Juki-TL2010Q?
Friday, November 12, 2010 at 5:57AM 
I really don’t need another sewing machine. I didn’t think I was in the market for one. This spring, I was looking for a machine to use for business, and looked seriously at the Juki TL98Q. It has wonderful reviews, the only negative I found was people complaining that the bobbin was difficult to change. I wonder, is this any different than the Bernina’s with the oscillating hook systems?
The downside for me that no one else mentioned, is the lighting. The LED lighting on my Bernina’s is fabulous, and I need all the help seeing I can get.
This morning, I discovered the Juki TL2010Q. I’m not sure if it is actually out yet or not, I couldn’t find it on the Juki USA website. It looks about the same as the TL98Q, but they’ve added LED lights!
So, I’m really kind of torn. I would love a Bernina 430. I already know the machine inside and out, it does beautiful straight stitching, would be an ideal machine for me to take to classes and retreats as well as in the RV, I have a gazillion presser feet for it…
Something about that all metal, straight stitch only mechanical machine keeps calling to me. When I bought my vintage Singer 201-2, I thought it was the answer. It does sew like a dream, but I’ve been spoiled by Bernina. No needle up/down, poor lighting, and oiling it is what tipped me over the edge… I just don’t have time to spend an hour oiling 40 or 50 oil ports as often as I sew.
What gets oiled on the Juki’s? Just the bobbin race or more? Is the foot as narrow as it looks, much like my Singer at 2mm?
Of course it’s big and heavy, and certainly won’t work for a travel machine. I could continue to use my 630 for that though, but would prefer hauling around a less expensive machine!
Hmmm…
Oh before I forget, I’ve added a section over on the right under Galleries and Videos for Bernina Stitch Recipes… the ones done in the hoop. I’ve uploaded a few I’ve made, and added a drop box for people who wish to share the ones they’ve created. I uploaded mine in DPV6 format… perhaps .EXP would be better, then folks with other formats could use them as well?
Reader Comments (9)
CJ:
I have the Juki TL98Q and love it. I do all my piecing and binding on this machine. It has 6 oiling points and I don't think the bobbin is any harder to access than on any machine with a side mount bobbin.
I have a Designer I also that I do all my apparel sewing on. I love both machines but feel for the price, the Juki is capable of handling the heavier things and saves my Designer I for "light" sewing.
Judy in MO
I just thought of something else. The knee lift is wonderful when going around the corners when binding (the Designer I doesn't have this feature). Also the needle up and down and thread cutter makes is great also (the Designer I has this feature also).
The foot is a little less than 1/2" wide and the plate has good seam allowance markings enabling you to get a good 1/4" seam for quilting. The walking foot is good but I have to admit I never use it. It isn't really necessary since the feed on the Juki is so good. I also had some problems with the walking foot getting oil on my quilts.
It is a heavy machine but I've taken it many times to the kids houses when staying long enough to work on quilts while there.
It's a heavy duty machine and I've used it for sewing many things I would never use my Designer I for.
The one draw back is the light but I use a side light which is adequate for me.
The oiling points are 4 on the top and 2 on the bed of the machine. Each are easily accessible.
I guess you could say I looked at this machine as a "throw away". If it broke, I wasn't out that much money. I've had it for about 5 years now and the only things I've had to do is oil and clean the lint out. It just keeps on "ticking".
Judy in MO
CJ
I just bought the Juki TL 98Q last week. I LOVE IT.
It has the edge guide quarter inch foot, a regular presser foot, 2 free motion quilting feet, even feed foot, zipper foot, and rolled hem foot.
It has 8 oiling points plus the bobbin race. Very quick to get started sewing. Top and bottom thread cutter- I have never had that before and it is wonderful. The presser foot pressure is adjustable, Which my Bernina 1630 did not have.
It also does not vibrate at full speed.
I bought mine through Allbrands.com.
I just can't believe the difference, I am in awe everytime I sew.
Take care,
Carol
oops forgot to tell you the bobbin is not hard at all. There is a door on the machine bed and one on the extra bed so it opens up pretty big.
Carol
CJ,
I have the Bernina 440 and I also had the Juki TL-98Q for a short while. I liked the Juki but found the speed very hard to control. That machine can fly! This new version has a speed control - woohoo! I did not find the Juki to be that much heavier than my Bernina, but I never compared the weights. The bobbin on the Juki was a little fiddly but really not much different than the Bernina.
On the Juki, I loved the space to the right of the needle since I do a lot of home decor sewing for others. It also was wonderful for free motion (but you have your long arm for that).
I bought my Juki from Ed Reichart online. Their prices were very good and they were very helpful over the phone.
CJ, I am looking forward to your decision. I heard the Juki machines are excellent. As you know the Bernina sergers are made by Juki. Also, I am curious why you are thinking of the Bernina 430 machine. Yes you can use all your Bernina 630 feet on this machine but it lacks the BSR feature. If you are using it as a backup and travel machine wouldn't you want that feature? I traded in my 630 machine for the 820 and I really miss it. I have the 230 for travel and classes, which is a wonderful machine, but it lacks the BSR capability.
Thanks for the stitch recipes CJ. I haven't tried them yet, but hopefully...
I was wondering why you didn't use your Singer 201. I love the old machines, and I find it only takes me a few minutes of sewing to get the rhythm of needle-up and needle-down with my foot pedal. The oiling is a bit of a pain (I have a Featherweight for travel) but maybe I don't mind it as much since I have to regularly oil my multi-needle embroidery machine. Personally I kind of like machines I can maintain myself which is one of the reasons I like the older machines instead of the newer computerized ones.
I'm buying the Juki TL2010Q now! It should arrive next week. They say the bobbin area has been enlarged but the other comments don't say it's a problem. LED lighting... I love my older machine but it just refuses to free motion quilt even though it is capable... I will also save my oldie for delicate work and for her fancy stitches. I'm ready to roar with the Juki! (Oh, and speed control in case I can't handle it) :)