Juki 1541

[RandyOnR3]

    The beast came in today, took half the day to assemble it .. table , motor and such, and at first I was thinking "what a pain" in threading it but after running a few seams, I realized that there is fantastic control over the tension and running from two layers to eight and then ten of sunbrella, the tension stays the same..
    got a question thou, unlike my 1181, this machine has no oil pan but has a drip pan..
    Got a issue with getting my fat hands under the machine to swap out a bobbin, and unlike my 1181, its not so easy to tilt forward to change bobbins due to the knee lift attached to the underside..
    so I'm wondering, can I get rid if the pan or will I find oil dumping down my leg or has anyone modified the pan to get into the end easier for a bobbin swap...

[bobbin]

Randy, if you're not used to horizontal axis bobbins they are fiddley to change at first.  Give yourself some time to "get the hang of it".  You'll develop the magic touch.  I wouldn't remove the oil drip pan, you will end up with oil dripping onto the treadle and the floor. 

It's a really nice machine and I know what you mean about the tensioning.  It really does give you a very nice, precise adjustment. 

[Mojo]

Like Bobbin said, give it time.

I have a horizontal and a top load and love the horizontal. I can change out a bobbin in seconds without looking and I have big ham hands. I do it all by feel. I am not a fan of top loaders at all.
Obviously there is nothing wrong with them, I personally do not like them.

Do not remove the oil pan. You will end up with oil all over the treadle and floor. Especially if your a big oiler like I am. :)

Chris

[RocketmanMH1]

Seems to me I remember Gregg saying something about modification to the oil catch pan for better  removal of the bobbin.  I'm sure he'll chime in on the issue.  By the way, he has a good deal on a 1541 listed on e-bay right now, If anyone is looking.

[sofadoc]

I'll bet you could notch out a small section of the oil pan just below the bobbin. Just enough for your fat fingers :)
Doesn't the knee lift have a "quick disconnect"?

[RandyOnR3]

   the knee does but its a pain to take it off......
kinda figured it out today.. cut the pan in half so only the rear is attached.. the forward end where the bobbin sits now has a denim skirt draped across the area much like the pan, stapled on both sides..  if it works to keep the oil from dripping I'll put in a couple snaps on the underside of the table and every so often, discard the old and make a new.. just a piece of cloth with 4 snaps..
  works now and access to the bobbin is easy and painless by just pushing the cloth inward a bit..