Opinions On Consew 199R?

[lcshu]

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a brand new Consew 199R-1A (specifications here: http://www.consew.com/View/Consew-Model-199R-1A-1). I've been having some troubles with it (details below) and would like to ask the members of the forum these questions:

-Did I buy the wrong machine or am I misusing it?

-Is this sort of quality to be expected from Consew?

-If so, can you recommend a zig-zag machine for medium-weight suede that would be less of a headache?

-If not, is it possible that I bought a lemon?

and finally,

-Should I try returning or selling this machine and getting a different one?

Background information:

A couple of weeks ago, I read a lot of the information on the LWN forums about sewing machines and decided that Consew seemed like a reputable brand. I make rock climbing shoes from 3-4 oz. cowhide suede (seems like this is usually referred to as a chap split). All of the critical seams in these shoes are abutted seams, which require a zig-zag sewing machine. One seam in each shoe is overlapped - so the machine has to stitch through two layers of suede - but the machine doesn't need to step up or down over the edge of the seam. From this I concluded (perhaps erroneously) that I wouldn't need a walking foot machine.

With all this in mind, I ordered my Consew 199R-1A through a local dealer. When the dealer received it, I joined him in his store to help assemble the machine and learn about it. I was surprised to find that while the parts seemed solid, the machine did not seem designed for assembly or serviceability, and some parts, like the stitch length regulator, stuck quite badly.

The dealer and I unstuck some parts, adjusted the machine, and then I tested it with the suede I was using at the time. Since the machine performed well, I took it home.

However, within a week, when a new order of different suede came in, I started breaking needles. It seemed like the needles were breaking because either the timing was off (I could see them hitting the hook), or because the suede was deflecting them into the hook. I stepped up to 135x8 DIA needles in size 18 and was able to finish the rock climbing shoes I was making at the time. However, in the course of solving my needle problem, I inserted and removed needles probably 50+ times.

About another week later, the threads in the needle post for the set screw which holds the needle in are stripped. The set screw no longer locks the needle in place. I've looked at the set screw, and its threads seem fine.

Based on the above information and on Consew's reputation, do you think it's likely that I'll continue to have problems with this machine?

Thanks in advance for your input.

-Laura

[Wizcrafts]

Your shoes are beautiful Laura. But, you bought the wrong machine (and possibly a defective machine). Needle screw holes should not strip on a new machine. You should be entitled to a free replacement needle bar and installation/timing.

What you really needed was a walking foot, zig zag machine; one that uses system 135x16 leather point needles. You would be better off with a #20 or 21 needle and #92 (Tex 90) bonded nylon or bonded polyester thread. This heavier needle is less likely to deflect so far it hits the hook. At least a #19 leather point needle with #69 bonded thread should be used.

The width of the zig zag has an impact on the timing of the hook and on the deflection of the needle under load.

Edited August 22, 2014 by Wizcrafts

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

199R series have been around for over 30 years from Consew, and every one I've ever setup and sent out did exactly what people had hoped for a long time, from what can remember. So yes, I think the quality is good, as are parts and support for this machine.

As for asking if the machine is correct for your application, that's what the dealer is for, in my universe.

[lcshu]

Hi Gregg and Wizcrafts,

Thank you both very much for your input. I feel better in general about Consew after your feedback, and I've arranged to have my current machine fixed while I look at walking foot options.

Cheers,
Laura