okiwen

Nothing?? I know there are people that have tons of opinion and knowledge here. I am waiting to make a choice based on the knowledge that I will gain to my questions.

Admittedly, an older post. I am looking at similar dilemma. I really want to support the people that give so much to the forum, but am torn as to apples to apples comparisons. I have had to move and am readdressing this machine. Machine: 206 RB1 with clutch motor. Need to get cleaned up and running smoothly. I am going to consider adding the knee release. Good use of $35? Hope it comes with good instal instructions if I get it. Any other machine so close to it that the parts are substancially better quality or better published info? Needs a bobbin case. Japanese or Chinese? Would like to keep the ability to sew canvas and webbing, but aim to sew leather too. May just keep the clutch motor and change pulley for first try. Feet. Going to get some of Steves for leather. Anymore I absolutely need for thinner material and canvas? Welt feet, necessary or cool? Wonder about replacing fly wheel with larger wheel for hand turning conveinience. Servos: Cobra offerring. Good warranty, great company. Two inch pulley already on motor? Enough torc for slow leather stitching? Gregg at Keystone: Haven't done business with them yet but impressed with willingness to serv. Same concerns with Family Sew as opposed to the other motors in similar class. Pulley included. Less warranty. Anyone have an old service manual? I have the owner’s manuals PDFs but I don't think it will tell me all the problems I will run into. I know most people that fix them fix a lot of machines, so it’s just intuitive.

Wow that was quick. Shat was the indication? Just wondering how you knew by the appearance. I fully expected someone to know, I just don't know where to look myself. Thanks again I found a manual for a 206RB5 on the consew site but no RB-1. It has a 205RB-1. Is there a world of difference? The machine indicated seems to have a turn knob for stitch length, not a slide lever. Still the same machine?

Did you get this sold? I am looking to replace one I sold myself.

I just aquired the machine in the picture I will attempt to attach. It looks like a DRMO from the military or some such. I am looking to get manuals and the bobbin and bobbin carrier. I have had it one day and have been cleaning it up and un bending threaded rods. Don't know if it even sews at this point due to missing parts. My learning curve begins. i had to sell a machine I bought from Steve once a long time ago before his venue change and have every intention of buying another. But, until then...

What Ryano said. That's a bit steep for what I see. Maybe the good one is in the back.

A parting of ways is LONG overdue. Sounds like an ass kick'in is long overdue as well. You will have enemies that will treat you better than this guy.

Thank you for your response. k

Ryano, Thank you for the info. Very useful. Kevin

Ryan, Sorry for the late reply. Thank you for the info. Is the Standard Co. of a superior quality either? I have called for the catalog and I'll see what they have.

I wish I had seen this thread a week ago. I would much rather give a normal person business than Weaver (that don't seen to care). I am in need of a lighter weight, quality maul for tooling. I have a 32 oz. (I think, it weighs 30ish). Would buy a 20ish oz. as well. What do we think the going rate for one is? I'll return the one I just bought. Kevin

Those are beautiful. I will be getting one as soon as I knock a few other things off my list. I love quality.

OK, so I've seen the Heritage model setter in Weaver==$400 I've heard of the standard setter == $650 One that you make yourself (not happening) $201 plus my head exploding. Is there another make of quality that people know of? A source for used? Is there one model that is just so vastly better than the others that I would not even notice that all that money was gone? Thank you for the opinions. K

Bruce, My google-fu is weak this morning. Where is the later recipe you referred to? Thax PS. you are like the tool god or something. You have had or tried every tool I could ever want.

I know this is a very old thread but it sure made me want to learn to make Cinchas. Very nice, and functional. Not just pretty to be pretty. There has to be a book somewhere on this.

Very good then. I guess that my trying to help out in a down economy was misplaced. I too have learned my lesson but was trying to save a bit of heart burn for someone else. Happy trails.

I ordered some tools from McMillen and was immediately impressed with how un-organized they were. I did complete an order though and was also impressed with the shipping to send what amounted to a pencil through the mail. I was charged $8.00 to get it and $1.67 to send it back. (that very day) I wonder if they do leather work themselves. One of the tools that I received would no more do the job it was suppose to do than if I could fly. When a few weeks passed and I had not received my refund I called. The lady on the phone was very nice, the lady in the back ground couldn't give a .... Was very much more concerned with getting the money in the first place than returning it or keeping a customer. I hope that my experience was unique and others have not had to go through this. Perhaps just a bad season. Listen to that little voice in your head when it tries to warn you.

I hope someone has a lot of info for you because I have wanted to build and Aussie for about three years now.

Sew, what are the updates? (funny pun) I would like to see photos of the new and improved machines. I have heard about the tension knobs and improved feet and such but I can't see. Any top secret info.?

Thank you. I know that the bearings in the Ol Smoothie are sweet but I didn't know if the BK was just as smooth. I have some tools on order from BK now, I guess I'll add this to it. "I'd get a couple of Barry's with different blade setups to start with. For the price you can have two set up for different duties at the same price you'd pay for one of the others.

I would like to know your thought on the Barry King as opposed to the Ol Smoothie. I know that the Ol Smoothie is good, but i never tried the Barry King. $100 compared to $45. What are the votes? TIA

In all fairness to Artisan, I have had above average customer service from them each time I called. I have to send my machine back for them to look at and they offered to pay freight. I just have to finish with my current project then I will send it. No fuss, no problem. I hope that companies will always strive to improve their products and treat their current customers with the respect they deserve and so far I have gotten this from Artisan. As far as the price reduction, that really would have helped me out had it been true. I hope that it was. That would disappoint me otherwise.

Badger you are sooo funny. I laughed.

That's too bad. I was looking to make one for a friend too. I guess I am still interested in doing so but it is a shame that the cost would be prohibitive. Nice pad though.

Thanks. I'll stop puffing up now. I was beginning to hold my breathe so as to appear really big. They hate it when you puff up.