Juki LU 2810 Review

I don’t review many truly industrial sewing machines, but living here in South Florida, I often run into people who are interested in sewing machines that are capable of repairing boat sails.

Juki LU 2810

The Juki LU 2810 certainly fits the bill. I came upon one on a recent visit to Ace Sewing and Vacuum in Pompano Beach, Florida, and immediately put in a request to review it.

At A Glance

You immediately know the Juki LU 2810 is not an ordinary sewing machine when you see the long arm and then notice that it has a total of four different tension discs on the front.

The large reverse stitch lever and oversized stitch length adjustment dial are also dead giveaways that this is no ordinary sewing machine.

Bobbin winding mechanism mounted on the front

The Juki LU 2810 has a bobbin winding mechanism mounted on the front, not the side or top where you would expect to find it.

This alternative placement at first took me by surprise, but after considering it for a little while, I understand why they put it there.

By snapping the bobbin to the front of the machine, you actually save a lot of time. Believe it or not, every millisecond counts, especially when you are in a commercial setting.

The Juki LU 2810 is table mounted with a knee lift. The model I reviewed has a whisper quiet electronic motor and an oversized thread cone stand attached to the tabletop.

Four different tension discs

The huge workspace and high clearance make it possible for you to work on extremely large sewing projects like boat sails, car seats, luggage, shoes and oversize purses and tote bags. The website even states that the Juki LU 2810 can be used to assemble furniture.

Features

Unlike machines made for home use, truly commercial sewing machines are generally built to perform one task only. As such, there are very few features to discuss.

These machines are specifically designed to do just one thing and do it exceptionally well. Such is the case with the Juki LU 2810.

This is a straight stitch only machine that has an adjustable stitch length up to 9 millimeters. It requires a specific needle size – 135 x 7; and works best with thread sizes #30-#5, B46-B138, and Nm=60/3-20/3.

Working on the Juki LU 2810

In case you weren’t already aware, the mere fact that the Juki LU 2810 has four separate upper thread tension discs is proof positive that threading this machine is going to be much, much different than threading any sewing machine or home use.

In addition, there are no easy to follow thread guides stamped onto the machine head to help you with the process. In order to properly thread this machine and wind the bobbin, it is necessary to refer to the owner’s manual.

I daresay that it will take more than one read through to master the steps required to thread this machine properly.

Stitch length adjustment dial

Once it is threaded, however, and ready to sew, there are very few steps to take before actually sewing. Merely set the desired stitch length, raise the presser foot with the knee lift, place the fabric under the needle and press the foot pedal.

The stitch length adjustment dial is situated at your right hand, next to the reverse stitch lever, making it easy to make changes with ease.

The movement of the machine is not only remarkably quiet thanks to the electronic motor, the motion is also quite fluid as I changed the stitch length and engaged the reverse stitch lever during the review.

I didn’t have any thick leather or sailcloth at hand and since this machine was specifically designed to handle extra thick fabric, heavy leather or sailcloth, I used four layers of heavy weight denim to test it out.

The stitches formed by the Juki LU 2810 meet every expectation anyone could ever have of a Juki. The quality is unparalleled by any other industrial machine that I have had the pleasure of reviewing. They are not only tight and secure, they are evenly spaced, well-formed and crisp.

Evenly spaced, well-formed and crisp stitches

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

If you are looking for a long list of standard or optional accessories with the Juki LU 2810, you will be disappointed. With this solid all metal workhorse, all you get is an owner’s manual, lubrication bottles, an owner’s manual, needles, bobbins and a screwdriver set.

Things that normally come with home sewing machines – extra presser feet, lint brush, seam ripper, etc., are not included with industrial sewing machines largely because it is assumed that these items are already available in the workroom in large supply.

Besides, with a straight stitch only machine like the Juki LU 2810, the likelihood of changing the presser foot is slim to none. There may be an occasion when a cording foot might come in handy, but 98 percent of the tasks handled by this machine require the standard straight stitch presser foot only.

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

I am by no means an expert when it comes to special purpose industrial or commercial sewing machines. I do, however, know a good sewing machine when I see one and the Juki LU 2810 is definitely a great sewing machine.

I like the feel of this heavy duty machine and sincerely wish I had brought some heavy leather with me or had a piece of sailcloth or canvas to really put it through its paces. I am not advocating that this machine be a part of the average home sewing room.

However, if you are one of those people who likes to make purses, large shopping bags or small luggage pieces for yourself and those close to you, or if you are toying around with the idea of setting up your own business making customized purses and bags, you might want to give some very serious consideration to adding the Juki LU 2810 to your sewing room. It just might take your production skills to the next level.