Gregg From Keystone Sewing

Amuckart, Good stuff. I think the thing is, these types of high quality servo motors with needle positoer and all type of functions have been available for a long time now. The thing is that they were and still can be just under $1,000 in some cases for Efka, Mitsubishi, or Ho Hsing. This is a good thing. But, what it is now is that there is a new market for what I like to call the 'Sub $200 range' servo motors, that are highly energy efficient, offer great low end speed control, and in many ways are an improvement over a standard clutch motor.

CustomDoug, You didn't mention what subclass 206RB, but the newest owners book can be applied to at least 95% of all model machines. I have avaible for download on our Consew 206RB-5 product page full parts book and owners manual, both avaible for free download; Consew 206RB-5 product page with OWNER and PARTS books If you need another 206RB book, for 206RB, -1, -2, -3, -4, (SH or TH serial number prefix) let me know.

Exaclty, Consew 206RB is a very common machine, but so too is a Consew 227R. Usually if you can fix one, then you can fix the other.

Graham, I sell 1A, 2A, and 3A cams all for the Consew 199 and 146 series machines. In some cases, we need to change the worm gear on the top arm shaft to go from one to the next. If you like, call or email me, and I will be happy to discuss this with you, our contact information is on my profile, or call 215/922.6900.

I don't like posting links to my webpage, but your asking, so you can see all the motors I sell here; Industrial Sewing Servo Motors Two of the more popular models I sell are the Sew Green FL-550 and Family FESM-550N, can't go wrong with either.

I can type about this subject all afternoon, but the gist of it is that you are correct, most high end motors, say $800 plus range have a control box that the user can use for increased functions such as needle positoner, auto back tack, auto foot lift, needle cooler, all kinds of things. Today, I'll say there is a new class of motor, say sub $200 range, that has become very popular the past few years, and for good reason. Servos are quiet, energy efficient. better low end speed control, good (not usually better than standard clutch) low end torque. Some in the range even have needle positon function. Sub $200 motors are not always the end all be all, but they are very often a great choice depending on the application. I test EVERY servo motor I can get my hands on, and always try to be as informative as I can. I sell a wide variety, but really only recommend a few.

Table tops 48X20" that fit a 31-15 are amung the most common tops avaible, that fit many, many makes and models, same as Singer 111W, Juki LU-563, Consew 206RB, and dozens, really hundreds of model machines. I have both import and domestic plywood tops $55/65 per top.

That article is old, I remember seeing that animation over five years ago, don't know who took the time to do it, but it's pretty awsome.

Best animation I've found of lock and chain stitch Cool article, too.

This is on point; don't chance a critical working component of the machine buy a quality Koban, Hirose hook and avoid problems.

Standard lockstich should use a LEFT or, Z (LOT) outside twist thread. This is by far most common, and usually what you will get from your thread guys without asking. A RIGHT or S outside twist thread (ROT) is not as common, but can be used for some issues that may show up for example on a double needle lockstitch. The outside, left from operator, hook is rotating opposite direction, and will open or loosen the LOT twist thread, unless it's heavy bonded correctly. Honestly, most people should be aware, but should not have to worry, as ROT thread, unless ordered that way, does not show up often.

Good job getting that 226R working, Bob!

I feel like I may have come accross a bit rough there. I forget that sarcastic remarks and dry humor don't always come accross the way I intend it to, for sure. Your definaly one of the people here who make this MB a cool place to share information with.

Damn, talk about going the extra mile to help. Pretty awsome, looks like Wiz put quite a bit of time into that that post.

Wiz, I appreacite all of your posts, but kindly keep in mind that when you make 'killer statements' about a wildy popular machine that set the standard for nearly every modern walking foot today, well, you can exepct some back lash. Saying that you would not pay any money for a machine that someone here is likely to have spent decades using, making a living with, is likely to rub some folks the wrong way. We still have quite a few people who woudn't want any other machine, price no object. And, as for the bobbin size, if peole change colors frequently, they may not need a large bobbin. As for a stitch length regulator, yeah, I got it, the dial is a ton easier, but fact is dozens of model of machines from Singer, Seiko, Consew, Juki, and other popular brands use this bed push button stitch length reg. Just trying to give another point of view, and no offence take by me, and I fully understand your post. No big deal.

Oh, that was you?!! OK, we'll see you soon. LOL.

I've never heard anybody say a bad thing about a Singer 111W series machine. 1st time for everything I guess.

Jim, Nearly drove past your area down to Arlington, VA this past weekend. As questioned, what constitues 'heavy webbing'? Seat belt webbing? 5 ply. one inch think webbing lifting slings with 554 thread? If your looking for a heavy stitcher, flat bed, I always keep in stock Seiko SLH-2B-FH-1 and Consew 733R-5 and are avaible for demo. I also have good demo condition 744R30 to sew on, if necessary. I don't like running down my list of products on a message board, but just wanted to make it clear I have items within your reach to demo at the drop of a hat, if necessary to see for yourself what works.

Depends on the barametric pressure, of course, and if the day falls on an odd calender month day #. On a serious note, I have no clue what a Singer 145W1 means. Of couse, like you Bob the only Singer 145W I've seen is a double needle walking foot heavy capicty sewing. Like you said, we would need to see an image to try to make out what he has there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SINGER-Long-Arm-Walking-foot-Sewing-Machine-144W204-/230378662066?pt=BI_Sewing_Machines&hash=item35a3a368b2 Price is like fine art, the value is what somone is willing to pay for it. I found this link in 2 seconds, check around, do a bit of leg work, nobody can or wants place a value on other peoples stuff. Condition of machine, reverse, table, all factor in here. Good luck!

Bob, your not seeing the whole picture; this machine is on a yacht in the Meditteranean, and if you lift the foot while sewing, and the boat rocks back and forth, vola, zig zag!

Glad to see people out there doing a good job, and people who value thier service. Outstanding!

I'm going to jump in here and say that the safety cluch really sounds like it needs to be serviced, and in the hands of an experienced mechanic. Next to impossible to trouble shoot without seeing the unit in hand. I've never been a fan of this clutch, even though it's WIDELY used on many high end machines from Singer, Consew, Seiko, Adler, and a whole bunch more. In fact, I'm surprised to see it on so many new machines. If it's not made exactly correct with high quialty metals, it's going to give problems in many cases, and the counter hook spring is almost a sure bet to flick off and get lost somewhere.

In other words, make a figure eight out of the belt!@# On a serious note, good stuff Art, and on point. I know just enough about motors to be able to service them and do what I need to within reason, but it sounds like you know beyond that. Good deal.

No, the parts are different, but YES, the books, from an end user standpoint, are going to work very well back and forth for both machines.