Consew 255Rb

[Sovran81]

What is the leather capacity of this machine? I have found threads concerning the 256 but not alot on the 255. Also the needle and thread numbers are still very confusing to me. Is this machine capable of using the heavier and larger needle thread combos that are needed for 3/8- 7/16 of leather? Thanks for any info. What are the differences between this machine and the 206?

Edited February 11, 2012 by Joe M

[CowboyBob]

What is the leather capacity of this machine? I have found threads concerning the 256 but not alot on the 255. Also the needle and thread numbers are still very confusing to me. Is this machine capable of using the heavier and larger needle thread combos that are needed for 3/8- 7/16 of leather? Thanks for any info. What are the differences between this machine and the 206?

The largest thread this can use is #138 & sew to 3/8 more or less depending on the leather.

The 206 bobbin goes in underneath & can use to#206 thread but it won't sew any heavier than the 255

Bob

[Wizcrafts]

What is the leather capacity of this machine? I have found threads concerning the 256 but not alot on the 255. Also the needle and thread numbers are still very confusing to me. Is this machine capable of using the heavier and larger needle thread combos that are needed for 3/8- 7/16 of leather? Thanks for any info. What are the differences between this machine and the 206?

These machines both use system 135x16 (leather) and 135x17 (cloth) needles. While the 255 has higher lift than the older 206 models, it can't sew any thicker than 3/8 inch. The stroke of the needle determines this factor.

System 135x needles are available in sizes up to #200 (Singer #25). This needle can pass #207 thread, but the machine itself may or may not tension it properly. It would need to be equipped with heavy duty tension and pressure springs to sew with #207 thread. The bobbin loads will not sew for long with such thick thread.

If you want to use a flat bed walking foot machine to sew thick leather, with heavy thread, look at the Juki LU-1508NH and its clones. This machine uses a longer needle system, allowing it to sew up to 7/16 inch, with #207 thread top and bottom. The bobbins are even larger than the large M bobbins used in upholstery machines, like the Consew 206 and 255 types. The back of the head is cut out higher to allow for higher lifting of the feet.

There are Chinese equivalents to the Juki 1508 which sell for about 60% of the price.

Finally, there are super heavy duty leather sewing machines, based on the Juki TSC 441 type, both flat bed and cylinder arm, which sew over 3/4 inch, with up to #415 thread, using up to a #28 needle. These machines have cylindrical bobbins that hold a lot of thread, and extremely heavy springs and take-up parts. With massive bearings and gears, these real leather stitchers can last a lifetime, as long as you oil them regularly.

Edited February 11, 2012 by Wizcrafts

[Wizcrafts]

I left out one category of machine that may be of interest to you. It is the Cowboy CB2500, also known as the GA5-1 type machine. It sews 7/16 inch all day, with #346 thread. The bobbins are almost as large as the super heavy "441" clones, and the needles are a little shorter. The feed is bottom only and the teeth will leave marks that must be dealt with. Typically, these machines go for about $1400 to $1500, depending on what accessories ship with them.

[Sovran81]

Thank you Bob and Wiz.

I am pretty sure at this point 3/8 would be the thickest I would be sewing time to time but as has been stated before dont run the machine to its limit. As much as I would love a cylinder arm machine capable of sewing the real heavy stuff its currently out of budget. If I was to set this machine up with the heavier springs, could it still sew thinner material or would the springs have to be changed out depending on what was sewn?

What brands and models are these clones you speak of?

[Wizcrafts]

Thank you Bob and Wiz.

I am pretty sure at this point 3/8 would be the thickest I would be sewing time to time but as has been stated before dont run the machine to its limit. ... If I was to set this machine up with the heavier springs, could it still sew thinner material or would the springs have to be changed out depending on what was sewn?

What brands and models are these clones you speak of?

Once you install the heavy thread tensioner beehive spring you will have to back it almost all the way off to sew with thinner thread, or into thin work. The coils are almost twice the diameter and strength of an upholstery spring. If the beehive extends all the way to the end of the threaded shaft, it will need to be replaced with the stock spring for lighter thread.

If you also replace the top pressure spring with a heavy coil spring, it also may need to be backed almost all the way off. The heavier pressure spring would only be needed if the leather lifts with the needle, even after you crank the adjuster all the way down. The heavy coils exert about double the force of standard springs.

Clone brands

The best currently supported clone brands of the Juki and Adler machines are Cowboy, Cobra and Techsew. There are other dealers selling similar machines, under various names. It is all up to the dealers to make the Chinese machines work properly, before shipping them to buyers. Clones off the ship are like a box of chocolates: ya don't know what yer gonna ge-et.

The dealers who advertise on this forum are accountable for the new sewing machines they sell. They will not leave a buyer stuck with a problem without trying their utmost to help fix it. After sale support is one thing you can count on if you buy from one of our member dealers. I cannot speak for eBay sellers.

If you buy a used machine privately, you alone are responsible for getting it fixed.

Try to buy more machine than you need right now. If you expect to sew 3/8 inch regularly, buy one that sews thicker (over 1/2"), out of the box. If you will be happy to compromise and use #207 thread, buy a machine that can handle #346 thread; it will loaf along with #207.

While a lesser machine will get you sewing today, you'll probably outgrow it tomorrow (as a leather crafter). Then, you'll have to try to sell it for the best price you can get to buy the machine you really should have bought on day one.