FredF

I just bought a servo motor and I am not too happy with it. It is a 550W Yamata or Family (supposedly the same as Consew), 3/4HP and the lowest speed setting does not have enough power to move the needle (much less push it through leather!) on the second setting it will move, but goes a little faster than I would like. I have a Consew 206 RB5. The motor was $150 delivered. I am still only messing around with the machine and learning how to use it but I was disappointed with the performance of the motor. It doesn't seem to have enough torque to push the needle when going really slow (meaning one stitch at a time). I usually have to help the wheel get started. Any comments? FRed

I'm pretty sure I like the one with the retainers, although the photpgraphs don't allow a fair comparison. The two cases on the right have buckles and stitching around the buckles which add enough detail to that side of the case to make the design look complete and balanced. In Ed's briefcase the strap draped across the front actually adds visual detail to the front which in actuality is not there. This is why I believe that the retainers, or some other detail may be needed on this side (the front) of the case. Ed, is there a reason that you do not add a buckle to the front (aside from the fact that making a custom "signature" buckle probably costs a fortune!)? Your cases are amazing. I really like these.

Amazing work Santoro. You make really beautiful cases. Do you add structural reinforcement in the handle area the full length of the case? I see a stitch line there and the area seems a little thicker. I guess this would help keep the case straight when hanging from the straps. Is this the case?

Stitcher, Have you made any bags, or cases or anything of the sort? Where are you located? Fred

Thanks for posting that Steve. Interesting machine. Would love to have one of those one day. Great work, Thanks, Fred

Steve, If you get a chance I would love to see a picture of the machine, Is it specifically for box stitching? or is it an attachment? Thanks, Fred Ray, Karl, Yes, you are absolutely right! Even as I was putting it together I thought, "This would probably do better as a camera case!" That's why I wasn't sure about it in the first place! Still, I can always do another as a 'Gadget Bag' instead, then try both versions. I have had a look at ladies bags on the web and, as you say, they do tend to be rather 'Girlie' (read Pink!). The removable inner compartment is fairly light, as it's mainly only 2.5mm fibre board, and I do agree about the binding, which is not quite as dark as it looks on the photos, but it does match the main overall colour, in normal light conditions. Again, the pouches could be better in a lighter weight leather, unfortunately that's the best I had to hand, although the gussets are of a slightly softer leather. Fred, Thank you for your kind words. The carrying handle was hand stitched onto the top, as it had to go on after the lid was completed, otherwise it fouled the corner (box) stitching machine I used to put it together. This machine is difficult to use, at the best of times, so, machine stitching the handle on first just makes things worse! I put the four rivets in first, to hold the handle in place while I stitched, as this made things a whole lot easier! Ed, Thank's to you, also! I'm sorry I don't know anything about 'Deadwood', we don't receive it over here! Steve

Hidepounder, Where do you get Barge and Masters cement? Is this a contact cement? or is it something for leather? Fred

Thank you all very much. That answered my question. I'm going to see if I can get someone to post a picture of the setup. Thanks again, Fred

Hello, Is it possible to do a box stitch with a leather sewing machine? I saw a post in the "show Off" section where a member made a really nice box and said he only stitched the handle by hand. I noticed the top edge of the box has a box stitch (or so I think), and wondered if this can be done with a sewing machine. Does anyone here know? Here is the link http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=15204 (I did ask this in the actual post but did not get a response yet) Thanks, Fred

Steve, Beautiful case. You said that the only part that was hand stitched was the handle. Is the top edge a box stitch, and did you do that by machine? Fred

Yes, Nice shop Barra. Thanks, I did work it out and am glad it was something so simple. I was left scratching my head though as to why the manual wouldn't include that minute piece of information in the threading instructions (?). I guess they assume that a complete newbie like myself would not be buying this machine as their first machine. Let me know how the thickness problem is worked out. Can't wait to get that servo motor to slow this thing down and get a handle on it. Fred

Ha, Ha!!! I feel pretty stupid! So that's what that bar with the holes above the spools is for!!! 1000% Better! Thanks a million Barra! Fred

Today is the first day I sat down to try the Consew 206 I just bought. This is my first time operating a sewing machine. I am having trouble with balancing the thread tension. The needle thread seems to have much more tension than the bobin thread, and I cant get it any looser. I notice that the spool seems to add a lot of tension because it doesn't roll as loosely (In other words, it doesn't roll as if it were on bearings, but rather drags on the surface of the spool holder).The spools seem to be adding a significant amount of needle thread tension, if fact, it seems to be the major factor in the thread tension. As a result I am getting stitches with a dash-dot pattern (where the top thread just lays across, and the bottom thread just pokes through enough to form a dot). The question is : How loose do the spools have to be? Are the spindles that hold the spools supposed to turn with the spool, or does the spool turn (and drag!) on the spindle base? Thanks in advance, Fred (BTW- I had a lot of fun messing around with it anyway)

Thank you both very much. I will check with both of them in the morning. I wish I had known about Miami Industrial Sewing when I was looking for the machine. It would have been a good source for, at the very least, comparison. Their website is still up, so I am assuming they are still there. Gotta get Thread, oil, and bobbins. I have tons of leather and fabric to practice with. Thanks again, Fred

Ok, So I just bought a new (to me) Consew 206 RB-5. It came with a single needle and no thread. Should I get an assortment of needles and thread sizes, and if so, where do I start (no previous sewing experience). I like the look of thicker threads (like those on car leather upholstery). Can anyone with this machine give me a tip on this, and maybe point me in the direction of a needle and thread supply place? I am in South Florida (Ft. Lauderdale) Many thanks, Fred

Thanks Art. Yes it is an RB-1. Got the letters crossed! I'll check those things if I see it again tomorrow, which is when they told me they would let me know about my offer. In the mean time another one came up for sale which is a Consew 206 RB5, which I think is a much newer model, but they are asking $750. (from a canvas shop). There seem to be a lot of these out there (especially in today's economy with many of the smaller shops closing down). Many thanks again. Fred

Soooo....................No one ever seen this before? Is oil on the foot (or needle) normal or a warning sign?

Hi everyone, Today I went to see a used Consew 206 BR-1. I have never owned a sewing machine or operated one, so I don't know much about what to look for to see if it is in good condition. When the owner demonstrated how it worked (I brought a piece of thick leather to see if it would sew it), there was oil on the needle (or foot) and it left oil on the leather on the first run of stitches. The machine seemed to sew flawlessly aside from that, and I was wondering if anyone knows if this is normal (maybe from just being oiled), of if perhaps, this is a common sign of problems with the machine. And second, can anyone give me an idea of what would be a fair price for this machine (table and motor included). Thank you, Fred

I'm in line as well. Gregg, let us know if you still are selling those machines, and what they are. Thanks, Fred

Disturbing. ...... And I mean that in the best possible way.

I know, I know.... Thought I'd ask anyway. Getting closer.

Doesn't ANYONE have a lightly used Toro 3000 or 4000 that they want to get rid of CHEAP?!!!! shEEshhhhhh!

Hi there, I sent you an email with questions but did not hear back from you. The questions, if I remember correctly, were: Is this a machine that will also sew slowly? Will it sew in reverse? What is the condition of the machine (not the motor)? What is the reason why you do not use this machine? And, finally shipping to zip code 33020. Let me know. Thank you, Fred

Please let me know if this machine is still for sale, and if you will ship it out of state (Florida). Let me know what is included with the machine. Thank you, Fred

Regis, I'm assuming that the machine is sold. Let me know. I am interested if you still have it. I am in South Florida. Thanks, Fred