Extra-heavy unison-feed machine
Serious feeding power for thick, layered and demanding materials
The JUKI LU-1508NH is the extra-heavy model in the LU-1508N Series. Its unison-feed system, 10 mm stitch, 16 mm foot lift, long MTX190 needle and heavy-thread capability are engineered for demanding canvas, PVC, leather and layered-product sewing.
What makes the NH different
The extra-heavy version of JUKI’s proven LU-1508 platform
The LU-1508NH is not simply the standard machine fitted with a larger needle. JUKI gives the NH model a longer stitch, increased needle-bar stroke, a long 190R needle and an extra-large steel handwheel to support extra-heavy material and thread.
38 mm needle-bar stroke
The increased stroke supports the long MTX190 needle and provides the movement required for sewing thick assemblies.
10 mm stitch length
Long forward and reverse stitches suit heavy construction seams and visible decorative topstitching.
175 mm steel handwheel
The extra-large steel handwheel adds momentum and gives the operator positive manual control through difficult areas.
Complete rectangular unison feed
Move the needle, walking foot and feed dog together
The LU-1508NH combines needle feed, alternating walking feet and bottom feed. These feeding components work together to move the material through the machine.
- Reduces movement between upper and lower material layers
- Improves feeding across thick seam intersections
- Helps maintain consistent forward and reverse stitch length
- Reduces stitch gathering on heavy assemblies
- Supports straighter, more controlled topstitching
Built for heavy materials and thread
Clearance, tension control and bobbin capacity for demanding work
High-torque servo package
Control extra-heavy sewing without a constantly running motor
Direct Sewing supplies the LU-1508NH with a modern high-torque servo motor and synchroniser. The motor provides adjustable speed and strong low-speed control while remaining quiet when the machine is idle.
- Adjustable maximum sewing speed
- Strong, controlled low-speed operation
- No idle motor noise
- Synchroniser supports consistent needle positioning
- Better control when approaching thick seam transitions
- Energy-saving operation compared with a traditional clutch motor
Practical operating range
Power when needed, control when precision matters
A top speed of 2,000 stitches per minute supports efficient production, while the adjustable servo system allows the machine to be slowed for corners, detailed topstitching and difficult thickness changes.
Maximum sewing speed should be matched to the material, thread, needle size, stitch length and complexity of the work.
Heavy-duty working features
Engineered for long seams and difficult assemblies
Safety clutch
If thread becomes jammed around the hook, the safety mechanism helps protect critical components. The clutch can be reset using the push-button mechanism after the obstruction is removed.
Long forward and reverse stitches
The machine produces stitches up to 10 mm in both directions, supporting secure seam reinforcement without an abrupt change in stitch appearance.
Centralised lubrication
The machine uses centralised oil-wick lubrication with automatic hook lubrication. JUKI New Defrix Oil No. 2 or an equivalent ISO VG32 sewing-machine oil is specified.
Useful working area
The distance from the needle to the machine arm is approximately 255 mm, with a 517 × 178 mm machine bed for supporting heavy work.
Recommended applications
Designed for extra-heavy industrial and non-apparel sewing
Canvas, PVC and outdoor products
Boat covers, truck curtains, awnings, tents, banners, outdoor covers and other layered technical-fabric work.
Leather and upholstery
Soft leather furniture, bags, luggage, cushions and upholstery assemblies requiring strong feeding and heavy thread.
Equestrian and load-bearing products
Horse rugs, heavy bags, protective products and suitable webbing or cargo-handling applications after sample testing.
Technical specifications
JUKI LU-1508NH specifications
| Machine type | Single-needle, unison-feed industrial lockstitch machine |
| Material class | Extra-heavy materials |
| Feed system | Complete rectangular unison feed: needle feed, alternating walking feet and bottom feed |
| Maximum sewing speed | Up to 2,000 stitches per minute |
| Maximum stitch length | 10 mm forward and reverse |
| Needle-bar stroke | 38 mm |
| Presser-foot lift | 9 mm by hand; up to 16 mm by knee |
| Needle system | 190R / MTX190; some factory configurations may also accept 135×17 |
| Needle range | Approximately Nm125–Nm200, matched to thread and material |
| Thread capability | Approximately B69–B207, subject to needle, material and machine adjustment |
| Hook | Vertical-axis double-capacity hook |
| Thread tension | Dual needle-thread tension system |
| Handwheel | Extra-large steel handwheel, approximately 175 mm diameter |
| Safety mechanism | Resettable safety clutch |
| Bobbin winder | Built into the machine head |
| Lubrication | Centralised oil-wick lubrication with automatic hook lubrication |
| Recommended oil | JUKI New Defrix Oil No. 2 or equivalent ISO VG32 oil |
| Needle-to-arm space | Approximately 255 mm |
| Bed size | Approximately 517 × 178 mm |
| Machine-head weight | Approximately 44.5 kg |
| Automatic thread trimmer | No |
| Automatic backtack | No; reverse is operated manually |
Complete Direct Sewing package
Supplied assembled and ready for industrial setup
Direct Sewing supplies this machine as a complete industrial package rather than as a machine head alone.
