hunt for a machine that can sew dog collars

[Hoyden]

In the hunt for a machine that can sew dog collars, I've been trying to stick to machines for which there is someone who can repair them within 2 hours of where I live.

The two I am looking at are the Consew 206RB-5 and the TacSew 111-115w.

Anyone have any experience with these or an opinion on them????

[Art]

Hi,

The Tacsew is kind of a clone of a Singer 111, it is made (or was at one time) by Tacony Corp. I think SailRite was using their machines at one time, not sure now. The Tacsew you mentioned, the 111-115, might actually be a 111-155 which is a walking foot machine, and I don't think it has needle feed and may be pushin' it for dog collars. Try before you buy. If you have the option of the Consew 206RB-5, that is a pretty good machine and has needle feed. A staple of the sailmaking and canvas industry for quite a while. The 206 is good for up to 1/2" leather and has a clutch on the shaft so if you overload, you won't blow the timing, you just back-up till the clutch re-engauges.

If you are going to be using these machines in a production environment, you should learn basic maintenance and generally also have a backup machine. There are no special tricks in these machines and there are a gazillion of them out there so most industrial guys can work on them.

I have an Artisan 618 that does much the same as the 206RB-5 and it is also a great machine. If you buy a 206 used have someone check it out as there are worn out ones out there and a worn out machine is worth zip.

I am not a Tacsew expert so take what I say with a grain. I know the Artisan 618 and the Consew 206 and they are good machines. There are some Juki and Pfaff machines in this category but the Consew machines kind of own this niche.

Art

In the hunt for a machine that can sew dog collars, I've been trying to stick to machines for which there is someone who can repair them within 2 hours of where I live.

The two I am looking at are the Consew 206RB-5 and the TacSew 111-115w.

Anyone have any experience with these or an opinion on them????

[Hoyden]

You are right, it is a 111-155, I typed it in wrong.

[neelsaddlery]

If the collars will look like what you have on the dog in your avatar, then you may want to go with a little bit bigger machine. Specs on the Consew say it will sew to 3/8" with a 1/2 inch presser foot lift. But you would be working the machine to death if you sewed 3/8" thick with size 207 thread all day long.

I always find it is better to buy more machine than you need. In this manner you will be able to grow with the machine over time. If you need to sew really heavy every once in a while, then you have that option with a heavier machine.

Please feel free to contact me for additional information on machines that will suit your needs. I will ask you what the thickness of the material is, as well as the type of material, and also what size of thread you plan on using.

You are right, it is a 111-155, I typed it in wrong.

[Art]

Hi Ryan,

Good to see you back. The post you are answering is about three years old, he has probably selected something by now.

Art

If the collars will look like what you have on the dog in your avatar, then you may want to go with a little bit bigger machine. Specs on the Consew say it will sew to 3/8" with a 1/2 inch presser foot lift. But you would be working the machine to death if you sewed 3/8" thick with size 207 thread all day long.

I always find it is better to buy more machine than you need. In this manner you will be able to grow with the machine over time. If you need to sew really heavy every once in a while, then you have that option with a heavier machine.

Please feel free to contact me for additional information on machines that will suit your needs. I will ask you what the thickness of the material is, as well as the type of material, and also what size of thread you plan on using.