Leather Rifle Rests

[Ian]

If it's a Juki walking foot, I'd definitely go for it if I were you. $500 is a good price

[Art]

Yes, drive 2 hours, test out the Juki and buy it if it is in good shape. Same machine class as the 225 and Singer 111. all the available cheap 111 feet fit it and parts are available.

Art

Here is the only information I can find on it. Also, there is a Juki for sale about 2 hours away for $500 (the same price as the Glaco that's only 10 minutes away), and it looks identical so I guess it's a Juki 562. Should I drive the two hours and just buy the Juki? It was used in a small business that manufactured a few leather products and then discontinued that operation and the machines weren't needed anymore.

http://www.sanger-sewingmachinevideos.com/available.html

[/b]

[particle]

Well, I missed out on the Consew 225 for $300. Couldn't get in touch with a lady selling the Juki version for $500 (it's still listed in Alvarado, TX if you're looking for one), and stumbled across a Consew 206rb - I think it's series one, but what the heck do I know.... Last night, my wife was helping me search, and she found it. Called the guy today, and we agreed on $650 - I'm picking it up tomorrow. This is the pic they had on their listing.

Did I get a good deal?

I'm happy about it - can't wait to get it. The guy hasn't used it much since 1996, but used it a few months ago on a small project.

My question is this - I'm pretty hands on with my power tools. I like to know how things work, and am not afraid to dig in and work on stuff. I've seen a couple of DVDs for sale (which I'm sure you all know about), but I found one that specifically relates to this machine.

http://www.how-to-videos.info/Home.html

They only have one video, and it just so happens to be for this particular machine. Since the machine hasn't been used much in the last decade, I figure it's probably in need of some TLC. I'm hoping the thing isn't rusted to pieces internally, but I'll find out tomorrow. Is this a good DVD, or is there a better one out there I haven't found yet?

Edit to add: I'm looking for a DVD that will show me how to tear the thing apart, maintain it, repair it, thread it, etc.

Edited April 14, 2008 by particle

[Regis]

I've only read good about them but, if I were you, I would use/test it FIRST at the seller's place before buying. Make sure YOU like it. Was he using for leather or canvas? If he bought it new and for personal use you probably did ok. I think I've seen some folks here on the forum that have one and can advise you better. You might post a question with Consew 206rb in the subject,

[Ian]

Well, I missed out on the Consew 225 for $300. Couldn't get in touch with a lady selling the Juki version for $500 (it's still listed in Alvarado, TX if you're looking for one), and stumbled across a Consew 206rb - I think it's series one, but what the heck do I know.... Last night, my wife was helping me search, and she found it. Called the guy today, and we agreed on $650 - I'm picking it up tomorrow. This is the pic they had on their listing.

Did I get a good deal?

I'm happy about it - can't wait to get it. The guy hasn't used it much since 1996, but used it a few months ago on a small project.

My question is this - I'm pretty hands on with my power tools. I like to know how things work, and am not afraid to dig in and work on stuff. I've seen a couple of DVDs for sale (which I'm sure you all know about), but I found one that specifically relates to this machine.

http://www.how-to-videos.info/Home.html

They only have one video, and it just so happens to be for this particular machine. Since the machine hasn't been used much in the last decade, I figure it's probably in need of some TLC. I'm hoping the thing isn't rusted to pieces internally, but I'll find out tomorrow. Is this a good DVD, or is there a better one out there I haven't found yet?

Edit to add: I'm looking for a DVD that will show me how to tear the thing apart, maintain it, repair it, thread it, etc.

I have a 206 rb. That sucker is so strong, you can sew 8oz bridle leather with it. Can't speak for the price because I got an unheard of deal a few years back, but if you're looking for one of the best walking foot machines ever made (according to my machine repair guy) that's the one to get. I know that you won't be restricting yourself to rifle rests, you'll be wanting to learn all kinds of stuff, so you might as well get something that is versitile. Of course, it's not made for sewing heavy harness leather or anything like that, but I do just about everything else with it, from truck bed covers to putting zippers in jackets and chaps. And, I bet it will outlive me.

