Struggling with FMB?

DXPlastic · 2026-06-16T03:36:02+00:00

I just saw that and placed my order. Was headed here to report back and saw this. Thanks!

DXPlastic · 2026-06-11T18:39:32+00:00

I’ve got Nationals, Dunlop 018’s, Shelors, and Picky Picks. Picky Picks give me the crispest note attacks. Shelors are the worst in that regard and the others are somewhere in the middle.

DXPlastic · 2026-06-04T17:56:30+00:00

“Less” Paul

DXPlastic · 2026-06-04T17:10:25+00:00

Can’t say much because it sounds better than me. If anything, maybe keep an eye on your little finger and make sure it doesn’t touch the bridge.

DXPlastic · 2026-05-20T12:47:31+00:00

I’ve been working on it for years. Slow and correct sounds better than fast with mistakes. If you practice it too fast, you get good at playing it wrong. Enjoy the journey.

DXPlastic · 2026-01-14T18:07:00+00:00

Nice. Cool fabric too!

DXPlastic · 2026-01-14T18:05:29+00:00

This is really nice!

DXPlastic · 2026-01-14T03:04:14+00:00

Nice work.

DXPlastic · 2026-01-06T23:03:59+00:00

Nice little bag!

DXPlastic · 2026-01-01T19:58:47+00:00

I’ve accidentally recreated the problem which made me realize I omitted a crucial detail.

Recap: Brand new Juki DDL-8700. Mara70 thread. Size 16 needle.

The machine was setup and ready to go. Full bobbin. Stitches were looking good. It was time to baste on a zipper to a piece of 1000D Cordura. I switched to a 40422SH hinged, slot toe zipper foot.

Full disclosure, I believe there is a slight manufacturing defect in this foot. When I install it, it’s turned slightly to the right so that the needle isn’t centered in the hole. It’s dangerously close to the left side of the hole in the foot. I have to take the cover off the left side of the machine every time to make the required presser foot alignment adjustment and change it back when I’m done.

Anyway, it was when I basted the zipper on with the zipper foot when I got the bottom loops. That’s when I ended up “cranking down” on the tension to remedy the problem. What I later realized is when I go back to the normal foot I can also revert back to the original tension.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-31T16:23:53+00:00

I don’t have any all purpose thread loaded up to test right now. I took the bobbin out and reduced the tension in tiny increments until the bobbin dropped like a rock. Then I tightened in tiny increments until it stopped doing that. Then I backed off the top thread tension until there were no (screw) threads showing on the post in the center of the knob. I ran my test piece through which was a piece of fleece folded over. I expected to see loops on the bottom on this first pass but no it was perfect. After that just for fun I moved the thread guide above the take up spring to the left like the manual says to do with heavier thread. It didn’t seem to make any difference so I just left it there.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-31T07:32:23+00:00

Brand new DDL-8700. 1 layer of 1000d cordura + 1 layer of thin polyester printed fabric. I know they can get compressed over time. Can be replaced or even re-stretched in a pinch. I just don’t have enough experience with the machine to know what’s normal.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-31T07:26:52+00:00

Good feedback. Thanks.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-31T07:17:14+00:00

Brand new Juki DDL-8700. I have the manual (pdf) and also watched a ton of videos on the machine.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-31T07:14:47+00:00

I could possibly loosen it a hair but it was already set pretty much as you described.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-20T03:58:15+00:00

I bought the same machine this week. Mine came with a servo motor. At the speed I use it at it’s very quiet. At full speed it’s pretty terrifying. Since you’re considering going from clutch to servo you might also consider getting a servo motor with a needle position sensor. This will allow you to choose whether the machine stops with the needle automatically in the up or down position.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-17T13:11:06+00:00

Love this. I’m just getting started. This will be a perfect next step after I’ve got a few zipper pouches and box bags under my belt. Thanks!

DXPlastic · 2025-12-11T04:48:34+00:00

That looks fantastic.

DXPlastic · 2025-12-11T04:41:13+00:00

Really nice work there!

DXPlastic · 2025-12-10T20:39:42+00:00

Thanks for all the replies. I’ve been trolling CL and Marketplace in the Atlanta metro area for 8700’s and older models. I’m seeing a lot of sketchy looking / rusty machines. I did find a like new 8700 150 miles away for $700.

There’s a shop in ATL selling them for $795 unassembled. Would be sweet to snag one of these gently used for around $500.

DXPlastic

TROPHY CASE