Clone Machines - 205 Or 441?

[amuckart]

I've read quite a few threads on Adler 205-370s and figure they're the ne plus ultra of machines in their class, but I'm curious about the clones. Most manufacturers seem to have gone with 441 clones except for Cowboy/Hightex who make both 441 and 205 clones. is there a particular reason for that?

The only difference I can spot on spec is that the 441s will do a couple more mm than the 205s and the 205s are a bit more finnicky to time and set the hook than the 441s. Either will probably be an excellent machine for what I want to do but I'd be interested in whether there's much in the way of practical difference between a 441 clone and a 205 clone. For me, the extra couple of mm of capacity isn't a major thing since I have a No.6 for the really big stuff.

Thanks.

[Leather Guru]

I've read quite a few threads on Adler 205-370s and figure they're the ne plus ultra of machines in their class, but I'm curious about the clones. Most manufacturers seem to have gone with 441 clones except for Cowboy/Hightex who make both 441 and 205 clones. is there a particular reason for that?

The only difference I can spot on spec is that the 441s will do a couple more mm than the 205s and the 205s are a bit more finnicky to time and set the hook than the 441s. Either will probably be an excellent machine for what I want to do but I'd be interested in whether there's much in the way of practical difference between a 441 clone and a 205 clone. For me, the extra couple of mm of capacity isn't a major thing since I have a No.6 for the really big stuff.

Thanks.

Good morning,

I bought a techsew 5100 some years ago and it's supposed to be a copy of a 441. The 205 is similar in function as the 441 . You know triple entrainment . But the main difference is the lenght of the arm. You could drive a truck through the opening. Anyway all those machines are made in china these days. I changed the type of needle on mine (put in a shorter one cause the shorter the needle the less flexible and better regularity in the stitch lenght when using finer needles)

[jimsaddler]

Hi Al

There is a difference in the two Machines. Price. The 441 is less complicated than the 205 Clone. I use both in my workshop as a comparison. the 205 is a nicer looking Machine but it will not do as many tasks as the 441. The Head is too bulky to get close to a lot of Aussie Jobs. Where the 441 is able to get up close to Knee Pads and Bulky items. Plus there are more attachments come with the 441s.

That said experienced 205 operators who have used the Cowboy 205 have remarked that they can not pick and difference between the original and the Clone.

The 441 clone is more user friendly if things go wrong also as the Timing is easier to set (over the phone to a user with a little Mechanical knowledge) in the event of a problem. The 205 needs to return to base. These things aside it comes down to bang for buck. 441 is cheaper and does more with the long Arm as standard.

Kindest Regards.

Jim Saddler.

I've read quite a few threads on Adler 205-370s and figure they're the ne plus ultra of machines in their class, but I'm curious about the clones. Most manufacturers seem to have gone with 441 clones except for Cowboy/Hightex who make both 441 and 205 clones. is there a particular reason for that?

The only difference I can spot on spec is that the 441s will do a couple more mm than the 205s and the 205s are a bit more finnicky to time and set the hook than the 441s. Either will probably be an excellent machine for what I want to do but I'd be interested in whether there's much in the way of practical difference between a 441 clone and a 205 clone. For me, the extra couple of mm of capacity isn't a major thing since I have a No.6 for the really big stuff.

Thanks.

[CowboyBob]

I have to agree with Jim,the 205 might look a little nicer but it doesn't sew any different than the 441's,also when you change needle size on a 205 you have to change the shim on the shuttle,which can get annoying after while.

Bob

[oldtimer]

I have to agree with Jim,the 205 might look a little nicer but it doesn't sew any different than the 441's,also when you change needle size on a 205 you have to change the shim on the shuttle,which can get annoying after while.

Bob

I have an Adler 205-374 and I have changed the needle size without changing those shims and the machine has never skipped a stitch so far !? ( Maybe it is because I´ve never been aware of the existance of these shims ?? )

I have seen them in the Weaver catalog but never figured out what they were used for !

/ Knut

[CowboyBob]

Knut,

If your machine has the larger one like a #230 in it & you put in a smaller needle you'll be ok except it might skip on thicker material.Now if you have a #180 shim in your machine it only has the clearance or opening for the 180 needle & when you go larger like a #230 you'll damage the point of your hook real quick because it wider than the gap.SO you might want to take the 2-screws out & see what # of shim you have they have the # on them.

Adler uses a slotted head screw for the shim screws this pic is from a Cowboy 205

Bob

[amuckart]

Thanks all, I appreciate the info.

[oldtimer]

Thanks all, I appreciate the info.

It seems that what you don´ty know doesn´t bother you !

/ Knut

[hidepounder]

I've read quite a few threads on Adler 205-370s and figure they're the ne plus ultra of machines in their class, but I'm curious about the clones. Most manufacturers seem to have gone with 441 clones except for Cowboy/Hightex who make both 441 and 205 clones. is there a particular reason for that?

The only difference I can spot on spec is that the 441s will do a couple more mm than the 205s and the 205s are a bit more finnicky to time and set the hook than the 441s. Either will probably be an excellent machine for what I want to do but I'd be interested in whether there's much in the way of practical difference between a 441 clone and a 205 clone. For me, the extra couple of mm of capacity isn't a major thing since I have a No.6 for the really big stuff.

Thanks.

I can't comment on the 441's, but I've had a 205-370 for ten years and I've never had to touch the timing. And while it's typical to sew from 138 to 415, I also sew with 69 thread without much adjustment, regularly, in spite of everyone telling me it's impossible. I think it's a great machine.........

Bobby

[Ken Nelson]

I can't comment on the 441's, but I've had a 205-370 for ten years and I've never had to touch the timing. And while it's typical to sew from 138 to 415, I also sew with 69 thread without much adjustment, regularly, in spite of everyone telling me it's impossible. I think it's a great machine.........

Bobby

Do you change shims when changing needle size? Ken