I got a chance to review the Juki DDL 5550N by a stroke of luck as my neighbor received it in a huge box just as I was heading out. Read on…
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Imagine what it might be like to learn that the person who bought a house directly across the street from you is a semi-retired professional tailor. That is almost the case with Kennedy Samuel, my new neighbor who lived in New York and worked in the garment district for many years as a cutter and pattern maker before moving to South Florida.
One day, I happened to be heading out when a Fed Ex truck delivered a huge box from WAWAK. Knowing that WAWAK specializes in sewing machines and accessories, I couldn’t help but let my curiosity take charge.
The box contained a brand spanking new Juki DDL 5550N, a straight stitch only industrial sewing machine. When I got my nerve up, I asked Kennedy for permission to review his new acquisition, I am very grateful that permission was granted.
At A Glance
The Juki DDL 5550N is mounted on its own table with a dual cone thread holder, an on board lamp and bobbin winder as well as a 30 inch ruler along the front. It has a whisper quiet Servo motor and a needle plate with etched seam guides.
Dual cone thread holderThere is also a finger guard, a manual spring tension adjustment dial and a large reverse stitch lever on the right column. The on/off switch is located on font of the table on the right side and there is also a knee lift which is used to raise and lower the presser foot.
Juki DDL 5550NSince the Juki DDL 5550N is a straight stitch only machine, one might be tempted to think the needle plate and presser foot were permanently attached, but they are not. Some of the key features that I tend to like best on this machine are not even visible to the naked eye.
The Juki DDL 5550N is equipped with a thread trimmer that is embedded beneath the needle plate along with a fabric edge sensor which automatically stops the machine and trims the thread when the needle runs off the edge of the fabric.
Features
- Sews up to 5500 stitches per minute
- Adjustable stitch length up to 5mm
- Finger guard
- Knee lift
- Reverse/lock stitch control
- On board bobbin winder with separate motor
- Servo motor
- Needle plate with seam guides
- On board 30 inch ruler
- Bobbin thread sensor
- On board thread trimmer
- Fabric edge sensor
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
Working on the Juki DDL 5550N
Anyone who has prior knowledge or experience in working on industrial sewing machines will have no problem threading the Juki DDL 5550N or winding the bobbin. However, if you are new to working on an industrial sewing machine, or even if you have been away from it for a long time, you might need assistance.
The instruction manual is helpful and will take users through the step by step process. The manual, however, is written in such a way that anyone who is not already adept at sewing machine operation, and the proper names for the basic parts of a sewing machine will be completely lost.
Well formed stitchesOnce threaded and bobbin wound and put in place, I discovered that the Juki DDL 5550N is not only lightning fast, it is also surprisingly quiet. The Servo motor on this machine is smaller, yet seemingly more powerful than the Servo motors mounted on industrial sewing machines that I had the opportunity to review in the past.
Prior to allowing me to review his new acquisition, Kennedy had only set it up and sewed a few test stitches to make sure it was operating properly. When it was time for me to actually test the sewing performance of the Juki DDL 5550N, Kennedy gave me a piece of medium weight woven cotton blend fabric.
I discovered that the tension needed to be adjusted a little in order for the stitches to be properly balanced. It took only a slight turn of the tension dial to achieve the perfect setting for the particular fabric he gave me to work with.
After that task was successfully accomplished, the stitches produced were not only well formed, they were secure in every way. It was possible for me to change stitch length while sewing and the large reverse/lock stitch lever moved easily and effortlessly.
Fabrics
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-woolFine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvetKnitsSynthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyesterDenimUpholsteryLeather/suedeFurReptile skinCanvas/TwillPlastic/RubberExtra thick fabrics or multiple layersAccessories
When it comes to industrial sewing machines, one can never expect to find the large number of standard accessories we have come to expect when unpacking a sewing machine for home use. The accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550N are somewhat limited.
