How do I love thee? (Juki TL-2010Q)
Saturday, December 25, 2010 at 12:52PM Let me count the ways! I’ve been unfaithful! I bought a new sewing machine! And it’s NOT a Bernina!
Okay before anyone panics, Bernina is still my machine of choice for my personal use. I adore my Bernina’s! However, for some time I have been wanting a basic machine for my business. Something dedicated to just piecing. Something inexpensive, easy to maintain, without all that fancy computerized stuff.
Heck I’ve wanted a machine like that just for my own use! Last year I thought I’d found it when I bought my fully restored, vintage Singer 201-2. And indeed, that machine pieces like a dream. I was as happy as could be with it until the first time I needed to oil it… and I’ve never sewn on it since. There’s something like forty eight spots to oil! Seriously? My machines need oiling every day, they work hard. Who has that kind of time?
I looked at the Juki TL-98Q. Such great reviews on it! But no speed control, poor lighting… and I was pretty sure no matter what the reviews said, a machine that cost less than $1000 couldn’t be very good.
I came so close to purchasing another Bernina 430 (I had a 440 previously). It’s a terrific machine, and I’ve always regretted selling mine. Didn’t really want to spend that much though.
Then I thought about a Bernina 1008. Mechanical, easy to maintain, rock solid… but it has nothing on it that I wanted… no adjustable presser foot pressure, no needle up/down, no thread cutter. And it’s around $1000 too!
Then I discovered the Juki TL-2010Q… which replaces the 98Q and just came out a week or two ago. Some naughty web dealer let it leak before they were supposed to. I called another web dealer who didn’t know about it yet. In return, I was offered a deal too good to pass up. And my oh my I am so glad I didn’t pass it up!
This machine is exactly… perfect. For me… but I’m going to share what might be considered a few negatives, along with the wonderful stuff.
;)
;)
;)
First of all, I’m shallow. A machine’s appearance is important to me. I can’t stand working with a piece of equipment I find ugly. This machine is very industrial looking, plain Jane, no sleek curves, no glamour, no shiny stuff… and I just love that about it! I totally detest the way most machines on the market look today. They’re kind of like cars. Why’d they start sticking in all that tacky fake chrome in the interiors? It makes me shudder!
I think my Bernina 630 is beautiful. I find my 830 rather ummm… unnattractive. I keep it covered when I’m not using it. It’s blissful to sew on. Not so much to look at.
The Juki has a nice, solid feel to it. It’s heavy. I think it weighs around 38lbs. It’s mostly all metal. The slide on table is plastic, no big deal, most of them are. Only the side cover on the handwheel side and the piece next to it on the back are plastic, shown in the photo below.
;)
You might notice in the first three photos that it has no free arm. I would not want this for a general purpose machine, I use my free arm quite often. I don’t care about this since this machine is going to be my piecing machine, period.
;)
All the functions of the machine are right here. That’s it folks! It does a straight stitch only, and it does it beautifully! The large round dial is your stitch length control knob. Since I do my piecing with a stitch length of 2mm, I set it there and there it will remain forever!
Over to the far right is a blue lever, the speed control. Pretty self explanatory with the hare and the turtle. Between it and the foot control, I was delighted to find I have every bit as much control as I do with the wonderful Bernina foot control, I can stitch a single stitch at a time.
On the far left is the needle up/down control. By default, the machine stops with the needle down all the time, which is exactly what I need it to do. There’s no need to raise the needle to use the thread cutter, which is the button with the scissors on it next to it.
The thread cutter sounds very scary. But it works incredibly well! Neither of my Bernina’s cut thread this nicely. And last, the large handle type lever at the bottom is the reverse control. I can’t imagine why it’s so huge, but there it is!
Oops… forgot about the feed dogs. That’s the lever right below the reverse handle. Handle. Shouldn’t it be a button?
;)
Threading the machine is just like threading my longarm. There is a pre-tensioner, then the tension dial below it. Very easy to thread, pretty standard setup here. The machine has absolutely lovely tension! I piece with Presencia 60wt 3 ply thread, and the stitches are gorgeous.
The dial up on the top of the machine controls your presser foot pressure. I couldn’t have a machine without this feature, to me it’s crucial for accurate piecing.
;)
When you adjust it, the changes are show in this little window. As you can see, I have mine set almost as light as it will go. When I have two layers of quilting cotton beneath the presser foot, they slide right under the foot without my needing to lift the presser foot. Perfect! The Juki feeds the fabric flawlessly.
;)
Access to the bobbin is a little awkward. This is how the bobbin is accessed on my longarm, which is fine, because in that situation you have the end of the machine facing you, and it’s considered the front of the machine.
When you’re sewing, this is the left side of the machine. I can change the bobbin with no problem like this, however I can’t clean the hook area without moving the machine so the bobbin is facing me.
;)
In the above picture, the plastic extension table is on. There is an access door on it which lifts up to enable opening of the bobbin cover on the machine. This looks hard to get to, but it isn’t really.
