Clutch vs. Servo
I recently purchased another industrial machine, a used high-speed (5500 spm) Juki light to medium duty straight stitch with a max stitch capacity of 6/inch. This is the DDL-8700 and is the most recent iteration of the machine, so I'm guessing about 2 years old or newer. It looks to be in very good condition except two inexpensive external parts that are easy to replace. I don't yet have the machine in my possession, so this is my impression based upon pictures and the seller's description.
It's in a t-leg table with a clutch that the seller informs me '...is not currently working...'. Clutch motors are noisy, run constantly, and are heavy. Speed is harder to control with a clutch motor or so I've read; I've sewn with a clutch and find this is true, although I don't have a servo so I can't compare and I've always thought the lack of control was me, not the motor (and that's undoubtedly true).
By contrast, a servo is silent (until engaged -- and still runs quietly when it is), is much lighter, draws far less power (about 75% or thereabouts depending upon the motors being compared), and is much easier to control, i.e. sew at very slow speeds. It's also easier to sew one or two stitches in either direction. They are more expensive than clutch motors, sometimes considerably.
Anyone here have an opinion as to whether I should repair the current clutch or sell for parts and buy a servo with the proceeds? Do any of you have experiences with both types of motors? If so, do you have any thoughts and recommendations? I've read over and over that similar to industrial machines vs. domestics, once you sew with a servo, you'll never go back to clutch. Is this true?
Thanks in advance for any input! And Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.