Singer 111w155 or the Consew 225 clone

[brmax]

Its in best interest to say most manufactures copied Singer, so using the term knock off is ok but the new term is clone! 

It doesnt look as though much paint is wore off the fabric/textile surface of either machine. Especially the Consew, it looks unused, although it is a very wise decision to have a look see under them metal inspection slide coverings. These are giving access to the hook and bobbin. 

This inspection is clearly important to establish a bit more visual on the important metal surfaces and their conditions. For some confidence bolstering Consew is a company that has been around a good while here in the States. 

With both machines, tilted back to get a better look at some more working parts it would be a good step. 

Im not sure on your “main” projects so, I will say the bobbins thread capacity may be the same in both. This means the same as any other, when its empty you wished it would have went just a bit farther. 

Good day

Floyd

 

[dikman]

Many of the older Consew's were made by Seiko and were basically Singer clones, nothing wrong with that. Consew's are generally considered to be good machines. According to the manual the 225 has 1/2" lift, should take #138 thread and is manually oiled. Me, I would take the Consew over the Singer (assuming it works, of course). Fit a servo and you'll be happy as the proverbial!

If you're mechanically able then armed with a suitable manual and the able assistance of this forum you shouldn't have too many problems adjusting and maintaining either one.

Edited January 18, 2018 by dikman

[Wizcrafts]

On 1/17/2018 at 5:00 PM, Jnap said:

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.

There are NO new Singer industrial sewing machines available. They sold the business name and assets a long time ago. Any Singer sewing machine you buy is either used, as is, or rebuilt to some degree. So, although a particular machine is based on a Singer design and patent, it is likely much improved over the original. The more current the model/sub-model, the greater the improvement. Thus, Consew uses a -(number) naming system to specify the iteration of that series (e.g.; 206RB-5 is much newer and improved than a straight 206RB).

Machines with oil pumps are not meant for slow speed operation, with the exception of at least the new Consew P-1206RB. It has an integral oil pump that is strong enough to lubricate most of the machine at slow speeds, if the dealer makes an adjustment before shipping it out. The end plate moving parts may still need a few manually applied drops of oil every now and then.

Edited January 20, 2018 by Wizcrafts
Got important details about the automatic oiling system in the Consew P-1206RB from Bob Kovar.

[dikman]

Just re-read this and realised you're not quite comparing similar machines, as the Consew 225 is comparable to a 111W155, whereas the 111W154 doesn't have the material handling capability of the W155 (I really should read a bit slower!!). That makes the Consew the much better buy, in my opinion.

[Jnap]

Thank you very much for your responses. I have secured the consew and will be picking it up this weekend. I will have to wait a little bit to start learning it (honey do list) but I will continue using this forum in the meantime to gather as much information as possible. Thanks again!

[mikesc]

Put it in a room where there is enough space to put more sewing machines..why ? Because you'll be getting more..just look at dikman's "sig" for proof :-)

[dikman]

Ummm, I had to build a small shed to put them in . And there's still one in the main garage 'cos I haven't got enough room!

Anyhow, I reckon you've done well, Jnap.

[Jnap]

On 1/18/2018 at 9:37 PM, mikesc said:

Put it in a room where there is enough space to put more sewing machines..why ? Because you'll be getting more..just look at dikman's "sig" for proof :-)

That's what I'm afraid of.....I have a habit of "acquiring" when I get into something. 

[dikman]

Sounds like me! (Yes, I have a couple of machines )

When I became interested in shooting as a hobby, a few years back, my wife encouraged me but I knew what would happen. Sure enough, I bought a 6-gun safe, should be big enough. Hmmm, need another one. A bit later needed another one!! I'm now up to the legal limit of ownership without having to upgrade my security!!!! Plus all the reloading, casting and coating gear that goes with it.

Shooting, by the way, is what got me into leatherwork......

[Jnap]

If there was a legal limit on saltwater fishing rod/reels/etc I'd have been locked up years ago!

I did find myself looking at singer 29k's already last night....but that was the wife's fault, she mentioned doing tack repair for the shop she works at. She did say it in a joking way but that was all I needed to get back on the research!

But back to the main subject, I picked up the 225 yesterday and it looks like it was barely ever used, certainly was not used commercially from what I can tell and I was told it was heading for a dumpster 40yrs ago until a man brought it home for his wife where it Sat unused in the basement for the past 40yrs. I would like to have a professional go through it and check it all out first though. Where can I find out what mechanic I should take it to?