- JUKI LU-1508NH machine head
- Industrial tabletop and stand
- High-torque servo motor
- Motor synchroniser
- Adjustable speed control
- Thread stand
- Wheeled stand for easier positioning
- Machine oil
- Bobbins
- Screwdriver
- Needle set
- Operating instructions
Table, stand and wheel colours or styles may vary. Confirm access, freight, assembly and electrical requirements before delivery.
Machine selection and setup support
Heavy-duty sewing is about the complete setup
Direct Sewing has serviced, repaired and sold sewing machines for more than 30 years. The team can help match the machine, needle, thread, presser foot and feed adjustment to your product.
- Advice based on your actual materials and construction
- Needle and heavy-thread selection
- Servo speed and synchroniser setup
- Presser-foot, binder and guide recommendations
- Industrial servicing, repairs and parts support
- Freight arrangements available outside Auckland
Contact Direct Sewing
Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies
138 Railside Avenue
Henderson, Auckland 0612
Phone: (09) 838 8674
Mobile: 021 274 2910
Email: info@directsewing.co.nz
Warranty
One-year return-to-base warranty
This machine is currently supplied with a one-year return-to-base warranty. Contact Direct Sewing before arranging warranty repairs or returning the machine. Proof of purchase and assessment by Direct Sewing or an approved technician may be required.
Frequently asked questions
JUKI LU-1508NH FAQs
What makes the LU-1508NH different from the LU-1508NS?
The NH is the extra-heavy version. It has a 10 mm maximum stitch, 38 mm needle-bar stroke, long 190R needle system, heavier thread capacity and an extra-large steel handwheel. The NS is the standard heavy-weight model with a 9 mm stitch.
Is the LU-1508NH a walking-foot machine?
Yes. It uses unison or compound feed, where the needle, alternating walking feet and lower feed dog work together to move the material and reduce movement between layers.
Can the LU-1508NH sew leather?
Yes, it is suitable for many soft and upholstery leathers, bags, furniture and other heavy leather products. Very dense, rigid or unusually thick leather should be sample tested with the intended needle and thread.
What is the maximum stitch length?
The LU-1508NH produces stitches up to 10 mm long in both forward and reverse directions.
How high does the presser foot lift?
The foot lifts approximately 9 mm with the hand lever and up to 16 mm with the knee lifter, providing clearance for thick assemblies.
Which needles does the LU-1508NH use?
Direct Sewing configures this model for 190R or MTX190 needles. JUKI also lists certain configurations with 135×17 needles. Confirm the installed needle system before substituting between systems.
Can it use heavy thread?
Yes. Its dual-tension system, large hook and extra-heavy specification support substantially heavier thread than a standard plain sewer. JUKI lists an approximate range up to B207, subject to correct needle size, material and adjustment.
What is the advantage of the large bobbin?
The vertical-axis double-capacity hook holds more bobbin thread than a standard industrial bobbin. This reduces bobbin changes during long seams and is particularly useful with thick thread.
Does the LU-1508NH automatically trim the thread?
No. The LU-1508NH does not have an automatic thread trimmer or automatic backtack. Threads are trimmed manually and reverse sewing is controlled by the operator.
Is the servo motor included?
Yes. Direct Sewing supplies the package with a high-torque servo motor, speed control and synchroniser, together with the table, stand and thread stand.
Is the machine supplied assembled?
The current Direct Sewing package is supplied built up with its industrial table, stand, motor, thread stand and accessories. Confirm delivery access and freight arrangements before ordering.
What warranty applies?
The machine currently has a one-year return-to-base warranty. Contact Direct Sewing before arranging repairs or returning the machine for assessment.
Can Direct Sewing arrange delivery outside Auckland?
Yes. Direct Sewing can arrange freight outside Auckland. Contact the team to discuss the destination, access requirements and safest delivery method for an assembled industrial machine.
Match the machine with the correct heavy-duty supplies
Use compatible MTX190 needles and suitable industrial thread for reliable stitch formation on extra-heavy materials.