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Juki DDL 8100e Review
I dropped in to say hello to my friends at Ace Sew and Vac in Pompano Beach, Florida and tested the Juki DDL 8100e straight stitch only industrial sewing machine. I don’t review too many industrial machines, but there was no way I would leave without taking a close look at this one. When I first noticed it, the Juki DDL 8100e reminded me of many other industrial sewing machines I have seen… even those that are used in some homes.
The Juki 8100e is a single needle lockstitch industrial machine. It is table mounted with a goose neck lamp and a thread cone attached along with a side mounted bobbin winder and a convenient compartment for storing bobbins, needles, thread clippers and other frequently used accessories. The Juki 8100e also has a large reverse stitch lever, a knee lift, two push buttons and a large comfortable foot pedal, it is an economic version of the 8700
- Lightning fast with 5500 stitches per minute
- Adjustable stitch length
- Needs assembly
- Straight stitch only
Juki DDL 8100e Features and specifications
- Straight stitch only
- Reverse stitch
- Sews up to 5500 stitches per minute
- Clutch motor
- Knee lift
- Separate on board bobbin winder
- Built in accessories compartment
- Push button on/off
- Mounted goose neck lamp
- Built in cone thread stand
- Adjustable stitch length
Fabrics suitable for the Juki 8100e
The Juki 8100e works best for the fabrics listed below:
- Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
- Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
- Knits
- Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
- Upholstery
- Leather/suede
- Fur
- Reptile skin
Canvas/Twill(not suitable)Plastic/Rubber(not suitable)Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers(not suitable)
Accessories
When it comes to industrial sewing machines, you will never find the long list of accessories that sometimes come with home sewing machines. For instance, with a straight stitch only machine like the Juki DDL 8100e, there is no need for a full complement of presser feet. You can, however, expect to find the following items included in the carton with the purchase of a new Juki DDL 8100e:
Maintenance
Maintenance of the Juki DDE 8100 is relatively easy.
| Actions | After each use | Monthly | One each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Working on the Juki DDL 8100e
When you are looking at a single purpose industrial sewing machine, you look for different things than the things that might be of importance to someone who is most interested in a sewing machine for home use.
Single purpose industrial sewing machines are expected to be workhorses… doing the one thing they are built to do better than just about any other machine on the market. If you expect to be able to wind the bobbin or thread the Juki DDL 8100e or any other industrial sewing machine the same way you would a machine built strictly for home use, you will be sadly disappointed.
Machines of this type are built for use by people who have many years’ experience and don’t need the added benefit of a detailed graphic display of the threading instructions or decals or numbers for you to follow.
If you are going to use any industrial sewing machine, you will be expected to know enough about basic sewing machine operation to be able to sit down and thread the machine with little or no assistance of instruction. The same goes for winding the bobbin. Using the side mounted bobbin winder is not a difficult task, but one that anyone who attempts to use this machine is expected to already know. If you really need instructions, they are written in the owner’s manual, but that’s it.
When you thread the Juki DDL 8100e, it is necessary to go through a series of steps that include several thread guides as well as a pair of manual thread tension discs. If you miss one of these steps, or if you do not have everything just right, the machine will not function properly.
A visit to the Juki website reveals that the Juki DDL 8100e was built to work with light to medium only. For this review, I used a double layer of medium weight denim. There were no stitch options to test… just the stitch length. The dial regulating the stitch length turns easily and getting it to go from forward to reverse stitching was a cinch. The surprise for me, however, was the lightning speed with which this machine sews. A light touch of my foot on the pedal and this thing literally took off! I’m not sure if I ever worked on a machine that sews up to 5,500 stitches per minute, but I will readily admit that I’m not sure I would be comfortable working on a machine that sews this fast unless I was working on something that is simple and straight forward… like a long straight seam. I’m not at all sure I would be comfortable sewing curves or setting in a sleeve on a machine as fast and powerful as this one.
The quality of the stitches is great. Although I may have been intimidated by the speed, I love the stitches. Regardless of the length, each stitch is absolutely perfect… and that’s the whole purpose for this machine.
Alternatives to Juki DDL 8100e
The Juki DDL-8700, hailed as the "Best Overall for Commercial Use," stands as a testament to Juki's commitment to sewing excellence. This industrial sewing machine, designed for light to medium fabrics, prioritizes comfort with reduced vibration and noise. Ideal for those seeking efficient stitching without compromising on quality, the DDL-8700 boasts a maximum speed of 5500 stitches per minute. Precision at its core, it offers a maximum stitch length of 5 mm, making every stitch count. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an ambitious beginner, this complete unit, equipped with a sturdy table, stand, motor, and more, addresses your sewing needs.
- Fast and efficient
- Excellent for heavy canvas and light leather
- Easy to assemble
- No manual included
The Juki HZL-F600 takes the lead in the sewing and quilting machine industry. The tool has the potential to impress you with its professional performance and user-friendly features. Why should you invest in this machine? The reason is that it comes ahead with a sturdy motor designed to sew thick materials such as denim and several quilting layers, which other machines fail to do. Furthermore, you can unleash your creative side by making the most out of 255 stitch patterns and 16 buttonholes completely automatic. And do not forget the bonus part: it offers a large working space, bright LED lighting for you to navigate the instructions, and a box feed system to guarantee precision and ease so you can continue with your complicated sewing projects.
