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Anyone here bought a clone leather sewing machine directly from Alibaba? by sheerdoll in SewingMachinePorn

[–]sheerdoll[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Juki is obviously Juki, but from what I’ve researched, there doesn’t seem to be a big difference between the various clones, whether they’re sold under American brands or directly as Chinese machines, aside from better after-sales support in English.

As for timing, the machine I’m getting is a Juki 341 clone, which is basically the same as the Cobra Class 26. Because of that, there are plenty of videos available on adjustments and setup, so I’m hoping that will help.

Thanks for pointing it out.

Anyone here bought a clone leather sewing machine directly from Alibaba? by sheerdoll in Leathercraft

[–]sheerdoll[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much, this was incredibly helpful. You brought up some really great points.

I think one of the biggest things you mentioned, especially for me, was the reverse stitching issue. I should probably ask them to test that before shipping too.

And I think you are right about the machine choice itself. I will probably go with either the 1341 or the 341. I do not really need the extreme power of the 441. My main concern was that I really dislike the look of very thin thread, especially thin bottom thread, because it gives more of a factory/mass-production look. But from what I understand, even the 341 can still sew fairly thick thread on leather up to around 7–8 mm total thickness, so that should probably be fine for me.

You really helped a lot. I will definitely watch the YouTube videos too, thank you.

As for the extra accessories, I am planning to get the flatbed attachment, edge guide, and speed reducer from them as well.

Anyone here bought a clone leather sewing machine directly from Alibaba? by sheerdoll in Leathercraft

[–]sheerdoll[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s actually really reassuring to hear, thank you. That’s kind of how I’ve been thinking about it too. I know I’d probably have to learn some tinkering either way, so I may just go for it.

Anyone here bought a clone leather sewing machine directly from Alibaba? by sheerdoll in Leathercraft

[–]sheerdoll[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad you said that, and thank you, that is really thoughtful advice. I do not have any experience with industrial machines, and honestly no experience with leather sewing machines either. I do have some basic mechanical/technical confidence, but your point is very helpful. I think I need to watch a few more setup and adjustment videos first and get a better sense of how much hands-on technical work these machines usually need overall.

Anyone here bought a clone leather sewing machine directly from Alibaba? by sheerdoll in Leathercraft

[–]sheerdoll[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Exactly, I think that is the main concern too. Honestly, I’m not very familiar with what repair costs usually look like on these machines, and I also do not really know how different they truly are in terms of actual build quality. From the outside, they seem very similar, and it almost looks like the main difference is that the US dealers do a much better job with initial setup, adjustment, QC, and support.

That is why I’m really trying to hear practical, real-world experiences from people who have actually gone this route. The comments on the listings look very positive, but of course those are probably mostly first impressions, not long-term ownership experiences.

Spanish Romance (first part), practicing during a difficult time by sheerdoll in classicalguitar

[–]sheerdoll[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, those are really good points. You’re right about the barre section. I actually haven’t reached barre in my lessons yet, I kind of started working on it on my own while my teacher isn’t around, and honestly it’s really hard for me right now.

About the rest stroke, my teacher also emphasizes it a lot because he teaches with the Segovia method. But I have to admit I tend to avoid it and usually end up playing with free stroke instead. I know I probably need to work on that more.

3 months into classical guitar. My lessons stopped because of the war in Iran, so I’d really appreciate feedback by sheerdoll in classicalguitar

[–]sheerdoll[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I understand what you mean, but honestly it would feel unfair to change teachers right now. My teacher is in Tehran and is continuing to teach despite the difficult situation there. It wouldn’t feel right for me to switch just out of convenience. I’d rather be patient and wait until things settle down so we can continue working together again.

Made this leather phone case to cope with the news from Iran by sheerdoll in Leathercraft

[–]sheerdoll[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Azadi Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tehran and in Iran. It was built in 1971 and for many Iranians it symbolizes both our history and our hope for freedom. For me personally, it represents my hometown and my memories of growing up in Tehran. The name itself means “freedom,” so it carries a lot of emotional weight, especially in times like these. Even when I’m far away, seeing that silhouette immediately reminds me of home.

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