Below the bobbin area, on the bottom of the machine, is a removable cover, which is fantastic for cleaning. You can take a compressor and blow out the area without worrying about the lint going into the machine.
;)
;)
There are seven place to oil on the machine. The hook of course, and then there are six holes (I assume there are wicks inside, I haven’t taken the cover off of the machine yet) that you put a few drops of oil in. Four of them are on the top of the machine, two over the needle are and two between the bobbin winder (shown in the picture on the right) and the thread stand.
Speaking of the bobbin winder, it is superb! At first I thought mine was broken, because when I put the bobbin on the winder and engaged the lever, nothing happened. I’m spoiled, my Bernina’s have a separate motor. The Juki requires you to use the foot pedal to activate the motor. However, it winds an even nicer bobbin than my Bernina 630 does.
;)
I can’t piece without a screw in seam guide. I have one for each of my machines. But look at this one! It’s so long! It’s fabulous!
The things I don’t like about the machine are the fact that the stitch plate, the needle, and the presser feet all require using a screw driver to change. That’s a major hassle, and would be unnacceptable to me if I were going to change any of them. I’m not. I doubt I’ll ever put a different presser foot on the machine, and of course the stitch plate isn’t a problem since it’s a straight stitch machine.
As for the needle, Jim said he’ll replace the screw with a thumb screw for me… problem solved.
The Juki has LED lighting, so it’s nice and bright. It is not as bright as my Bernina’s, but it’s far better than the old type of lighting.
The motor purrs. I love the way it sounds. I’m fascinated by the fact that when you power on the machine, the only way you know it’s on is that the light comes on. There is no screen display, no needle positioning itself, no movement of any kind and no noise whatsoever. It’s just on! Instantly! Every single setting I use to piece quilts is set and ready to go, just like I left it. Presser foot pressure, stitch length, needle down. The simplicity of it is so refreshing.
I did mention that the thread cutter will scare you though didn’t I?
I bought the machine from Les at Ed Raichert’s in Arizona. Les was fantastic to work with! My machine was shipped out the same day I ordered it.
I just knew that when this machine arrived, I would set it up, sew on it, and box it back up to return it. Not a chance, this baby is a keeper!
Created by CJ
Because so many people email me asking about this machine now that I’ve had it for awhile, I’ve done a follow up post here.
In a nutshell…. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Reader Comments (32)
CJ, I'm glad you found a good machine at such a good price.
It looks like this machine has a larger throat area than normal. I purchased a machine with a 9 inch throat just so I could free motion easier. Sometimes, I have the embroidery machine running and think I'll sit down to applique and suddenly remember the machine only has a straight stitch. lol
Sounds like this machine was a pleasant surprise for you.
Sounds like Santa was good to you. It appears to be the perfect machine for your piecing. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas & will have a Happy New Year! Diane in CT
I have heard several people say recently that they love Juki's have fun playing - how many sewing machines do you have now :) are you sure you need them all LOL
Merry Christmas
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
I have a Babylock that is nearly the identical machine (less the lighting) I also have Berninas, which are my first love, but love the simplicity of these machines. Yes, I always wait for some sound when I turn the switch on, and there isn't any, and realize it's not supposed to make any! Merry Christmas from an avid follower.
What size throat does that machine have? Have been considering such a purchase for a while. Have the Bernina 440QE now and love it but would like something with a little more throat space when I quilt.
Merry Christmas to you!!!
I am so glad you love your new toy.
Excellent review!
Thank you for your excellent and through review. Alas, I found Raichert's AFTER I purchased my 2010 so I haven't been able to say I got the best price (they quoted me an unbelievably low price) since I already ordered my 2010. I wonder if your machine came with the T-guide or if it was a separate purchase (or did Les throw it in (more sobs here))? Anyway, I have bookmarked your review and will use it as an intro to my new machine when she arrives. I not only want to use it for piecing but intend to finally learn to free motion quilt. I can't believe that you have to use a screw driver to change the needle; changing the feet with a screw driver is okay by me but a needle!! Maybe I'll call Les and see if he can send me a thumb screw to replace the screw with! The person that I spoke with from Raichert's said that they make a 1/4 inch foot specially for the 98Q and company and I wonder that one is not included. Please comment on the feet if you have a chance. At least what you use for piecing. Thank you again... and again... :)
I have the older version- the TL 98 Q and have always loved it! My favorite part besides it being a total workhorse and a speed demon, is the red cutting button on the foot pedal! Congrats!!
A tortoise and a hare. Who could resist that!
Congrats on your new baby. I was wondering what type needles this machine uses. I noticed that 2 types of needles were mentioned in one of your pics. Do you use regular home needles or long-arm needles?
I had a Janome 1600P and liked it but the feed dogs didn't drop and you had to cover them with a plate which I was afraid may come off at the wrong time. I unfortunately made the mistake of giving it away when I moved south. So I replaced it with the Juki 98Q but I miss the speed control the Janome had. If I'd only waited a year I could have gotten this one which has the speed control. I like the reverse lever because I can use it with my elbow.
