Revised Question: Adler 367 Versus Consew 206Rb-3

[georgeandgracie]

Now that I've spoken with the seller, I've found out that it's not an Adler 67 that he is selling, it is an Adler 367. It's four years old and has fewer than 20 hours on it. It is "self-oiling".

The seller wants $1500 for it. He paid $3500 for it new. Or fairly new - it had been a demo model when he got it.

So: would I be better off with the Consew 206RB-3 at $695 or this Adler? Which one would be best running at low speeds, on heavy canvas or medium leather?

Janet in Colorado

[J Hayes]

I think the self oilers need to be run fast for the self oiling to work properly.

I also think the Consew uses the same feet as the Singer 111's and many other machines. The feet for that Consew may be much less expensive than feet for the Adler, do a search on the feet and other accessories you may want, that may influence your decision.

Edited May 9, 2013 by J Hayes

[Wizcrafts]

Definitely, the Consew 206RB is better for upholstery and leather work. The Adler would be a nice high speed garment maker's machine.

[georgeandgracie]

Okay, I think you guys have given me the information I need. My husband is going to visit the Consew tomorrow, and if he has no qualms about it he'll probably buy it.

[Wizcrafts]

It will probably have an old clutch motor installed. If that motor turns too fast, buy a smaller pulley and belt. Most upholstery shops consider time as money and run their sewing machines at 2000 or 2200 RPM. That is about 4 times too fast for leather sewing.

[georgeandgracie]

Without a doubt you are right. Plans are afoot already for the modification.

[Trox]

Now that I've spoken with the seller, I've found out that it's not an Adler 67 that he is selling, it is an Adler 367. It's four years old and has fewer than 20 hours on it. It is "self-oiling".

The seller wants $1500 for it. He paid $3500 for it new. Or fairly new - it had been a demo model when he got it.

So: would I be better off with the Consew 206RB-3 at $695 or this Adler? Which one would be best running at low speeds, on heavy canvas or medium leather?

Janet in Colorado

Hi Janet,

Thats a different story the 367 is a very good and valuable machine in the upholstery class. Used ones are worth the same as three new Consews 206.

All Adler and later Dürkopp Adler machines that ends with "67" is flatbeds of the upholstery class. This one is the first of the modern M class machines. It will do the same as the other 67`s (and other upholstery triple feeds) at low speed, in addition to do it in high speed too.

Dürkopp Adler (DA) do not make low and high speed upholstery machines any more. They are all capable in doing both and has central oil lubrication systems. Both Adler and Dürkopp (before they became the same company) made such machines already in the 1980`ties. Examples are the triple feed Adler 767 and Dürkopp 291.

I would love to trade my "new" Dürkopp Adler 267-367 with Efka pos motor for it any-day. This machine has a bigger bobbin takes heavier thread and has a longer arm. This is the latest in German sewing machine technology and is what the Consew is going to look like in about ten years time. Have a look at its specs: http://www.duerkopp-adler.com/export/sites/duerkoppadler/commons/download/public/367/367_d_gb_f.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1liHhCliUDU

No offense, I get a bit carried away here. Nevertheless, is should not be a difficult choice. The only concern I have is the low price, these machine are normally for sale for much more than that. That is if you can find a used one for sale at all. There are no reason to sell it unless you get bankrupt and have too. Used German upholstery class sewing machines are usually much cheaper in Europe than in the US. The few 367 I have seen for sale here was all around 3500$.

However, the price it also depended of the version of it. They are normally equipped with a Efka 1550 internal position motor (900$ new) and all extras (air or el. back-tacking, foot-lift, thread trimmer etc.) This is a very high quality machine. Nevertheless, it might have been used in a factory and are in need of a refurbishing.

I would definitely have looked in to this DA (Dürkopp Adler) 367, the only better machine around is the new DA 867 (based on the same head as this).

If you cannot see any motor on it do not worry, the servo motor is placed inside the head. Here they sell them with the Efka 1550 mounted in a direct drive on the main shaft. I use the same motor on my 441 clone, it has 8 Nm of torque and I only use the half of it.

It would be a shame to put a clutch motor on it, you would not use a Volga (Russian antique) motor in a Cadillac either. However, most of the high end system servo motors only comes in a 220V., therefore anything is possible.

If this machine is OK you have a easy choice, this is a Mercedes-Royse of the upholstery class.

Keep us posted.

Good luck

Tor

[georgeandgracie]

The Adler 367 is still available because I bought the Consew.

[Trox]

The shipping would kill me and I already have 11 machines, it should be enough. This is a good opportunity for somebody to get a very good machine. If you had the right class from the beginning you might have chosen otherwise. However, the Consew will do the job too and you will have $ over for other stuff you need.

Good luck

Tor

[georgeandgracie]

The "$ left over" part is important. I do have other things to buy - materials, thread, grommet setters, and such.