True industrial Juki sewing machines
I'm looking at true industrial sewing machines, the non-portable ones with separate machine head and motor. I'm particularly looking at the Jukis DDL-8700, DDL5550 and DDL-9000 series. I already have an all-mechanical longarm quilter, so I'm well-versed in what industrial machines are like.
I've been watching Jordan Fabrics videos on You Tube, wherein Donna uses a Juki true industrial (an 8700? and also a Consew industrial) and I just really appreciate the power that these machines have. There is nothing like it on the domestic market, even in the semi-industrials. I have "test driven" one briefly, a DDL-9000C. With the newer servo motors, they are quiet and quite easy to control. I could go a bazillion miles per hour or take just one stitch every few seconds. So wonderful.
I searched this board to see if I could find mentions of these machines. And I did find a few. I saw that some people actually free motion quilt with these machines. I've seen some video on You Tube of people doing so, but I'm still a tiny bit skeptical.
So I guess my questions are directed to people who have experience with Juki "true" industrial machines.
What do you like about them? What do you dislike? Do you FMQ on them? If so, how did you set them up? The dealer recommended removing the feed dogs, putting on a darning plate (one with no feed dog slots), raising the presser foot height and of course, adding a TL-class high-shank quilting foot. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to try it out so I had no way of knowing for sure that it would work....so is it that easy? Do you like FMQing on these machines? What FMQ feet do you use? What else do I need to know?
I know that Juki has come out with a sewing and quilting machine based on the 9000C, but they've added very few features over the 9000C and have applied an extra $2000 to the MSRP over the base 9000C. I'd rather make one of the lesser machines work for my use rather than pay that premium. The dealer is confident that I can do so. Anyway...
Thanks for information/experience with these machines.