TXLady Report post Posted July 30, 2011 Help! I am truly confused about what I realy need in a sewing machine. I am looking for a sewing machine to make holsters and bags. I do know how to sew but have never sewed leather. I have a chance to purchase a Consew 206RB-5 head only . I do not know if this is the sewing machine I should be looking at. I want to purchase a sewing machine that meets all my needs to get started. Any Advice on the pros and cons would be greatly appreciated. Thank you ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted July 31, 2011 The Consew 206RB5 is a flat bed machine that will sew 3/8" leather thickness with a servo motor. You could sew light weight holsters and some purses. I think you need a long arm machine. ferg Help! I am truly confused about what I realy need in a sewing machine. I am looking for a sewing machine to make holsters and bags. I do know how to sew but have never sewed leather. I have a chance to purchase a Consew 206RB-5 head only . I do not know if this is the sewing machine I should be looking at. I want to purchase a sewing machine that meets all my needs to get started. Any Advice on the pros and cons would be greatly appreciated. Thank you ! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted July 31, 2011 Help! I am truly confused about what I realy need in a sewing machine. I am looking for a sewing machine to make holsters and bags. I do know how to sew but have never sewed leather. I have a chance to purchase a Consew 206RB-5 head only . I do not know if this is the sewing machine I should be looking at. I want to purchase a sewing machine that meets all my needs to get started. Any Advice on the pros and cons would be greatly appreciated. Thank you ! You are going to have to buy a motor, v-belt, bobbin winder, thread stand, flex lamp, k-legs frame w/pedal/knee lifter, oil drip pan and cutout industrial table to use the Consew head. When you add the cost of these items to the cost of the head only, will you still be getting the bargain you think you are getting? Maybe, maybe not. As 50 Years Leather told you, this machine is capable of sewing up to 3/8" of leather, but is really best suited to using size 138 and under in thread. Most holsters are sewn using #277 thread and if they have filler welts, can exceed 1/2 inch thickness. You will need an entirely different kind of machine to do that kind of sewing. Our dealers sell leather stitchers that are capable of sewing over 3/4 inch with very heavy thread. They can also be used to sew bags and put in zippers by using a smaller needle and thread (~#92 thread with a #19 needle). It's a stretch downward, but I do it. It's easier to downgrade a big machine than to upgrade a lesser type. The Consew 206RB series are upholstery machines and are also used to sew denim garments, marine and automotive seats, etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TXLady Report post Posted August 2, 2011 The Consew 206RB5 is a flat bed machine that will sew 3/8" leather thickness with a servo motor. You could sew light weight holsters and some purses. I think you need a long arm machine. ferg Ferg, Thank you for steering me in the right direction. Mela Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TXLady Report post Posted August 2, 2011 You are going to have to buy a motor, v-belt, bobbin winder, thread stand, flex lamp, k-legs frame w/pedal/knee lifter, oil drip pan and cutout industrial table to use the Consew head. When you add the cost of these items to the cost of the head only, will you still be getting the bargain you think you are getting? Maybe, maybe not. As 50 Years Leather told you, this machine is capable of sewing up to 3/8" of leather, but is really best suited to using size 138 and under in thread. Most holsters are sewn using #277 thread and if they have filler welts, can exceed 1/2 inch thickness. You will need an entirely different kind of machine to do that kind of sewing. Our dealers sell leather stitchers that are capable of sewing over 3/4 inch with very heavy thread. They can also be used to sew bags and put in zippers by using a smaller needle and thread (~#92 thread with a #19 needle). It's a stretch downward, but I do it. It's easier to downgrade a big machine than to upgrade a lesser type. The Consew 206RB series are upholstery machines and are also used to sew denim garments, marine and automotive seats, etc. Wiz, I realy appreciate that you and 50 Year Leather responded to my post. I took some time today and called Artisan and spoke with Jerry, who recommended the TORO-3200. Jerry was very nice and gave me some great information. Thank you all for steering me in the right direction, I am taking my time and reviewing all my options. I want to make sure I make the right purchase the first time around. Blessings, Mela Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted August 2, 2011 When the time comes for you to buy an upholstery style machine, try to purchase one that is complete with motor and table and normal accessories. Best success with you hunt for a proper leather capable sewing machine! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ArchiveGoods Report post Posted March 3, 2016 I need some help I bought a Conses 206rb/5 to sew leather totes hand bags etc. I use to do everything by hand but I got the machine to help increase my productivity. But I can't get my corners in the machine to sew them, and I doing something wrong? The pictures attached are of mine hand sewing, any ideas how I could do this on my machine? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted March 3, 2016 I can't see your pictures \ I make these bags on my Consew 206RB - I sew them inside out so I can get to the corners and such. There are certain types of construction the flatbed simply cant do. \ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leecopp Report post Posted February 10, 2017 Colt, those are some fine looking bags. Lee Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CowboyBob Report post Posted February 10, 2017 Yes Sir,Colt your doing a great job on them bags! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted February 10, 2017 4 hours ago, leecopp said: Colt, those are some fine looking bags. Lee 1 hour ago, CowboyBob said: Yes Sir,Colt your doing a great job on them bags! Thanks yall. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
