Seiko Ch-2/rf Questions

[Pinsplitter]

Hi all, In australia been looking for 2nd hand 441 style machine, not easy to find any at all.

I have found a Seiko CH-2/RF and have got confused by the information on the net, there seems to have been 2 models with very different specs. I had a look at this one and it we (me and seller) finally found out that it was not set up correctly for straight sewing. It is a "shirring" or ruffling machine. The specs say

Drop feed and walking foot

(Capable of intermittent shirring).

well i don't think i'll ever need shirring, but for the price for a real Seiko it is attractive.

When i was there we could not get the 'thing" up the threaded rod so the two bolts were at A and B, the straight stitching setting (confusing i know, there's this threaded rod at the back and a sliding thing and where this is stopped sets the amount of shirring i think), the machine was noisy and clunky and the foot wouldn't ride over edges. So i left it to think about, then driving home i got a call from him saying he had been able to get the setting right and now it was WALKING, he shouted it haa haa, its an odd foot, there is only one foot, see pic. My thinking is if it is really walking and running smooth, the lack of reverse is the only drawback, and its probably a very good machine for the round tops of possible leather golf bags etc. Its very strong, 10mm stitch, 20mm presser lift.

So wondering if anyone knows this machine or has experience with similar models, the CH-8B is probably the ideal leather machine, Compound feed and walking foot,reverse stitch, can't afford a new one of them.

Sidenote. The advice i am getting from the local professional shops is really apalling, they really know bugger all, and second hand sellers remind me of used car salesmen.

Any comments really appreciated, thanks.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

http://keysew.com/Webpages/DemoImages/Seiko_CH_Series.pdf

See attached, this will decipher what this machine started out in life as.

CH-2/RF (Drop feed and walking foot / capable of differential feed)

This is the machine for heavy duty sewing, which is capable of intermediate ruffling

works as desired by changing the amount of upper feeding against lower feeding, in

addition to usual plain sewing works synchronized upper & lower feed.

＊Amount of feeding ratio between upper feed and lower feed can easily be changed

by pulling down the lifting lever which chained with treadling foot pedal or knee

works/motor work even during sewing operation which is obtainable intermediate

ruffling stitches.

＊Wide working space makes it easier to handle the bulky materials being sewn.

＊Acceptable common attachments for special stitching.

＊Various kinds of ruffling or open edge moccasin stitches can be performed.