Looking At A Consew 226R-2

[Spinner]

Hey sewing gurus, I'm looking at 1 of 3 Consew 226R-2 machines that are local. Being near the L.A. Fashion District, I have access to a half billion dealers, new & used. I believe this is the machine that will do the work I'm looking at doing but I can't find anywhere that mentions what thread size it maxes out at. I can't imagine going over 138 as I'd be mostly using it to sew 5/6oz double stacked for bags, etc and likely lighter stuff as well but not likely thicker as I don't generally get into that. It would be nice to be able to go to 207 if I wanted to but it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

On the same note, any pluses or minuses I should know about the machine in general?

Thanks,

Chris

[Wizcrafts]

Being a standard walking foot machine it uses system 135x16 needles (leatherpoint), which are available up to size 25/200. That size will sew #207 thread, top and bottom. If the machine has a standard bobbin, it will not hold much #207 thread.

Otehrwise, it is perfectly capable of sewing with #138 top and bottom, up to 3/8" thickness (it clears 9/16).

Edited November 9, 2011 by Wizcrafts

[Spinner]

Being a standard walking foot machine it uses system 135x16 needles (leatherpoint), which are available up to size 25/200. That size will sew #207 thread, top and bottom. If the machine has a standard bobbin, it will not hold much #207 thread.

Otehrwise, it is perfectly capable of sewing with #138 top and bottom, up to 3/8" thickness (it clears 9/16).

Thanks Wiz, I've been trying to read all the posts before asking questions and it's now getting to the point where the questions are brand/model specific. It looks like the bobbin is class M and 46-138 is pretty standard for it, good to know 207 could be.

Before I commit to something I plan to give Bob, Steve and Ronnie a call just to be sure they don't have something equal or better in the price range..

Cheers,

Chris

Edited November 9, 2011 by Spinner

[Spinner]

Anyone know what the actual differences between the Consew 206RB-5 and the Consew 226R-2 are? All the stats seem to be the same with the exception of the 206 using a "large" bobbin...

and here I thought knowing the ins and outs of various motorcycles can be confusing! At least I can find specs and stats on them easily online! LOL

[CowboyBob]

The 226 has a vertical hook were the bobbin goes in to the right of the needle,the 206 has a horizontal hook & the bobbin goes in from underneath & you take the bobbin case out on the 206 when you change it also the 206 can use #207 thread.

Bob

[Spinner]

The 226 has a vertical hook were the bobbin goes in to the right of the needle,the 206 has a horizontal hook & the bobbin goes in from underneath & you take the bobbin case out on the 206 when you change it also the 206 can use #207 thread.

Bob

Thanks Bob. Am I correct in my understanding that the 206 has a larger bobbin as well? Is there an advantage to a vertical versus horizontal hook and bobbin location? Just trying to make sure I get the right machine. On the same note, It looks like Chandler is simply a Consew clone, any advantage of one over the other since the price difference is quite a bit between the two.

[CowboyBob]

Yes,the 206 has a large bobbin,on the 226 when you change the bobbin sometimes you have to take the material out of the machine to be able to get to the bobbin & then after you change the bobbin you have to pull the thread up through the needle plate,on the 206 you just leave a tail of thread about an inch long put the bobbin back in & start sewing again.

Bob

[Spinner]

Yes,the 206 has a large bobbin,on the 226 when you change the bobbin sometimes you have to take the material out of the machine to be able to get to the bobbin & then after you change the bobbin you have to pull the thread up through the needle plate,on the 206 you just leave a tail of thread about an inch long put the bobbin back in & start sewing again.

Bob

Thanks again Bob, appreciate the info. Looks like the 206 is the better machine for my needs. Now to figure out the budget.

I noticed the Chandler 406RB-1 is pretty much the same machine as the Consew 206RB-5, any major differences aside from brand name that would justify the $400 higher price tag on the Consew?

Thanks,

Chris

[CowboyBob]

Chris,

No,the only difference other than the name is on the Consew there's a button you need to push on when you change the stitch length that the Chandler doen't have.So we sell more Chandlers than Consews do to the price difference of $200.00

Bob

[Ferg]

Chris,

I have the Consew 206RB5. Love it.

Wiz suggested I not get carried away with the 207 thread so have stayed with 138 or below. The machine is easy to maintain although I have yet to see a manual for it that you could read, it is a very bad copy job but legible with some squinting. LOL I have sewn canvas, upholstery leather (4-5 oz, two layers) and heavy two sided belts, horse hide, chrome tanned, veg tanned and when possible, I use smooth feet. A little tweaking reduces the tracks many folks have a problem with on soft leather. Loves it's oil and has a metal pan underneath to catch the run-off. I have sewn slightly more than 3/8" thickness but it works best under the 3/8". Push the envelope and the machine wears out quicker.

My Consew was made in Japan. I understand most are made in China. I always Sway towards the middle of the road and that was my reason for buying the Consew. Money well spent in my mind.

ferg

Thanks again Bob, appreciate the info. Looks like the 206 is the better machine for my needs. Now to figure out the budget.

I noticed the Chandler 406RB-1 is pretty much the same machine as the Consew 206RB-5, any major differences aside from brand name that would justify the $400 higher price tag on the Consew?

Thanks,

Chris

[DDahl]

The machine is easy to maintain although I have yet to see a manual for it that you could read, it is a very bad copy job but legible with some squinting.

My Consew was made in Japan. I understand most are made in China. I always Sway towards the middle of the road and that was my reason for buying the Consew. Money well spent in my mind.

ferg

Your Consew 206RB5 was made by Seiko in Japan. Keystone Sewing Machine Company has an excellent manual for the equivalent Seiko STH-8BLD-3 that you can download at this link. This is probably the

best written manual I have seen for any industrial sewing machine! CLICK HERE for Seiko STH-8BLD-3 Owners Book

Dave

[Spinner]

Chris,

No,the only difference other than the name is on the Consew there's a button you need to push on when you change the stitch length that the Chandler doen't have.So we sell more Chandlers than Consews do to the price difference of $200.00

Bob

Thanks Bob. We played one heck of a game of phone tag today. I'll try you again tomorrow if you're open, otherwise Monday.

[CowboyBob]

Chris,

I had a customer come in around 3:30 & guess what she bought a 406 so I finished up with her around 4:30 & tried you again right before I left & got your voicemail

so I didn't leave a message,I'll be in tomorrow from 8-12 est

Bob

[Ferg]

Dave,

Thanks a million. I knew the machine was made by Seiko, never even thought of asking Greg for a manual for it. DUH!

ferg

Your Consew 206RB5 was made by Seiko in Japan. Keystone Sewing Machine Company has an excellent manual for the equivalent Seiko STH-8BLD-3 that you can download at this link. This is probably the

best written manual I have seen for any industrial sewing machine! CLICK HERE for Seiko STH-8BLD-3 Owners Book

Dave

[Spinner]

Chris,

I had a customer come in around 3:30 & guess what she bought a 406 so I finished up with her around 4:30 & tried you again right before I left & got your voicemail

so I didn't leave a message,I'll be in tomorrow from 8-12 est

Bob

Looks like we'll chat Monday then Bob, I was just waking up as you were leaving the shop! LOL