Question 1

Include table?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This one comes with the table, small drawer, thread stand, and very quiet servo motor.

Question 2

What is the difference between DDL-5550 and the DDL-8700?

Accepted Answer

Hello, Ms. Donna.  I had the same question before I ordered the DDL-5550.  To find the answer, I wrote an email to Juki America Inc.  Here was the response (just so you can hear it from the 'horses mouth'),"That is correct, the DDL8700 is made is China and the DDL5550N is made inJapan. That is basically the only difference in the machine."Regards,Janet M. MaganaAsst. Sales Manager - North AmericaIndustrial & Home Sewing DivisionJuki America, Inc.So, the question I asked myself was, if there is such a price difference, will there be a quality difference?  I went with the 5550 and have not regretted it.  I have used Chinese made machines in the Army to repair parachutes and, maybe we just had some bad ones but, I was constantly adjusting them.  I've not had to touch this one yet with a screw driver.  Just turn down the servo motor (if you're not used to a machine like this) and take it easy.  After using this, many folks don't go back to regular home machines.

Question 3

Do the feed dogs lower for free motion quilting?

Accepted Answer

It CAN be done.  You have to tilt the machine away from you to access the screw for the feed dogs.  Loosen it, and they will drop down then tighten the screw.  The only problem is, when you want to put them back up, you can't just set them as high as they will go.  The valley of the teeth should be level with the top of the needle plate in the up stroke.So, Joyce was right that it is a no frills machine, but it can be done.  Just not recommended unless you've worked on these machines some before.

Question 4

Do you need to purchase industrial thread?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to use industrial thread.  We've ran plain old Coates And Clarkes dual purpose thread through it.  You just need to set the tension differently.  Thread thickness should ideally be based on needle size though and needle size should be based loosely on fabric type and thickness and desired appearance.  So, a size 16-18 needle should probably use around size 69 thread.  Size 14-16 needles (which I think this machine comes with) should use around size 33 thread.  I simply find it easier to use industrial thread due to it being a standardized size and strength where the normal home machine thread is not really.  But yes, you CAN use just about any thread you like.  You may just have some feeding and locking issues if it's too thin.  A great resource for industrial thread and information about that thread is The Thread Exchange.  Just do an internet search.

ASIN	B005I5DH6Q
Best Sellers Rank	#715,868 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ( See Top 100 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing ) #143 in Industrial Machines
Brand Name	JUKI
Color	White
Customer Reviews	4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars (33)
Global Trade Identification Number	00189684000558
Is Electric	No
Item Dimensions D x W x H	20"D x 48"W x 48"H
Manufacturer	JUKI
Material	Metal
Model Number	DDL-5550N
Part Number	DDL-5550N
Power Source	Corded Electric
UPC	189684000282 189684000558
Warranty Description	Standard juki 90-day.

Juki DDL-5550 Industrial Straight Stitch Sewing Machine

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