- You can sew home decoration items, dresses, and quilts.
- A large LCD screen to simplify your sewing tasks, even if you are a beginner.
- The machine is heavy as it is exactly 21.8 lbs.
- It is expensive.
- The manual is a bit challenging to understand.
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Juki DDL 8100e is not just an industrial sewing machine by name. This is truly a machine that is designed and built for use in an industrial setting. I know several people who have industrial machines in their homes. I have one myself. However, this is not a machine that should be used in the home unless you have a serious home based sewing business.
Few people can handle a machine that sews 5,500 stitches per minute, and they, no doubt, are professional seamstresses and tailors… not people working in a shop doing alterations, but serious professionals. I make no bones about the fact that I have been sewing since I was a child. This is the very first sewing machine I have worked on that is so fast, I was actually intimidated by its power and speed. I have no doubt that in time, I could get accustomed to this powerful machine, but only after a bit of time and practice.
There are certainly plenty of people and situations where a machine this fast is not only welcome but required. With an MSRP of just $800+, and the Juki name and reputation behind it, I am convinced that the Juki DDL 8100e would be a great choice for any industrial setting.
Its solid all metal construction and simple operation makes it a wonderful workroom machine in any factory setting.
The clutch motor maintains a steady hum the entire time the machine is turned on. If white noise is a problem for you, it might be possible to switch to a quiet electronic motor, but the tradeoff would be that you probably would not be able to achieve such high speed sewing.
I know from some of the e-mails I receive that people with a vested interest in commercial sewing machines visit this website as well as those who are primarily interested in machines for home use only.
For this reason, I will continue to occasionally review truly industrial sewing machines like this one. If you are in the market to increase the number of sewing machines in your commercial workroom, take a few minutes to seriously consider the possibility of adding the Juki DDL 8100e to your inventory.
The Juki brand name is synonymous with superior sewing machines. The Juki DDL 8100e is no exception.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Juki 8100e Lockstitch machine review
Summary
The Juki 8100e is a single needle lockstitch industrial machine that is an economic version of the Juki 8700. It is made for experts and is lightning fast with 5500 stitches per minute. The machine needs to be assembled and only provides straight stitches.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Know the difference between the two of the models
Juki ddl 8100e
Juki ddl 8700
ddl 8100 e used for stitch low to medium weight fabric, where ddl 8700 is for leather stitch or medium to heavy weight nylon, polyester or fabric stitch
Hey did you ever get a reply to your question about the difference between the 8700 and the 8100E? I am currently debating which one to go for myself.
seriously what is the difference,m I cant find anything about them
Hi.. my machine auntomatically reverse stitches. I don’t pull the lever. How can I fix this? Please help me
machine backtack lever may not working or it may fixed, check the lever, i often face same kind of problem
Which machine would you recommend for home sewing shirts please? Will send away to do the buttonholes. Thanks.
I just got this machine for home setting. I use the juki DNU-1541 for heavy duty work and decided the lockstitch machine would be perfect to cope with the demand my machines go through. Can’t complain, simple to use but if you’ve no experience in threading or adjusting for fabrics I’d highly recommend getting an official juki rep to give a tutorial. Also it’s handy to have them on call if there’s ever a problem as most reps will cover servicing and call outs on occasions where you couldn’t figure out what you haven’t set up right! Def a great machine and brilliant investment.
Price Kaya hai 8100
Review is sort of meaningless without comparison to competitors as well as the DDL-8700.
Hi, I have a jukiddl800e and I’m having issues, it’s not sewing, tried tension. Please help me.
I have the Juki DDL 8100e and my needle broke . I am having a hard time finding the right needle for my sewing machine. Can you help me out please?
Hi Vernelle, you say the machine comes with a clutch motor, but I am looking here at a silent speed adjustable servo motor. Lately no new machine is sold with a clutch motor.
I learned as a home sewer but turned pro in adulthood. I agree with most of what you say, but still do recommend to my newbie students an industrial like this one even for home sewing. They just handle so much better! I remember the years of frustration on my Singer domestic. The machine jumping around everywhere, never enough hands.
The only drawback for the home sewer is that industrials are difficult to get serviced because they are so heavy. But they may never need to get serviced! They are so well-behaved. And there are ample basic maintenance videos on Youtube. And I wholeheartedly recommend a silent, speed-control servo motor. Unless you’re doing factory sewing you don’t need the speed of a clutch. Industrials can usually be purchased new with a servo already installed, but if not anyone with the most basic ability to screw and unscrew things could install their own. I recommend the affordably priced FESM-550S
I just bought a brand new one and hoping to get right in to those 5000 + so inches with some curtain pockets
But I need the manual it didn’t come with it so if you can possibly help me to get one I’d appreciate that