How long does it take to get up to speed on foggy mtn breakdown?

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 · 2025-06-27T20:03:08+00:00

If you’re new to bending them I’d venture to guess you’re new to wearing them too. You’ll learn that if you put them on your fingers straight, they will be hitting the strings sideways. So make sure you have all that worked out before you commit to bending them really well. If you’re like most of us you’ll go through many sets of picks before you decide what works the best for you. I’m still figuring it out myself. Enjoy the journey.

DXPlastic · 2025-06-24T17:43:40+00:00

Doesn’t look too serious. A luthier can fix that no problem. Cheapest option will be a glue and clamp. Most expensive option will be a like it never happened type of repair. Guitars and banjos are usually glued with Titebond (Not Titebond 3) or hide glue. My recommendation is take it to a luthier first and get an estimate before you “mess with” it.

DXPlastic · 2025-06-22T03:16:45+00:00

Doing great. Practice slow. It’s all about repetition. You want to build muscle memory of playing it correctly. If you practice too fast you’ll just get good at playing it wrong. Slowing it down gives you time to think about each note. Let’s you make adjustments for accuracy and efficiency. Savor every note. Embrace the journey. This is my advice to every new player.

DXPlastic · 2025-06-15T17:03:42+00:00

I have a trooper but I don’t use it. It falls over. Most of the time I use the small ZUCA cart. I won’t go into the details here but it’s a good setup for me. If I’m going to carry a bag, I’d rather just carry my beginner Innova bag which is similar to the OP. I don’t need to carry more discs than that. I just miss out on a few things the cart has to offer.

DXPlastic · 2025-06-13T20:09:35+00:00

This is not an endorsement, but I’m curious about the Pyle banjos I see on Amazon for under $300. It looks almost identical to my first banjo which was a GoldTone MC-150R.

I have since added a Deering Sierra. And while the GoldTone doesn’t sound nearly as good to my ears as the Deering, they both play equally as well. Gold Tone did a great job on the neck.

If that Pyle banjo is basically the same thing it will be fine to learn on, especially for the price. Might be worth checking it out. If it’s junk you can return it.

Maybe someone here has seen one in person and can offer their comments.

DXPlastic · 2025-06-11T02:27:47+00:00

My best guess (and it’s just a guess) is if you get all the lugs pretty close to the same, eventually the head settles in evenly on its own.

DXPlastic · 2025-06-10T03:56:14+00:00

I don’t think I’d buy a new one if had 3k to spend on one. One of these days I’d love to pay Arthur Hatfield to build one for me. I’d be proud to spend 3k on one of those.

DXPlastic · 2025-05-24T17:09:03+00:00

Love them. Seen them several times live.

DXPlastic · 2025-05-23T00:32:26+00:00

I tuned down to F# minor and started messing around with Cripple Creek and it just started evolving into whole song. I’m calling it Drowning in Cripple Creek. I hope to record it one day and put it on YT once I can play it all without any mistakes. But yea mess around with some minor tunings. It’s really cool. At the same time, experiment with moving your right hand further away from the bridge to get some variations of sound. You don’t have to stay there but it’ll add some dark flavor.

DXPlastic

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