Singer 111w155 or the Consew 225 clone

[CowboyBob]

Look on this site about "Servo motor on Consew 206",Colt Knight posted some info there.

I tried to cut & paste it to here but it won't work !

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=58290&p=374877

Edited September 13, 2014 by northmount
Added link

[w0lfgh0st]

I'm looking at a 111w155 with a servo for $500... seems like a good deal, but I'm not sure what it's capable of.

Will this punch through some tough leather? My bf does belts and baldericks, usually 8-9oz vegitan with thinner leather for French rolled edges. 

[Wizcrafts]

1 hour ago, w0lfgh0st said:

I'm looking at a 111w155 with a servo for $500... seems like a good deal, but I'm not sure what it's capable of.

Will this punch through some tough leather? My bf does belts and baldericks, usually 8-9oz vegitan with thinner leather for French rolled edges. 

If the machine is adjusted for its maximum rated alternating foot lift, it should sew up to 3/8 inch of material, occasionally. The largest practical thread size is #138.

The tougher the leather, the more pressure you need to apply to the feet to prevent the leather from lifting with the needle. In the same vein, the larger the needle, the higher the foot pressure that is needed. You'll probably max it out using a #23 leather point needle, with #138 bonded thread, at no more than 3/8". Also, 3/8" should not be the regular thickness being sewn. That will wear out the machine before its time. A more practical regular sewn thickness would be between 1/4" and 5/16". The friction will heat up the needle and might melt the thread.

[w0lfgh0st]

Thank you! I'm trying to find a decent machine that won't break the bank (ME! :-D) but can handle the leather he works with. I might be a little too far on the side of wishful thinking. 

[Jnap]

I have a similar scenario and despite researching the posts on this site I am still unsure which machine to go with. I have the option of a 111w154 with servo motor for $400 or a consew 225 for $300. I have no experience sewing. This machine will be used primarily for learning, and maintenance on 9oz canvas and whatever else this hobby turns into. From what I gather from all the knowledge posted here, I would need to add a servo motor to the 225 putting both these machines within approx $50 of each other. Both come with tables, motors, etc. And both current owners have only used them as home hobby machines. I have been searching for a walking foot with reverse but have come up with nothing close to the $400 range. As a beginner with no experience your information to help me with this decision would be much appreciated. 

[brmax]

It’s a good thing finding these. 

A servo motor is a real need in sewing, it is a step in your or others learning. Im not sure who termed it; Times have changed. Though I seam to hear it all the time, kids!

In roughing out this question, it would be an anvantage for your discussion to be a new topic. Possibly with a photo of each, these are just a start, but seriously a helpful one. 

I would ask if these are setup for the Top sized thread they were designed for, that being 138. Getting specfic in this question may help a bit later. 

These exact machines are still used regularly actually, so any technique for a reverse or locking stitch may be a good tip in training as on any machine really.

Good day

Floyd

 

[Jnap]

5 hours ago, brmax said:

It’s a good thing finding these. 

A servo motor is a real need in sewing, it is a step in your or others learning. Im not sure who termed it; Times have changed. Though I seam to hear it all the time, kids!

In roughing out this question, it would be an anvantage for your discussion to be a new topic. Possibly with a photo of each, these are just a start, but seriously a helpful one. 

I would ask if these are setup for the Top sized thread they were designed for, that being 138. Getting specfic in this question may help a bit later. 

These exact machines are still used regularly actually, so any technique for a reverse or locking stitch may be a good tip in training as on any machine really.

Good day

Floyd

 

Information on these machines seems to be very limited as they were both acquired from "grandma's basement" and not actually used by their current owners so that doesn't help too much. What is involved with setting up the machine to handle 138 thread? 

[Constabulary]

I´d most likely would buy the Consew and add a servo motor as is is in better condition and for sure the newer machine with "less milleage"

[dikman]

Performance-wise both of those machines should be pretty much the same. The Consew is showing less paint wear, which suggests it hasn't been used as much so might be the better buy (although you would need to buy a servo, as you say). As for using #138 thread, you need a bigger needle (size 22/23) and may need to adjust the hook timing a little, although my machines take #69 and #138 without needing adjusting.

[Jnap]

I agree in terms of the appearance of each machine, but the quote that is sticking in my head is that "the consew was considered a singer knock off".  Is one machine easier to operate than the other? I also do not know for sure the oiling system in each one. From what I've read here the consew has an oil pump therefore requiring the servo for slower speeds and proper lubrication, but what about the singer, is that manually oiled? What about maintenance/repairs/adjustments, (i am mechanically minded and able) is this something I can do own my own or does it requires a professional? Without any experience I have no idea of what it takes to keep these machines running properly and it sounds like there are quite a few adjustments that can be made all over the machine.

Edited January 17, 2018 by Jnap