Aside from the on board lamp, cone thread stands and table mounted bobbin winder, the only accessories that come with the Juki DDL 5550D are screwdrivers, an oil dispenser and an owner’s manual.
Maintenance
After each useMonthly*Once Each Year**As NeededClean race hook and feed dogs
Wipe head with soft dry cloth
Wipe head with soft damp cloth
LubricateService by sewing machine repair professional
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Juki DDL 5550N is loaded with all the standard features anyone in the market for a well -built industrial sewing machine would want and then more. The newly added sensors that warn you when the bobbin thread is running low or when the needle sews beyond the edge of the fabric are features that in my opinion only enhance the value of this straight stitch only industrial sewing machine for anyone who uses it.
Bobbin thread sensorAccording to the Juki website, this machine is recommended for apparel construction, using medium weight fabrics. I concur with that recommendation, and might add that heavy weight apparel fabrics would be suitable as well. This includes apparel weight leather, suede and vinyl as well as light to medium weight upholstery fabric. Solely based upon the manufacturer’s recommendation, I hesitate to recommend this machine for excessive use with heavy upholstery fabrics, leather or suede.
My only guess is that there is something about this machine that is not readily apparent to the naked eye that precludes its long term use with fabrics heavier than this.With this in mind, I strongly recommend the Juki DDL 5550N for use in a tailor shop, an alteration shop or like my neighbor, a home based business focused on clothing construction.
With the exception of having to stop to adjust the tension – which is to be expected when working with any machine with a manual tension adjustment – I found the Juki DDL 5550N to be exceptionally user friendly when compared with other industrial sewing machines.
I especially like the automatic tie off feature that I have not observed on any other industrial sewing machine. Snipping threads is certainly not a time consuming task, but when you have a machine that sews up to 5500 stitches per minute and cuts threads as well, you can really appreciate the time savings in a major way.
I do not recommend this machine for use by anyone who is not comfortable working on high speed sewing machines… which definitely eliminates anyone who is new to sewing. However, in my opinion, I believe the Juki DDL 5550N could very well be a good choice for use in vocational programs where tailoring is a course of study.
Learning the skills needed to be a successful and productive tailor or alteration specialist on a machine like this is a major advantage for students whose experience is limited to standard home or classroom sewing machines.
If, like Kennedy, you find yourself in the market for a straight stitch only high speed industrial sewing machine, I strongly recommend that you visit your local Juki dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Juki DDL 5550N and compare the way it operates and feels with other industrial machines on the market before making a final decision.
Kennedy said he purchased his machine via the internet for a couple of rather significant reasons. First of all, after having spent so much time in the garment industry, he was confident that WAWAK is a reputable source and that Juki is a reliable brand; and he has not yet purchased a car, so he gets around on a bicycle.
Obviously, he couldn’t bring a machine of any type home on a bike. He is in the process of establishing his own pattern making business here in South Florida and is eager to establish relationships with lots and lots of new clients.
He confided in me that he is also available to do alterations for people in the Palm Beach-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami tri-county region. Kennedy can be reached via telephone at 718.641.9277, and his e-mail address is kennedysamuel94@yahoo.com.
Juki DDL 5550N ReviewLink To Official WebsiteSkill Level:- Needs lots of help – able to sew a straight seam but unfamiliar with most sewing techniques; needs assistance and instruction on basic sewing techniques.
- Intermediate
- Competent – can make different clothing items without assistance or guidance, but not good enough to sew intricate projects or to sew without a pattern.
- Advanced
- Expert – can sew anything without instruction or assistance; possesses an expansive knowledge of sewing techniques and terminology.
SpeedJuki Ddl 5550 Manual Pdf
Ease of operationEase of maintenanceProsJuki Ddl 5550 Manual Free Download15 Pdf
- All metal construction
- Ideal for working with medium to heavy weight apparel fabrics
Juki Ddl 5550 Manual Free Download 1500
Cons- Not recommended for beginners