Here's a picture of stitches on a hunk of 9/11oz latigo, 4 thicknesses of 3/4oz suede and 6 thicknesses of 3oz chrome tanned (kind of stretching it)

[Art]

Be careful sewing heavy leather or multiple heavy leathers with the medium duty/upholstery/canvas/sailmakers/trimmers machines. They will sew the heavy stuff; I have sewn up to about 23oz veg tan with the Artisan 618 SC-1 LTHR (LTHR means it has a speed reducer on it which is kind of important with heavy sewing). The place you have to be careful is when walking the machine uphill or downhill (changing thickness). When the machine walks uphill or downhill (downhill is when it usually happens) it can put a lot of sideways shear on the needle and a little 110 or 120 needle just won't take it. Not a biggie, but make sure you find ALL of the needle as pieces can end up in the shuttle race which can gall that up if left in there.

The 226RB was made in Japan and if still tight it will outlast you. Parts aren't terribly expensive either.

Art

I have a 206 rb. That sucker is so strong, you can sew 8oz bridle leather with it. Can't speak for the price because I got an unheard of deal a few years back, but if you're looking for one of the best walking foot machines ever made (according to my machine repair guy) that's the one to get. I know that you won't be restricting yourself to rifle rests, you'll be wanting to learn all kinds of stuff, so you might as well get something that is versitile. Of course, it's not made for sewing heavy harness leather or anything like that, but I do just about everything else with it, from truck bed covers to putting zippers in jackets and chaps. And, I bet it will outlive me.

Here's a picture of stitches on a hunk of 9/11oz latigo, 4 thicknesses of 3/4oz suede and 6 thicknesses of 3oz chrome tanned (kind of stretching it)

[particle]

Thanks for the replies fellas. The guy purchased it brand new in 1986 and used it for his small at home upholstery business. My main concern is rust if it's been sitting a while, but I'll find out tomorrow when I go look at it.

About how much money will I be looking at to switch to a servo motor? And at that point, will a speed reducer be necessary? I don't foresee needing much speed anytime soon - my pieces are only 6" long right now. I'd rather have slow and steady than fast and crazy.

Something my wife has been concerned about lately is one comment that mentioned (in another thread somewhere) these things leaking oil like a Harley. Are they really prone to leaking oil? I'll be setup in our study for a while, which has carpet floors...

[Regis]

Artisan has servo motors for $145.00 but, I wouldn't know about any adapters to fit your machine & table. They can probably help you.

[Art]

I think it should have a drip pan underneath the head, they only drip if you over oil them (which is not necessarily a bad thing, better than under oiling). Servo motor is nice, add a speed reducer and it can be quite slow if you want it and half-fast if you turn it up. You can get by with just a slow (1725 rpm) clutch motor if you have to, they did it for years. The 3450 rpm motors are too fast for leatherwork except on assembly lines. When you get the servo motor, get the smallest pulley available, poor man's speed reducer; and get the 3/4hp (550 watt) servo motor to make up for not having the speed reducer, it's only about $10 more.

Art

Thanks for the replies fellas. The guy purchased it brand new in 1986 and used it for his small at home upholstery business. My main concern is rust if it's been sitting a while, but I'll find out tomorrow when I go look at it.

About how much money will I be looking at to switch to a servo motor? And at that point, will a speed reducer be necessary? I don't foresee needing much speed anytime soon - my pieces are only 6" long right now. I'd rather have slow and steady than fast and crazy.

Something my wife has been concerned about lately is one comment that mentioned (in another thread somewhere) these things leaking oil like a Harley. Are they really prone to leaking oil? I'll be setup in our study for a while, which has carpet floors...

[particle]

I have a 206 rb.

Ian, the post that I bought my machine from states the machine uses DPxl 7 Standard Needle #22.

What do you buy, and where do you get them? Any suggestions for a good, outdoor rated thread? I want something fairly heavy - my guess is 69 or heavier (I like the exposed thread look).

I'm sewing (2) layers of 3-4 ounce suede - I have no idea how it's tanned nor do I even know what the differences are yet. I will also need to sew nylon webbing - does this require a special needle?

I have much to learn, oh great ones!