Oh you naughty little enabler!!!! You know I have wanted this machine after I sold my 98Q. I too love my 440 but miss my Juki. Maybe in the new year!!
I love reading your blog, CJ, and all the new gadgets you get. This one is sure to please the senses...LOL
Inquiring minds want to know what else your hubby graced you with.
Congratulations on your new baby CJ! I know you will enjoy her.
Judy in MO
Congratulations on your new machine!
Does the new Juki have the knee lift like the Pfaff Grand Quilter (also made by Juki)? It would be hard to piece without it after having the knee lift with the Bernina machines.
Great review, I've been looking at this machine, also. I had a Juki industrial a few years ago with the screw on feet. I'm not sure of the exact name, but there is a "quick change" adapter available that's spring loaded that allows you to "snap" on the feet. I ordered mine through Sloan Machinery in MA.
Great review. Looking forward to hearing more after you have "broken it in"! :-)
Happy New Year!
I have the janome version 1600P that I dearly love for all sorts of tasks. I love my new bernina 730 but use this one for really heavy fabrics or lots of straight stitching like home dec. I use the walking foot on it fairly often and it works great sort of like my pfaff built in feed. The industrial needles it uses seem lots stronger and last longer than the home machine needles. I love how fast these machines sew- really great for projects with endless straight stitching.The big thunk of the cutter is an awesome noise but it works really great- love it.
My new TL2010Q arrived today! I love the bobbin winder but cannot figure out the needle threader. Do you have any tips or have you seen a tutorial anywhere? I'm not finding their directions to be helpful here! I'll let you know more when I actually do something. For now, I'll have to thread that needle by hand... but what a great, solid machine and the motor does purr! :)
Anna, Chuckled when I read your post! I, too, purchased that machine--mine arrived yesterday. Set it up just fine but puzzled for quite a while over that threader. Finally figured it out. The directions really do describe what must be done adequately, but it doesn't really convey that there is some "manual" part that must be performed: when pressing down on the threader completely there is a very small, fine wire hook that goes through the needle that you must bring the thread UNDER then release the threader and the thread will be drawn through the eye. It took me what seemed like forever to see what was supposed to happen (since I figured it must work similar to the one on the Bernina 440QE) and I was NOT going to give up til I figured it out. Now, I'm thinking I want to remove the threader to clear the line of vision more. Not a necessary item in my book! I know this isn't a totally clear description of the process. Sorry! But I sure like the power/smoothness/simplicity of the machine!!!
Wow - this machine looks great and I know you will love it
I tried out the new Janome 7700 Horizon recently ($3,000!) but it sews and quilts no better than my MegaQuilter and my Janome 6600P.
SO expensive and just a TON of stitches that most people will NEVER ever use ... WHY do the Manuf. do that ?? Quilters don't need 200 extra stitch patterns !!??
Part of my post was deleted ... I don't have a Juki but I do have the Viking MegaQuilter and I've LOVED it for 3 yrs. Straight stitching, room for quilting, speed control, thread cutter and SIMPLICITY! Don't know how I ever quilted without it !
Thank you for posting this extensive review on the Juki 2010Q. The details you covered were very informative and helpful in making my decision to purchase. May I ask what type of stand/table you are using? My local dealer didn't have any in stock that interested me.
Thank you for your post it is most helpful. I wanted to know what was the price you couldn't refuse and shipping cost. I want to purchase one but some business over price.
Thanks for this great review. I have the Juki 98E (purchased about 12 years or so ago). Really like it (like it even better now that I have one of those tables with interchangeable inserts). Very reliable machine. Am contemplating the 2010Q in the future. Thanks again.
Hi,
I purchased my 98Q a year and a half ago. I sew all kinds of stuff in addition to quilting. I LOVE this machine. I just wish it had the speed control... I have an electronic Pfaff with integrated dual feed which is wonderful, but now use the Juki for all the heavy sewing. It sews through the heaviest stuff like a hot knife goes through butter. I initially considered buying an industrial type table from SewPerfect, but instead modified an old oak table I already had and made interchangeable inserts for my 98Q, my serger and my embellisher. Here is the URL for SewPerfect.
www.sewperfecttables.com
Great review! I am considering purchasing the Juki tl2010q to use for free motion quilting. My friend loves her 98qe Are you still loving your machine a year later?
Hi, just unpacked and set up my new Juki TL2010Q machine and was able to follow the instructions well, even the needle threader worked.
I was disappointed there is no 1/4 inch presser foot for piecing.
Will be calling the store to see if I can buy one or buy a seam guide as you have.
nice blog,
thank you
The standard presser foot works very well as the 1/4" foot. Been super happy with this machine since my purchase a year ago. Doreen
I just opened my 2010 today - bought it to replace my 98q that I'm going to have stretched. The light on the 2010 is much better, but I sure do not like the foot control. Another case of a manufacturer making something "better" when it was just fine to start with. Unfortunately, the foot controller from the 98q won't plug into the 2010. Drat.
But I do love both machines!
Judith....Stretched????? Please, explain. I purchased a 2010 as a result of this post (see earlier comments) and really love it for my FMQ.