Consew Sk-6 Question Please Help

[ASM]

Thanks for all the info you have given me. Very much appreciated. I am going to a local guy down here in Atlanta first and see what he has. . But I will definitely look in the used section as you suggested for that type of machine.also

Steve

[Wizcrafts]

FYI;

The Seiko you are looking at uses system 214 needles. About the strongest thread you can expect to use is #346 on top and #277 in the bobbin. That would call for a #26 needle.

If you were to try to sew with the linen thread you are hand stitching with, you would probably need a #30 needle. The wax would gum up the tensioners, guides and the eye of the needle. It would possibly also get stuck going around the shuttle.

[ASM]

FYI;

The Seiko you are looking at uses system 214 needles. About the strongest thread you can expect to use is #346 on top and #277 in the bobbin. That would call for a #26 needle.

If you were to try to sew with the linen thread you are hand stitching with, you would probably need a #30 needle. The wax would gum up the tensioners, guides and the eye of the needle. It would possibly also get stuck going around the shuttle.

I just wanted a size comparison with the two . I did not know what size machine thread was equal to in thickness as the hand sewing thread I use. This way I can look for machines that take that thickness of thread. I guess the best way would bring some of the stuff I use and match to what they have in the store.

[Wizcrafts]

I have a plastic caliper and measured my #277 and #554 thread. The best units were millimeters. The #277 is 1/2 mm and the #554 is 1 mm. In SAE, it looks like the 277 is about 1/64" and #554 is about 1/32 inch. #346 is in between those diameters.

The needle size required to sew with #277, top and bottom, is either a #25 or #26. To sew #554 would require a machine capable of being fitted with a #28 or bigger needle. To avoid getting waxed thread stuck in the eye, a #30 needle would be best.

It really boils down to what diameter the thread is that you want to use.

FWIIW: I tried machine sewing with pre-waxed linen thread in the past and it didn't work out. However, I am able to sew with dry glazed Barbour's Irish Linen Thread, run through a liquid wax pot as I sew. I can do this on my Union Lockstitch machine, using Lax Wax. Again, it has a barbed needle and separate awl, not a closed eye.

Let us know how you make out at your local shop.

[Wizcrafts]

FYI: I think that #554 waxed linen is 7 cord thread. Most shoe sole stitchers will sew pre-waxed linen thread, of at least 7 cords diameter. They weigh over 500 pounds and have very little throat depth, but will do edge stitching through very hard leather, with very thick linen thread.

[ASM]

Hopefully I come home with what I need tomorrow. Thanks again for input, you have been very helpful !

[BeckerE]

I have just purchased a beautiful Consew SK-6f-1 machine.  Set up to sew  and am not able to pick up bobbin thread.  looking at the setup the hook acturally touches the needle as it comes around but timing seems pretty close. Bobbin housing can not be adjusted any further back as it is up against the stop. Any suggestions?

This is my first machine for doing leather so I'm a rookie at age 65 but excited.  Thanks.

[Constabulary]

Please post pictures of your machine from the underside.

I have a Singer 132K6 which is the predecessor of the SK-6. On my 132K6 there is a bushing for the hook drive shaft that is held in place by a set screw. I think when you loosen the set screw you can try to move (hammer) the bushing carefully to the right a little bit so you can move the hook a bit to the right as well. The set screw is probably covered by the bobbin case retainer assembly so you have to remove this first. If there is an adjustment ring on the right side of the bushing loosen its set screw first. I don´t know your machine but that's what I would try.

Edited August 24, 2024 by Constabulary