robert2891

Good evening. I'm looking for a bit of advice. I live on an island and have found a second hand skiving machine for half the price of a new Chinese machine. However, it's a dual feed machine with top and bottom roller, which I understand is for heavy leathers and rubber. I tested it with the leather I intend to use: a soft chrome tan about 1.4mm. The seller had it set up and only used for thick veg tan strap and he (or I) didn't really have the knowledge to set it up right to work with my light chrome tan (I saw it work perfectly well with thick veg tan). I had a feeling that the seller wasnt comfortable moving the top roller/foot so close to the bell. My question is, did it not work due to the fact that it is a dual feed machine? Are these top and bottom roller machines ONLY for thick leather? Thanks in advance.

Thanks Lynn & Brian. Regarding the manual, I did find that one, but wasn't sure if the parts would be the same as my 206-RB-2. In fact, I don't think all the parts are the same as I just ordered needle bar screws from that manual and they are the wrong fit. Regarding the problem I had, it is now resolved - although I think I need to tinker with the tension as Lynn said as I do stitch some very heavy sections and can never get it right. The problem was in the timing. I adjusted the needle bar until the hook stroke was lined up, but then found that the needle was hitting the bobbin case, so I rotated the hook assembly instead and it was way out. I've run a load of test pieces and no missed stitches, so perfect Thanks for your help, Rob

Thanks Lynn - can you explain what you mean by thread tension start to release and what dimpling the tension washer is. This is my first machine and only been sewing for 2 months, so still very much wet behind the ears.

Hi Brian, so I took off the plate and checked the timing and indeed it's out- in fact, I don't think that so much the timing is out as the needle is in too far. I'm missing the screw for the thread guide and I believe that is resulting in the needle going to high in the needle bar thus having the effect of the needle coming up to soon on the hook and hitting. When I drop the needle to the height it would be if there was a screw through the needle bar, it's perfect. However, I can't for the life of me find a parts manual for a consew 206rb-2 - anyone any ideas? (will it be the same screw parts as the 206rb-5?) Thanks Again

Thanks all. I'll check those out. I've recently bought from AA Crack in Shefield and I was very happy, but it would be good to find a more local supplier so thanks for the input.

Thanks Brian, I'll try and replicate it while hand turning to see if there's more tension over the missed stitches. It does it when just going in a straight line. What do u mean by more foot pressure? Also, its all leathers, 1.4mm - 2.8mm

Hi all, and thanks in advance for any help with this. For about a week now, I've been getting skipped / missed stitches . I'm sewing leather on a consew 206rb walking foot. I've rethreaded, changed bobbins, and changed needles. It happens regardless of whether using ball point or cutting needles. I've got the correct needle size for the thread (100nm and 69t thread - I've tried 110 and 120nm too). What else could it be? Its killing me on productivity (and cost of leather) :-(

Good Evening all, I am completely new to leather and have just been buying whole and part hides off eBay in order to get to know leather and practice working with it. I've been paying about £80 per hide, chrome tanned. I now know what I want (I think) but I don't really know where to buy. I ideally want a supplier in Spain as that is where I will need it shipped. I'm looking for full grain veg tan around 2mm thick. I have been in touch with Tandy which are based in Spain for their Europe outfit so that's perfect for shipping costs, however, their range seems limited and for the money they are asking, I don't want to part cash if there is a greater option out there which I'm sure there is and hoping one of you can help. Your help is greatly appreciated. In case someone has some advice, the leather is for tote style bags and similar. The handles are to be made from 2.8-3.2mm veg tanned Spanish shoulder single thickness. So if anyone has any other suggestions for types of leather for the bags, I would love to hear them. Many thanks.