Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Sewing Machine Review: Built to Last a Lifetime

The Juki DDL-8700 sewing machine isn’t just another sewing machine; it’s an investment in quality and longevity. Designed for demanding projects, this industrial powerhouse is ideal for sewers who require a machine that can keep up with their needs for years to come.

Built for Endurance:

• Industrial Construction: The Juki DDL-8700 boasts a robust build quality, featuring a solid metal frame that can withstand heavy use. Unlike some home sewing machines with plastic parts, the DDL-8700 is built to last for decades.
• Reliable Performance: This industrial machine is known for its dependable operation, making it a worthy companion for professional tailors, sewing enthusiasts, and small business owners alike.

Beyond Durability – User-Friendly Features Of The JUKI DDL-8700:

While the DDL-8700 prioritizes durability, it doesn’t compromise on functionality. Here are some user-friendly features that enhance the sewing experience:

• Servo Motor: Enjoy variable speed control with a servo motor, allowing you to adjust the sewing pace to match your project and comfort level.
• Automatic Lubrication: The DDL-8700 features an automatic lubrication system that reduces maintenance needs and ensures smooth operation.
• Knee Lift: Free your hands for better fabric manipulation with the convenient knee lifter that raises the presser foot.

Ideal For:

The Juki DDL-8700 is an excellent choice for sewers who:

• Demand Durability: This machine is built to handle heavy-duty materials and frequent use, making it ideal for professional applications or sewists who work with thick fabrics.
• Value Long-Term Investment: With its robust build and reliable performance, the DDL-8700 is a worthwhile investment that will serve you for many years to come.
• Appreciate User-Friendly Features: The servo motor, automatic lubrication, and knee lift contribute to a more enjoyable sewing experience.

Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Sewing Machine: Powerhouse Performance for Demanding Projects

The Juki DDL-8700 industrial sewing machine isn’t your average home sewing machine. It’s a high-speed, single-needle lockstitch powerhouse designed for professional use and built to withstand the demands of everyday sewing for years to come.

Striking a Balance Between Beauty and Functionality:

• Modern Design: The DDL-8700 boasts a sleek and modern machine head design that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.

Reliable Performance You Can Count On:

• Juki Legacy: This machine inherits the proven performance and reliability of Juki’s highly-regarded lockstitch machines, ensuring smooth operation and consistent results.
• High-Speed Sewing: Reach impressive sewing speeds of up to 5,500 stitches per minute (SPM), allowing you to complete projects efficiently.

Designed for Optimized Sewing:

• Accommodating Presser Foot: The presser foot lifts up to 13mm (0.51 inches), making it ideal for working with medium-weight and lightweight fabrics, perfect for tailors, fashion designers, and dressmakers.
• Spacious Work Area: The 10.5-inch throat space provides ample room for maneuvering fabrics and tackling larger projects.

User-Friendly Features:

• Variable Speed Control: The 110-volt servo motor offers quiet operation and allows you to control the sewing speed with a dial, ranging from 0 to 3300 RPM. This ensures you can adjust the pace to match your project and comfort level.
• Needle System Options: Choose from two needle system options:
  • DDL-8700 (size 9-18 needles) is ideal for lighter-weight fabrics.
  • DDL-8700H (size 16-22 needles) is designed for handling thicker materials. This version also features heavier feed dogs, a sturdier stitch plate, a larger foot, and a higher needle stroke for better penetration.

Versatility and Applications:

• Recommended Fabrics: While the DDL-8700 excels with light to medium-weight fabrics, it can handle up to 3 layers of denim. This makes it suitable for various projects, including alterations, dressmaking, and even piecing for quilters who value speed.

Additional Considerations:

• Weight and Assembly: This machine is a powerhouse, but it also comes with a weight of 28 lbs. It arrives disassembled, and some basic assembly is required, including attaching the belt, spool holder, and tension dials. The machine head needs to be placed on the table with safety clips.
• Return Policy: Due to the size and complexity of the machine, returns are not accepted.
• Table Color Variations: The table color may vary depending on availability.
• Minor Cosmetic Imperfections: Industrial machines prioritize functionality over aesthetics. There might be minor scratches on the head or table due to shipping, which is considered normal for industrial machines.

Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Sewing Machine: Unveiling the Details

This information sheet complements the previous description of the Juki DDL-8700 industrial sewing machine by providing a technical specification breakdown and highlighting the key differences between the DDL-8700 and DDL-8700H models.

