Juki DNU-1541S vs. THOR GC1541S
The Juki DNU-1541S is one of if not the most sought after industrial sewing machines in the market. With its success and popularity it has brought out several copies. The THOR GC1541S being one of the sewing machines to be modeled after the Juki 1541S.
In this article we shall cover the similarities and the differences between the Juki 1541S and the THOR 1541S.
Technical Specifications
| Juki DNU-1541S | THOR GC1541S | |
| Max. Sewing Speed: 2,500 sti./min. |
|
|
| Max. Stitch Length: 9mm | Max. Stitch Length: 9mm | |
| Presser Foot Lift by Knee: 3/4" | Presser Foot Lift by Knee: 3/4" | |
|
Needle: 135x17 (sizes 16-23) 135x16 (sizes 18-23) |
Needle: 135x17 (sizes 16-23) 135x16 (sizes 18-23) |
|
| Thread: T-45 - T-210 | Thread: T-45 - T-277 | |
| Bobbin Size: M | Bobbin Size: M | |
| Safety Clutch: Yes | Safety Clutch: Yes | |
| Tension Mechanism: Single | Tension Mechanism: Dual | |
| Presser Foot Climbing Knob: No | Presser Foot Climbing Knob: Yes |
Similarities
Both the Juki DNU-1541S and the THOR GC1541S are triple compound feed, walking foot sewing machines. That means that the needle feeds, the presser feet "walk" and feed, and the feed dog (AKA the teeth) also feed.
The two machines use the same type of sewing needles, the same size bobbin, they can run off of the same type of sewing machine oil, and they have similar capabilities with thread sizes.
The Juki and the THOR also use the same style of presser feet. Whether it is the standard walking presser foot, zipper presser feet, top-stitch presser feet or the cording presser feet, the two machines can use the same presser feet.
The process of removing and replacing the needle, the bobbin and the presser feet are the same as well. To wind a bobbin you follow the same steps with both machines.The oiling process is virtually the same as well.
The threading of the machine differ a little bit and we will show why later on in this article.
Applications
The Juki and the THOR can sew the same type of materials:
- Leather
- Vinyl
- Canvas
- Webbing
- Denim
They can also be used to sew the same medium to heavy-weight applications:
- Leather goods
- Upholstery (automotive, marine, furniture)
- Bags, purses, backpacks
- Dog collars and leashes
- Tents
- Tarps
- Medical equipment
- Tactical gear
- Outdoor and sports equipment
Differences
Now that we have covered the similarities between the two machines lets dive into the differences between the Juki 1541S and the THOR 1541S.
Origin
The first difference is that the Juki DNU-1541S is still made in Japan, whereas the THOR GC1541S is manufactured in China. However, the THOR does use a Japanese hook.
Think of the hook as the heart of the sewing machine. While you are sewing on your machine the hook is constantly rotating. So while the body of the THOR is made in China, the hook (heart) is made in Japan.
Tension Mechanism
The second difference between the two machines is that the Juki (image on the left below) has a single tension mechanism and the THOR (image on the right below) has a dual tension mechanism.
This is the main section of the two machines where the threading is different because the THOR has additional tension knobs that are not found on the Juki.
The purpose of the dual tension mechanism is that it allows the THOR to handle thicker threads better. The thickest thread the Juki can handle without any issues is T-210 / V-207. The THOR can handle up to T-270 / V-277 because of the dual tension mechanism.
Click HERE to view a video of the THOR sewing different applications and with size T-270 thread.
Presser Foot Climbing Knob
The third difference between the two machines is that the THOR has a knob to adjust the presser foot climbing height.
The purpose of this knob is to allow the sewer to have the ability to lift or lower the walking presser foot. The knob has a setting ranging between 1-6.
Lets say, for example, that you are sewing two layers of leather. So you can have the knob set on 1 or 2. Then you go from sewing two layers of leather to sewing four layers of leather. Well now you can turn the knob and go to a setting of 4 and you will notice that the walking presser feet will jump higher than before.
We have had many bag makers and upholsterers tell us that they love the feature of the knob because it allows them to "jump" higher or "walk" lower.
Juki offers this knob on their DNU-1541-7, which is their high end version of the DNU-1541. The Juki DNU-1541-7 has automatic features, such as an auto thread trimmer, auto foot lift and auto back-tack.
Setup
The Juki 1541S and the THOR 1541S fit in the same table top and they can be setup with the same servo or clutch motors.
Prices
Juki DNU-1541S $1,795 - View machine HERE
THOR GC1541S $1,395 - View machine HERE
These prices includes the sewing machines complete and fully assembled with the table top, table stand, motor, thread stand, table drawer and magnetic LED light.
Wrap-Up
The Juki DNU-1541S and the THOR GC1541S are very similar. The two machines operate very similarly, they can sew the same applications, and most of the parts are interchangeable, including: needles, bobbins and presser feet.
Quality-wise the Juki is of better quality. The Juki 1541S is made in Japan and it is the original 1541S. It will also hold its value better because it is a Juki and because it is made in Japan.
That is not to say that the THOR is not of good quality because it is. Value for your money, or bang for your buck, the THOR gives you more for your money because it has more features than the Juki, while priced less than the Juki.
Thank you for reading and please feel free to ask any questions you may have.