Southerngunner

I can't wait for the leather drive belts to get here so I can really run it the way it is supposed to be. I still can't believe it's 144 years old and totally functional, I can't help but wonder if my Class 26 will hold up that long.

AlZilla, thanks for the tip on the needle, there is not many options in my area for picking up parts and supplies. The only sewing machine shop that I used relocated 70 miles away. The idea about the magnet is a keeper.

Thanks for everyone's replies so far. Wiz your assessment means a lot as I went into this one blind but lucky. I knew the price I paid was well worth it if just for the cabinet and treadle , the shape of the machine was a huge bonus. I found this list of New Home machine dates and if I'm reading it right this old gal was made in 1881. regards to all , Terry

Thanks for the info they are really cool old machines, these are the only needles that I have that would fit. At first it wouldn't pick up the bobbin thread so I cheated it down a lttle in the clamp and it seems to work ok. Can you tell me where I can order some 20x1 size needles?

Thanks for your reply, I'm still trying to find out how old but I'm betting it's over 100 . I ordered some belts and extra bobbins that should be here next week. Regards, Terry

This old gal was on craiglist and the guy said his lady wanted it gone. They never tried to sew with it ,but every thing moved freely and it appeared to be complete. I ended up giving him $20.00 for it and figured I would have a conversation piece at the least. I'm not sure when it was made but the serial #is R231636 if any of you has an approximate mfg. date I would appreciate any info. Ruby was produced by New Home machines, I found a couple youtube videos and figured out how to thread it and make some stiches. I oiled it and did very little cleaning as it all was in fantastic shape. I didn’t know what area to post this because I know it is not a leather machine per say even though it will sew lighter material. It did not have a belt but I was able to sew by turning the handwheel. I didn't expect much for $20.00 but I am very happy so far. Opinions and comments are welcome

Very nice, you always knock it out of the park.

My new/used 255 rb showed up undamaged and other than needing a good cleaning in good shape. I did a quick clean and oiling and stuck it on the table to see if it worked at all before tearing into it. I was pleasantly surprised it stitched fine top and bottom with 138 thread with a 22 needle, the stitches were very small and it was hard adjusting but I did get it to change slightly. I am having a problem with the top thread fraying and breaking. Also the presser feet was very low ,under a 1/4". Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Terry

Well thought out and great job, is your larger pulley 8".

Thanks Cowboy Bob for the reply, I knew the deck would drop in and my 206 rb-2 doesn't have a factory knee lift assembly. I made a pedal lift that works fine , I figured that I might need to adjust the belt to go with my homemade speed reducer. I will update when it gets here.

Well it didn't look like anyone wanted to comment so I followed my instinct and bought a connsew 255 rb with reverse, I don't know if its a 1 or 2 but it appears to be in good shape it will be arriving in a few days and then I will know for sure.

I like the top loading larger bobbin feature on the 255 but I need to decide if it's worth the $600.00 for the improvement over the 206. I don't have room for another table so I would be swapping the heads to use either machine. Thanks

I have probably already answered my own question, but here goes anyhow. I am thinking about picking up a consew 255 rb 2 for a second flatbed machine, I have a 206 rb-2 that is a fantastic machine that will sew 7/16" of veg tan. I have set it up with a servo and speed reducer for control. From my research I think that the larger U size bobbin and upper oiling chamber is the main difference in the 2 machine's. I could remove my 206 from the table and set the 255 in it's place as it appears the base is the same size on both both models. If anyone has both I would appreciate your input on any other differences. Or do I need to sign up for sewing machine junkies anonymous. Thanks, Terry

I would not hesitate to buy from him again everything about the purchase was amazing . He did what he said he would do and was professional and courteous through the whole deal. I would highly recommend if you are in the market for a machine that you give him a call

Fast forward to 2024. This is an old thread but I think this is where my response belongs. I ordered an AT441 from Mr. Levy after talking to him on 2 or 3 occasions, he gave me a fantastic price and set the machine up the way that I wanted it. He changed the drive pulley on the servo to a 2" and included a bunch of needles, oil, and a giant spool of 210 thread. He said that he packed it up for shipping himself so it would get to my place without damage. It showed up fine yesterday and all that I had to do was get that big heavy rascal on the table and thread it. I was very pleased when it sewed good from the start. I need to figure out what I'm going to make on it now

It has been picked up by the shipping company if they don't destroy it during transit I should see it in 5 to 7 days , my fingers are crossed .

Well I guess it doesn't matter much anymore since I just bought a new 441 clone for a good price, waiting on delivery.

I accidently ran across this machine while searching for a heavy sewing machine. I understand it is basicaly a 441 flatbed. I know that I can turn a 441 into a flatbed, I'm just more comfortable on my consew 206 than the cobra 26. In all fairness I haven't done a lot of sewing yet on my cylinder machine . Any input would be appreciated since the cost of either machine is similar.

Usually I'm a glutton for punishment as well but instead of hearing "I told you so" from the little lady for buying someone else's problem I passed on the 168W-101. I think that my next machine will be a new 441 style, if I'm going to get in trouble it's either going to be go big or stay on the porch.

Well I went to the shop today and took a closer look at the 168W-101. It did not have any knee or foot pedal presser lift option besides the one behind the needle bar. The front cover was missing and there was a broken off screw that would hold the plate. I had to screw around for almost an hour to get it to pick up the bobbin thread, the walking foot appeared to work properly as I got it to stitch eventually by turning the hand wheel. The drive belt didn't look like it was been replaced for several years as the edges showed some slight fraying. The owner of the shop hasn't touched it since it got there on consignment over 2 years ago and wanted to sell it as is. He did not have a belt for me to try it plugged in. There was enough little alarms going off in my head that I wasn't willing to take a chance with it ( I dont need another project that I propbably can't get parts for). It was a cool machine nonetheless and eventually I may end up with post machine just not today. It was probably worth the $250. But I did end up passing on it

Thanks for the explanation.

What is the difference between the g and the w models ?

After a year and a half of using my other machines I am comfortable enough to find my way around my first post machine. I still have a lot to learn but I'm not afraid to tear into one now and troubleshoot it. Thanks to the very knowledgeable and helpful folks on the forum, I'm sure that I will have some dumb questions before it's all said and done

As soon as I get it here and cleaned up the servo will be on the way if it doesn't need and other serious repairs