Juki TL-98P or Brother PQ 1500S?
 

I'm currently considering the Juki TL-98P and Brother PQ 1500S straight stitch sewing machines and can't seem to decide which way to go. Where I live I am unable to view or try either of these machines before purchase. The Juki I would be purchasing directly from the importer and the Brother is available from a local knitting store, however they don't have one in stock and would only look at ordering one in if I was buying it. Essentially the machines appear to be very similar except for the foot thread cutter on the Juki and the multiple feed dog levels on the Brother as well as a couple more feet. The price difference is approx. $240 with the Brother being cheaper. If anyone could offer any advice it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hi,
I have a Juki and love it,
I bought it to go on my happy Jack frame but now I prefer to piece and FMQ with it

I loved my Juki TL98Q... sewed so great and very sturdy. The Q on the end stands for quilting, of course. So the attachments were quilting related and it had the attachable sewing surface. I'm not sure what the P on the end of your model.

I LOVE my Juki TL98Q, the cutter button on the foot pedal is awesome!!!! I've had it for 6 years now and she's a workhorse!

Juki all the way. I had the Brother, nice machine, but there is something about the Juki.

I have the Brother and I LOVE the Machine My mom has the Juki and it is Wonderful. I think it boils down to what your comfortable spending. They are both wonderful Straight Stitch Machines

The Babylock Jane is the same machine. I bought one a couple months ago and absolutely love it! It made all the difference in my FMQ. Sewed beautiful stitches right out of the box - I think I made one small tension adjustment and was on my way. Good luck with your decision, I think you will be happy with either one.

I have a Brother1500s and love it!!!!! I bought mine from Amazon for $600 with no tax and free shipping. Amazon is an authorized brothers dealer so warranty applies. I would check prices on Amazon before buying either . who is the l importer and what is the return/service policy? Is knit shop also a quilting shop? I took my brothers in for a check-up and the shop was not really happy that I did not get it from them but the took my $$$ anyway. Since the Brothers does not have computer it is more easily serviced.

Can't beat the Brother. Sews through up to 10 layers without slowing down.

I have the Brother and got mine from www.allbrands.com they are an authorized Brother Dealer. They have FREE shipping and very fast (got mine in 3 days) delivery.

I have had the Juki TL-98Q for a few years....she gets a workout nearly every day. I absolutely love her!
Check out the warranty on both machines. I believe the Juki only has a 90 day warranty due to the fact it is deemed an industrial machine.

Me, too. It's a great machine. I piece and quilt on mine every day. I can't say anything about the Juki because I've never even seen one in person.

That auto foot cutter on the Juki would be a dream.

Have you read all the reviews on Amazon? Sometimes those are helpful for pointing out specific strengths or weaknesses. If it were me, I would probably get the Juki. I have heard here and there about fussy tension on some of the Brother 1500 and 1600 line sewing machines. Haven't heard about tension issues with Juki's.

I got the Brother from Amazon. LOVE IT!!! Workhorse. Simple to use, simple to oil and keep clean. Beautiful stitches!

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, the two brands/models seem to be very even.

QuiltnNan - the P stands for Perfection and it actually seems to be the same as the Q model and attachments. It seems to be the only Juki straight stitch machine avaliable internationally (or at least in New Zealand).

bigsister63 - Unfortunately I don't think Amazon ship sewing machines internationally and the voltage wouldn't allow it to work here without a transformer either, so I don't really have any other price options. The importer is located at basically the other end of the country but it does have a 2 year manufacturer's warranty. No, the knitting shop is actually just a knitting shop that also sells sewing machines but nothing else sewing or knitting related.

Prism99 - Thanks for the suggestion of Amazon reviews I will have to have a bit of a read. Think I'm starting to lean towards the Juki and definately am not keen on fussy tension.

Where are you LeranerDriver? I am just north of Auckland. you are most welcome to come and try my Juki

Thanks for the kind offer kamaiarigby, however unfortunately I'm down in Christchurch. How have you found the Juki?