Consew 206Rb And 226 Differences

[Davidstryingtosew]

Hoping to get this right and not end up with an expensive paper weight.

I'm in the market for my first machine and have been researching and researching.

Everything comes back to this site for the best info I can find... So last night I joined.

I'm completely new at this.. Last time I used a sewing machine was in 8th grade. Made a long sleeve shirt that fit too tight. That was, well a long time ago.

I'm doing a light resto on a 1997 audi A6 wagon with my wife and planned to purchase a leather kit, but no one has templates for it. One company says they'll make templates from my covers, but it'll cost an additional $500 plus I have to pay shipping both ways! Well, I've always wanted to get into this, and after looking into how complicated the machines are and how hard it really is, I'm really excited and cant wait to get started! I just hope I dont annoy too many of you with my ignorant questions as I try to progress forward with my skills Now for some questions...

This morning I just missed a singer 211w155 in great shape 150 mi south from here for $250, but there is a consew 206RB for $600 about 150mi north from here and a 226 that I can mailed to me for $730.

I just dont know what the differences are about the two. I'm really concerned with the speed they sew at.

Also, are these pretty much average prices for these? I know the Singer was a deal. I'm planning to try out the clutch motor on the machines since I'm pretty sure that is what will come with either of these. But I am trying to budget in a new sewpro servo motor as well.

I dont have plans to do the really heavy leather work most you guys do, but I would like to be able to from time to time. The main goal is to do upholstery leather.

Any help will greatly be appreciated.

Thanks for help in advance!

David

[CowboyBob]

The 206 with the larger bobbin will usually bring more than a 226,either one will do your work.The speed in comtrolled by the motor & pulley size.Clutch motors are made to slip & sometimes as they get older they don't work like they used to.So most people end up getting a servo.

[hankthedog]

I may be wrong but IIRC the 206RB has reverse and the 226 (no "R") has no reverse ? I would check further before purchasing. I have a 226R and use it for upholstery and leather and etc. I Love it ! A larger bobbin may be a nice feature for you ? I use pre-wound bobbins so it's not a big deal to me - As long as you have enough of the old seat intact, making your own patterns is simple. Normally seats are beat up on the door side on vehicle only so you can mirror the pattern easily. Have fun with it, and don't be afraid to ask questions. I like to take pics of stuff as I take it apart and make notes on how it's all layered up so when it goes back together it's a no-brainer.

[CowboyBob]

When Consew made the 226 they didn't put the R in the model# on the plate like they do now,the model w/o reverse is a 225.

Edited December 13, 2013 by CowboyBob

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

I'm quite sure I'm being overly technical here, and this is just for the historical value of it at this point.

Consew 226 series came in three different frame castings. First one used, what I'll call the 'old style' reverse system. This is the original 226, that didn't have the "R" (Consew uses R = Reverse, NOT Seiko). After that, they did in fact have an "R" for all 226 models that followed, 226R, and 226R-1, & 226R-2.

[forbeskm]

I just saw a Kingmax 206 (Consew Clone) on craigslist for 600. That's a good price. They usually go for 900-1200 or so used at a dealer. Great machine and it has the safety clutch button thingy to put it back in time. I like the bigger bobbin. Sews through vinyl, leather and webbing with no problem.