by a fork lift as it is pretty solid metal. It doesn't really affect the operation of the table or the sewing machine. I realize that this is probably not the right place to complain about the freight company, but they were a big part of the overall experience of buying this machine.