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Hi everyone, I just purchased a Consew 230R-1. I’m attempting to set it up for doing some leather projects. I’ve been hand sewing everything and wanted to try a machine. (Last time I used a sew machine was home economics in 1999.) I know it’s not the perfect machine for what I’m doing and I should have bought a much more expensive set up but I’ve found lots of positive feedback on this machine and it was in my price range. I have a few questions though. What size needle should I use? I will be trying to go through 2-4mm of leather if that’s possible. What thread size can is best for this and will fit through the machine and the tensioners? Do I use the same size and color in the bobbin? Last question is there a specific type of foot I should use to help with this that won’t mark up the leather? Like a roller foot or something? Some things I like about this machine is that it had reverse, I can change my stitch size and it has the walking foot. Some of the pictures are what I’ve sewn by hand and other projects I want to use the machine for. Thanks for your kindness.

Hello Everyone! My father surprised me with giving me his old Consew 230. He makes boots for a living and used this machine for sewing leather. Primarily for the welts and piping and he figured it would be good for my endeavors to sew lightweight leather purses and organizers as it can sew the thickness I need and up to 138 thread. Oh, how I wanted a 206RB, but the 230 does now hold sentimental value.... So Dad came over and we set it up....with a clutch motor and the thing is in bad shape because it just about goes into warp speed stitching and the foot pedal is a hot mess! I release my foot and it just keeps a going....and eventually slows on it own. Ummmmm, this isn't really good for me! Plus, when we fired the ol' girl up, it sounded like I started up a starship :-). So loud!!!! Ok, I have been sewing for 30 years - fabric, that is...and I am used to my home machine. I have total control of how slow or fast I sew....and the pedal is very responsive! I am gonna be honest, I need a machine that runs SLOW - so I can keep up with it for right now...Maybe one day I can sew fast but certainly not now!!! I see stuff about controller, needle position/sync, servo motors and reducers. Best I can reckon, I would LOVE a servo motor and may well need a reducer to sew at a turtle pace, but what is this controller and needle position/sync? And of all of these things, what products would you recommend and from whom? BTW, I live in Florida. Thank you soo much! MG And come to think of it, such a sad thing that a 78 year old man could handle this Consew 230 going faster than the speed of light, but his kid daughter is having some serious issues with it!!! :-)