Just waiting on parts (only new wiring) coming in for the spare 185J which I plan to use for denim, outdoor and heavier canvas projects which is getting more frequent lately.
So it's been serviced for now, excl. new wiring. which has just been ordered and I then adjusted the lower tension to happily give a nice balanced stitch when using a thicker thread 15-17 Wt. on the bottom.
I ran a couple of stitch tests and the 185J will work indeed for said purpose
Another reason i chose the 185 for this specific job was, with it going to be eating heavier stuff consistently now....parts are easily & readily available so win win in my opinion.
A much over-looked machine I find and it's nothing but the last good ole tried & tested model 99 range.