Difference Between Consew 206Rb-4 And 206Rb-5

[sfmiaw]

Hi everyone!

This site has some wonderful resources and some great contributors! I don't think I would have started my little leather sewing facination without your help, so for that, I thank you all!

I recently lucked into a Consew 206rb-4 and I was wondering what the difference is between version 4 and 5?

Also, if anyone happens to have a pdf manual for the Consew 206rb-4 or a link, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

Frank

[stelmackr]

I can't resist... The difference between a Consew 206Rb-4 And 206Rb-5 is, wait for it..... -1

I used to work for Boeing and during the time that Boeing released two new airplanes (767 and 757) I was always asked what the difference between the two airplanes was. Being a smart ass engineer I always explained the difference was 10.

Apologies for the bad pun..

Bob Stelmack

www.pslac.org

[J Hayes]

The -5 is newer. Somewhere between -1and now -6 I think they changed where the reverse lever and the stitch length adjuster are located, also I believe around -5 production moved from Japan to China. I've seen -5 with made in China on the plate and others with made in Japan in pictures of units for sale. but I'm no expert and may be remembering incorrectly. The new ones are China though.

Edited April 2, 2013 by J Hayes

[Andrew Chee]

As far as feet and attachments are concerned, they should be the same.

Andrew

[sfmiaw]

Wow, thanks for the fast responses! I was hoping it was more cosmetic changes than structural.

I found this gem sitting unused at a curtain-maker's back corner and got it for less than half the price of a -5. Now hopfully add a sewpro 500gr and a few dozen q-tips to clean out the dust and I'm good to go!

[Wizcrafts]

You are going to love that machine. I have a related machine: a National 300N, and it is a workhorse. The large M style bobbins hold about 50% more thread than a standard L bobbin.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Some more information, for those who care to know;

Consew 206RB-5 is the newest, current model.

Consew 206RB-4 has TWO different models, one with a serial number prefix "TH", the other, "SH". Many screw pitches and diameters are different, all over the machine, as well as some parts.

Difference between either 206RB-4 machines and 206RB-5 machine is that the 206RB-5 does have a Push in lock for the stitch length dial. This is because some 206RB machines without this push in dial would jump out of adjustment at high speeds.

Also (one more thing, I can't help myself here) Consew 206RB, RB-1, & RB-2 have a reverse lever that lifts up, and the stitch length is changed here with a ratchet ring and spring and ball to hold this adjustment in place.. The 206RB-3, -4s, & -5 all have the same push down lever for reverse with the stitch length dial.

Edited April 4, 2013 by Gregg From Keystone Sewing

[J Hayes]

Some more information, for those who care to know;

Consew 206RB-5 is the newest, current model.

Consew 206RB-4 has TWO different models, one with a serial number prefix "TH", the other, "SH". Many screw pitches and diameters are different, all over the machine, as well as some parts.

Difference between either 206RB-4 machines and 206RB-5 machine is that the 206RB-5 does have a Push in lock for the stitch length dial. This is because some 206RB machines without this push in dial would jump out of adjustment at high speeds.

Also (one more thing, I can't help myself here) Consew 206RB, RB-1, & RB-2 have a reverse lever that lifts up, and the stitch length is changed here with a ratchet ring and spring and ball to hold this adjustment in place.. The 206RB-3, -4s, & -5 all have the same push down lever for reverse with the stitch length dial.

Great info Gregg, thanks!

[sfmiaw]

Some more information, for those who care to know;

Consew 206RB-5 is the newest, current model.

Consew 206RB-4 has TWO different models, one with a serial number prefix "TH", the other, "SH". Many screw pitches and diameters are different, all over the machine, as well as some parts.

Difference between either 206RB-4 machines and 206RB-5 machine is that the 206RB-5 does have a Push in lock for the stitch length dial. This is because some 206RB machines without this push in dial would jump out of adjustment at high speeds.

Also (one more thing, I can't help myself here) Consew 206RB, RB-1, & RB-2 have a reverse lever that lifts up, and the stitch length is changed here with a ratchet ring and spring and ball to hold this adjustment in place.. The 206RB-3, -4s, & -5 all have the same push down lever for reverse with the stitch length dial.

Thank you for the detailed response!

[chaoleather]

So, if I understand this correctly: The RB-1 has a ratchet for stitch length adjustment, the RB-3,4,5 have stitch length dial ?? That's really the only main difference ??

Reason I ask: I found an RB-1 on craigslist for $800.00. Not a horrible price, given how expensive these are, and only one owner (hopefully a light handed careful one). I really have no frame of reference for whether or not that's a "great" price, but supposedly it's to fuel the costs of a wedding. So, I might not negotiate down much from that if that's the truth.

[Wizcrafts]

So, if I understand this correctly: The RB-1 has a ratchet for stitch length adjustment, the RB-3,4,5 have stitch length dial ?? That's really the only main difference ??

Reason I ask: I found an RB-1 on craigslist for $800.00. Not a horrible price, given how expensive these are, and only one owner (hopefully a light handed careful one). I really have no frame of reference for whether or not that's a "great" price, but supposedly it's to fuel the costs of a wedding. So, I might not negotiate down much from that if that's the truth.

Are you aware that you can buy a brand spankin new Consew 206RB-5 in the vicinity of just $1300 to $1400? That includes a new servo motor, all mounted on a new table.

[chaoleather]

Indeed so. I've been hoping to find one that's local, and not as expensive as a new one. Primarily I've been attempting to build up the gear necessary to make the shoes I'm looking to make, so I'm getting impatient to be done with some of the more intensely expensive infrastructure pieces.

My girl encouraged me to sell stuff first though, so perhaps you're right as well. I should wait a bit and find a new one, or at least one that's not 25 years old. I've seen the links around the site for sewing machine companies, and have been reviewing and researching all the information I can find on the subject in the archives. You've a rather extensive knowledge of the subject. I appreciate the help.

[Dougster]

This is great info, love this site!

So I just bought a 206. It has the lift-up reverse lever, so looks like it's an RB2 or earlier. Is there any way of pinning it down further than that?

[Hockeymender]

This is great info, love this site!

So I just bought a 206. It has the lift-up reverse lever, so looks like it's an RB2 or earlier. Is there any way of pinning it down further than that?

No plate on the machine stating the model number? Every machine I own has a plate (most times on the front) that has that info on it.

[Uwe]

Am I the only one who wishes somebody would post a photo to show what they're talking about?

[Dougster]

Am I the only one who wishes somebody would post a photo to show what they're talking about?

The repair guy is putting a new hook in it. When I pick it up, I'll be happy to post pictures of it and the Adler...

In the meantime, it looks very much like this one: