Cnielsen4130 Report post Posted October 29, 2014 Hey guys, first time post here, but long time reader of all the endless information you all provide. What a great forum. I have a few questions about a machine I'm looking at buying, a consew 206- rb1. I think have read as much as I can find searching on here and it seems to be the machine that would work for my needs, in new to machine sewing leather, but sounds like with a servo motor upgrade and the correct pully combination, along with the appropriate needle I will be ok for what I want it for. The machine I'm looking at is used on craigslist, and seems to be in very clean condition, it is wonders by a retired Taylor and seems to have sat for a long time, but covered indoors and taken care of. (Oil and cleaned etc) I am only basing this off the info provided, but the owner seems honest and knows what he has. My question, he is asking $900 with table pedal etc, and in running condition. He is negotiable on price, and I said it seems alittle high from what I have seen online.... But this is local to me, and they seem hard to find. I realize this is the first model, and I can seem to find the differences between the 206 rb1, and the newer 2, 3, 4 or 5 models. What should I look for when buying a used machine? What is a fair offer for something like this? Should I hold out for a newer model? Any direction would be helpful. Thank you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
J Hayes Report post Posted October 29, 2014 (edited) Is he including extras? Bobbins, feet, needles, and thread add up fast. I see them once in awhile at $500-$600 and they never seem to last long. I think the stitch length and reverse are different on the newer models but someone else that knows for sure will be along soon Edited October 29, 2014 by J Hayes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wizcrafts Report post Posted October 30, 2014 For $395 more, plus shipping or gas to Toledo, you can buy a brand new, setup, fully adjusted and sewn off Consew 206RB-5. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted October 30, 2014 (edited) I gave 400$ for mine used which I considered one helluva deal. With minimal effort, I got it clean, oiled, adjusted, and sewing. RB-1 are made in Japan, and from looking at mine, they are built like a tank. Used machines are hard to come by around here, so when they do come up, generally they are a lot more than used machines in other parts of the country. Those huge shipping costs and most folks unwillingness to ship used machines makes it tough for those of us looking for used machines. Edited October 30, 2014 by Colt W Knight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cnielsen4130 Report post Posted October 31, 2014 Thank you guys for the replies: I am looking into the costs of a new machine, I do like the thought of the old iron being made in Japan vs china, and the machine I'm looking at is a very clean looking machine. Im still concerned about the back stitch length but I have seen stuff wiz has written about adjusting it to be the same whether it's in forward or reverse. I'm still waiting on details of extras included with it, and would try to negotiate the $900 asking price to maybe $600-$700 and see if they will budge. If not, I might hold off, and buy one setup and brand new. Great looking machine colt, that is exactly what I want! What a deal! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Colt W Knight Report post Posted October 31, 2014 The back stitch on my 206 is the same as the forward stitch, the stitch length adjustment is a knob on the end of the forward/reverse lever. If you set the forward to 5 spi, then the back stitch is 5 spi. Mine will back stitch the same hole Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
