Consew 206Rb-5 Vs Chandler 406Rb-1

[cheriva]

I have a home sewing machine (Elna) and a Cobra Class 4. I do tack repair (chaps, breastcollars, horse blankets, etc) and make assorted home décor items, but I am wanting to make purses and other accessories out of light to medium weight leathers. I feel that the Cobra may be too "heavy-duty" and had someone suggest the Consew 206RB-5 as a machine to fill in the gap. Is the Cobra capable of crafting the light/medium weight items with good quality or do I need the fill-in machine? Also, after researching on Toledo Industrial's website I saw the Chandler 406RB-1. It is a bit cheaper but seems like the exact same machine as the Consew. Would anyone have any reccommendations for me and information on the differences (if any) of the two machines.

Thank You-

Cheri

[cheriva]

I am going to post this under a different topic...new to this website and still learning!

[Colt W Knight]

I have a Consew 206RB-1.

It sews light-medium weight stuff like a dream. It will sew up 138 thread without a hitch. I can not get mine to sew with thread larger than 138 worth a flip though.

[cheriva]

Thanks for your input. I was told the 206RB-5 is a bit heavier duty than the 205RB-1...but that was one person's opinion. Good to know about the 138 thread max. Definitely a question I will ask, as they advertise up to 207.

[Colt W Knight]

Well the RB-5 is made in China, and has a different style forward/reverse lever. The RB-1 is made in Japan. The RB-1 is built like a tank, so I can't imagine the 5 being more HD. Its just the latest model. The 206s are advertised as being able to sew 207 thread, but You have to fuss with the machine a lot to get them to work with thread that large.

[JLSleather]

Until not so long ago, I had a -RB5. Good solid machine, lays a nice stitch. My only problem with it, and what could end up being yours, is that it's a flat bed machine. I used thread on it from 42 to 207, but purse gussets sometimes just weren't going to happen on the flatbed. Some designs just much easier on a cylinder machine...

Still, that thing worked with basically no issues (well, there was that one spool of black thread it didn't like, but that turned out to be that thread). Rather kickin' myself for letting it go, but I don't have room for one of everything ...

Edited December 5, 2014 by JLSleather

[Colt W Knight]

Until not so long ago, I had a -RB5. Good solid machine, lays a nice stitch. My only problem with it, and what could end up being yours, is that it's a flat bed machine. I used thread on it from 42 to 207, but purse gussets sometimes just weren't going to happen on the flatbed. Some designs just much easier on a cylinder machine...

Still, that thing worked with basically no issues (well, there was that one spool of black thread it didn't like, but that turned out to be that thread). Rather kickin' myself for letting it go, but I don't have room for one of everything ...

I have a spool of black thread that wont feed through my 206.

[JLSleather]

Wiz said it's likely due to the black thread being stiff (with dye). Coils tried to stay coiled when it came off the spool. He was right.

[Colt W Knight]

Wiz said it's likely due to the black thread being stiff (with dye). Coils tried to stay coiled when it came off the spool. He was right.

Makes sense. When I run that thread, it rips and frays eventhough the same machine with the same setup will sew white the same size without issue.

[cheriva]

Thanks for the input Colt and JLS. After more research I saw that the higher numbers were later models, as you have pointed out. I am glad you also pointed out the flat bed vs cylinder issue. I was wondering about that. From sewing on a home machine my whole life, I of course am more comfortable with a flat bed, but I want to get a machine that will aid my projects not restrict them. I also saw a post bed and read somewhere in this forum about someone using that type for purses and accessories. What is your opinion on that? I do want some versatility with the machine, so is a post type pretty limiting? Is there a platform available that would convert the cylinder are into a flat bed? I have one for my Cobra.

[msdeluca]

I agree with the cylinder arm machine. I think the post machine would be more difficult and I believe the feed system can mark the leather (not 100% sure on that point).

Have you considered the Cowboy CB3200. Ryan at Neel's Saddlery set mine up for 277/207 top/bottom thread. A friend of mine wanted me to help him sew a bimini cover for his boat and after some research, I found that 92 is the recommended size thread for Sunbrella. Even Ryan told me that the CB3200 may have trouble, but I tried it anyway. I loosened up both top tensions, as well as, the top presser foot pressure tension and it sewed the Sunbrella beautifully down to two layers with the lock stitch nicely centered between the layers.

I've personally sewn with it using 92/92, 138/138, 207/207, 277/207, and 277/277 (top/bottom) thread. It will center the lockstitch in 5 oz leather.

I knew I'd never need the larger 441 clones like the Cowboy 4500, but I was hoping to get a machine that could handle 1/2" to 1/8" thicknesses, but was told that one machine probably wouldn't do it. So far the CB3200 has done it all. Couldn't be happier with the machine or Ryan at Neel's Saddlery.

Additional note: I've never had to adjust the bobbin case tension. When I adjust the top tensions, I try to adjust both top tensioners the same amount. I'll back both screws out all the way, then turn them in equally until the lockstitch centers in the material.

I have additional info regarding the CB3200 on my blog at www.conceptleather.blogspot.com.

Hope this helps.

Mike

Edited December 6, 2014 by msdeluca

[TwinOaks]

Look into a consew 227 or clone. It is effectively the sewing capability of a 205/206 but in a cylinder arm machine. I don't know if anyone is offering a flat bed for it, but I'm sure it could be built. The Cowboy 2700 is a clone of the 227, and can be set up for leather before shipping.

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I agree with Mike --- I have a Consew 227r2, it is a very nice machine... You might check with the folks at Nick-O-Sew, they were looking into designing a platform attachment specifically for the Consew 227...

[Colt W Knight]

Flat bed is definitely a disadvantage if you plan to sew anything that isn't flat.

[cheriva]

Mike thank you for all of the useful information you provided. Funny you should mention the Cowboy machines, as I was researching them last night. I am set on a cylinder arm machine and will take a look at the information you have on your blog. Also thanks for the top tension adjustment advice. I am a little intimidated by my Cobra and although I turn the two top tensions the same each time, I am always worried I will get things out of sync. Your method would resolve that. I think I am narrowed down to Consew or Cowboy, I just need to know if the 277/2700 would be the best fit in-between my Elna and Cobra Class 4, or if I would need to step up to the 3200 or Consew equivalent. I think I will pose those questions to each distributor and see what they come back with. Really appreciate your input!

[cheriva]

Thanks MIke/Twin Oaks and Tramp for the info. I was trying to figure out the cylinder arm equivalent to the 205/206, so you answered my question! I will check at Nick-O-Sew as the platform is pretty important for me so I can utilize the machine as a flat bed for my home décor projects. As a "newbie" I sometimes don't even know what questions to ask, so all of the information provided in these forums has been invaluable to me. Thanks to everyone who contributes with their experience and knowledge!

[TwinOaks]

glad to help

[Tramps Leatherworking]

I'm glad we could help --- good luck with your choice...

[Geneva]

There is a solution for not being able to sew with the 207 thread. Take the steel plate off of the bobbin have someone mill .30 from underneath and increase the clearance for the thread above bobbin case. Or grind it out with a hand grinder just polish it when you are finished.

[Colt W Knight]

.3?