Jump to content

Recommended Posts

I’m in the market for a flatbed industrial sewing machine. I want to make things such as belts, rifle slings, wallets, EMT bags, police duty belts, saddle bags, patrol bags, and patrol rifle bags. I want to stitch both leather and heavy duty nylon.

I’ve been looking online at the Cobra Class 17 and 18 machines and they look pretty tough. Do any of you have experience with these machines? I’ve also looked into the Chandler 406RB-1 and Consew 206RB-5. I’ve used both the Consew 206RB-5 and Chandler 406RB-1 machines before to reupholster car seats. They did great on thick cloth and vinyl, but I’ve never sewn leather with them. Could they manage to sew something like a rifle sling or police duty belt leather? Most duty belts I’ve measured are two 1/8 in. leather pieces, sewn together. Could the Consew or Chandler hack that?

Any information is always appreciated.

Have a nice day,

Andrew

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All of these machines will be fine sewing leather up to 3/8" thick, with up to #24 needle and 138 or 210 thread.

Ron

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a National walking foot machine, which is very similar to both the Chandler 406 and Consew 206. It even uses the Consew M bobbins and cases. I paid for it sewing rifle slings and guitar straps, ranging from 8 ounces to 20 ounces thick, with #138 bonded nylon thread. It easily sews 3/8 inch, at slow speeds. It will sew with #207, but the pressure on the feet must be cranked up a lot.

Whichever machine you buy, get a servo motor with or for it. I recommend one with a front knob speed limiter, 3/4 HP and a 70mm pulley for your intended usage. Or, get a servo with a 50mm pulley and about 1/2 HP rating. The Toledo Sew Slow is rated at 300 watts, but has built in 3:1 gear reduction for higher torque (but slower top speed). Prices for such motors range from about $105 to $175.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Does anyone know what the difference between the Chandler 406RB-1 and Consew 206RB-5, other than the brand name? They look alike. They sew alike. They are made by the same company, however the Chandler is about $200.00 less.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Andrew

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Andrew,

The are built in different factories,there is alittle bit better quality in the Consew,but we have sold alot of both of them & they hold up very good.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...