Technical Specifications:

• Sewing Speed: 5,500 stitches per minute (SPM) – impressive speed for efficient project completion.
• Feed Dog: 3-row feed dog system – ensures smooth fabric feeding for consistent stitch quality.
• Maximum Stitch Length: 5 mm (0.2 inches) – ideal for creating precise and delicate stitches.
• Needle Bar Stroke: 35 mm (1.38 inches) – provides ample vertical movement for accommodating thicker fabrics (especially relevant for the DDL-8700H).
• Dimensions: 48 x 36 x 48 inches (L x W x H) – consider the workspace requirements before purchasing.

Choosing Between DDL-8700 and DDL-8700H:

While both models share the core functionality of the Juki DDL-8700, the DDL-8700H is specifically designed for handling heavier materials:

• Needle System:
  • DDL-8700: Size 9-18 needles – suitable for light to medium-weight fabrics.
  • DDL-8700H: Size 16-22 needles – accommodates thicker fabrics like denim.
• Additional Features (present only on DDL-8700H):
  • Heavier feed dogs – provide better grip on thicker fabrics.
  • Heavier stitch plate – offers a sturdier base for piercing denser materials.
  • Larger foot – provides more surface area for better control when sewing thicker fabrics.
  • Higher needle stroke (35 mm vs. standard stroke on DDL-8700) – allows for deeper needle penetration through thicker materials.

Juki DDL-8700: Built to Last, Engineered for Speed

The Juki DDL-8700 industrial sewing machine stands out for its exceptional build quality, impressive speed, and versatility for various users. Here’s a closer look at its key strengths:

Built to Endure:

• Industrial Construction: Unlike many home sewing machines with plastic parts, the DDL-8700 boasts a robust build with all-metal gears, ensuring long-lasting performance for demanding projects.
• Self-Lubrication: This machine eliminates the need for frequent oiling thanks to its self-lubricating system, reducing maintenance requirements.

Speed Demon:

• Blazing Fast Straight Stitching: The DDL-8700 excels at straight stitching, reaching speeds of up to 5,500 stitches per minute. This translates to efficient project completion, especially for tasks requiring numerous straight seams.

Ideal Users:

• Professional Seamstresses and Dressmakers: The quality and speed of the DDL-8700 make it a perfect companion for professionals who demand flawless straight stitches and high production output.
• Serious Hobbyists: Sewing enthusiasts who work on frequent projects and value efficiency will appreciate the speed and reliability of this machine.
• Educational Environments: The DDL-8700’s durability makes it a popular choice for fashion schools and institutions that require long-lasting equipment for teaching purposes.
• Industrial Applications: The machine’s robust build and performance make it suitable for light industrial sewing tasks.
• Home Businesses: Entrepreneurs venturing into sewing-related businesses can benefit from the DDL-8700’s capabilities.

Out-of-the-Box Functionality:

• Complete Package: The DDL-8700 arrives fully assembled and ready to use, including the table, motor, machine head, stand, sewing light, storage drawer, and all necessary components.
• Standard Plug: The included power cord features a standard 3-prong plug for easy connection to any wall outlet.

Motor Options:

• Standard Industrial Motor: This motor is a louder, clutch-driven option, offering a traditional industrial sewing machine experience.
• Servo Motor (Optional): For quieter operation and greater control, a servo motor is available at an additional cost. This option allows for variable speed control, making it ideal for users who value precision and flexibility.

Value Proposition:

• Priced for Performance: While not necessarily inexpensive, the Juki DDL-8700 is competitively priced considering its industrial build quality, high speed, and long-lasting reliability.
• Investment that Pays Off: For frequent sewers who work with various fabrics, the DDL-8700’s durability and consistent performance translate to value over time.

Standard Accessories Of The JUKI DDL-8700 Sewing Machine

• Table: A sturdy table provides a stable and comfortable work surface for sewing projects.
• LED Lamp: An LED light integrated into the machine head illuminates the sewing area for better visibility, especially when working with darker fabrics or in low-light conditions.
• Automatic Bobbin Winder: This convenient feature allows you to wind bobbins efficiently without needing a separate bobbin winder.

Additionally, the Juki DDL-8700 might also include:

• Needle Position System (Possible): Some descriptions mention a needle position system, which allows for precise needle positioning for accurate stitching. However, it’s best to double-check with the seller or refer to the official Juki product specifications to confirm if this is a standard feature or an optional add-on.

Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Sewing Machine: Pros and Cons

The Juki DDL-8700 is a high-performance industrial sewing machine designed for durability, speed, and professional-quality results. Here’s a balanced breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you:

Pros:

• Industrial Build Quality: The DDL-8700 boasts a robust metal construction with all-metal gears, ensuring long-lasting performance and withstanding demanding projects.
• High Speed: This machine excels at straight stitching, reaching speeds of up to 5,500 stitches per minute, making it ideal for completing projects efficiently.
• Self-Lubricating System: Reduces maintenance needs by eliminating the need for frequent oiling.
• Versatile Applications: Suitable for professional seamstresses, dressmakers, serious hobbyists, educational institutions, light industrial sewing, and home sewing businesses.
• Complete Package: Arrives fully assembled with a table, motor, machine head, stand, LED sewing light, storage drawer, and all necessary components for immediate use.
• Standard Plug: The included power cord features a standard 3-prong plug for easy connection to any wall outlet.
• Motor Options: Choose between a standard industrial motor or a quieter servo motor with variable speed control for added precision.
• Investment Value: While not the cheapest option, the DDL-8700’s durability, reliability, and high-quality performance make it a worthwhile investment that pays off over time for frequent sewers who work with various fabrics.

Cons:

• Bulk and Weight: This machine is an industrial powerhouse, and it comes with a weight of 28 lbs. It also arrives disassembled (some assembly required).
• Learning Curve: For beginners, the high speed and lack of fancy stitch options might be overwhelming initially.
• Limited Stitch Options: The DDL-8700 is a single-needle, straight-stitch machine. If you require decorative stitching or other functionalities, you might need a separate machine.
• Noise Level: The standard industrial motor can be loud. The servo motor is a quieter option, but it comes at an additional cost.
• Large Footprint: Consider the workspace requirements before purchasing, as the machine with the table has dimensions of 48 x 36 x 48 inches (L x W x H).
• Returns Not Accepted: Due to the size and complexity of the machine, returns might not be accepted by all sellers.

Conclusion

Overall, the Juki DDL-8700 is an excellent choice for serious sewers who prioritize industrial-grade build quality, high speed for straight stitching, and long-lasting performance. However, if you’re a beginner on a tight budget or require a wider variety of stitches, a more basic home sewing machine might be a more suitable option.

Juki DDL-8700 Industrial Sewing Machine: Frequently Asked Questions

General Capabilities:

• What kind of fabrics can the Juki DDL-8700 sew?

The DDL-8700 excels with light to medium-weight fabrics. It can handle up to 3 layers of denim. However, for thicker materials, consider the DDL-8700H model with its heavier-duty components.

• What kind of stitches does the Juki DDL-8700 sew?

The DDL-8700 is a single-needle, straight-stitch machine. It doesn’t offer decorative stitches.

• Is the Juki DDL-8700 good for beginners?

The DDL-8700’s high speed and focus on straight stitching might be overwhelming for beginners. A more basic home sewing machine with a wider variety of stitches and slower speeds might be a better starting point.

Features and Functionality:

• What is the difference between the DDL-8700 and DDL-8700H models?

The DDL-8700H is specifically designed for handling thicker materials. It features heavier feed dogs, a sturdier stitch plate, a larger foot, a higher needle stroke, and uses size 16-22 needles compared to the size 9-18 needles on the DDL-8700.

• Does the Juki DDL-8700 have an automatic needle threader?

No, the Juki DDL-8700 does not have an automatic needle threader.

• What type of motor does the Juki DDL-8700 come with?

The standard model comes with an industrial motor, which can be loud. A quieter servo motor with variable speed control is available as an optional upgrade.

Purchase and Use:

• How much does the Juki DDL-8700 cost?

The price can vary depending on the seller and whether you choose the standard motor or upgrade to the servo motor. While not the cheapest option, the DDL-8700 is considered a worthwhile investment for its durability and performance.

• Does the Juki DDL-8700 come assembled?

The machine arrives disassembled, but some assembly is required, including attaching the belt, spool holder, and tension dials. The machine head needs to be placed on the table with safety clips.

• What is the warranty on the Juki DDL-8700?

Warranty details can vary depending on your location and the seller you purchase from. It’s best to check with the seller or Juki’s website for specific warranty information.

All Used Image Credit : Juki.com