Consew 206Rb-5 For "light" Leather Work

[mrfjones]

Hello Wiz and leather team,

I, like so many, apologize for posting a similar topic seeking help that in some form or another has been previously commented upon. I've done my best to scour the Internet and this invaluable site to answer my question.

I'm sewing what I'd consider lightweight leather/suede material to make Native American regalia. At this point, an overlap of soft leather at collectivley (2-3 pieces) no more than 5 oz. (up to 1/4 of an inch). I'd love to expand up to 1/2 inch at some point. I started with handstitch, moved to a home machine (one you'd find at Joann Fabrics) and am not realizing I need something more dependable.

I've located a company selling industrial machines in my area. It has a lightly used Consew 206RB-5 for sale with a one year warranty. The benefit of course being that I can easily get information should I have questions or run into trouble down the road. The price of the machine is $1500.

http://www.sew-vac.net/products/Consew-206RB-5-with-Servo-motor-%26-Stand.html

From the forum, I understand this is a trustworthy machine that will do the trick; however, my only concern is that there may be a more affordable machine for our needs. I've gone into the shop and tested my material and it's like cutting through butter - amazing.

I'd appreciate feedback from the group as to:

1) will I be making a good purchased at a respectable price based upon my needs (basically am I being "took"); and

2) while a good machine, is it possible to go with more affordable machine based upon my sewing projects.

I also plan on checking with the retailers posted on this site for used Consew machines at a better price.

Based upon Wiz's original posting, it's my understanding we'll need a walking foot and a servo motor and straight stitch with reverse would do the trick.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Best,
M

[Ferg]

I think you need to do some shopping for the ConsewRB-5

They are obtainable new at less than you are being quoted.

That said: My first machine was a Consew RB-5. I find that when I wish to do something well and in a hurry on a flat bed this is the machine I go to.

I have a Seiko cylinder arm and a singer patcher. The Seiko and Consew both have limits on thickness that are similar. Probably if I had it to do over, I would have bought a longer arm cylinder machine and made a removable table for it. I hate changing pieces on a machine to do work so I am very satisfied with my set-up.

Personally i believe you will need a machine that will sew to 1/2" or a little more in time. I can stretch the Seiko to do close to 1/2" but it makes it work too hard.

Just some thoughts.

ferg

[Wizcrafts]

M. Jones;

Check out this Consew 206 page for more details about these machines.

Most upholstery grade walking foot machines (like the 206RB) are just gentle enough to sew a couple layers of deer hide, pigskin, or plonge. You have to use a fairly thin needle and thread combination, like #69 thread and a #18 leather point needle and back off the tensions.

None can sew 1/2 inch though. That requires a move up into the heavy stitcher realm. You give up some of the lighter end work as a consequence. It is not against the law to have various machines for different types of sewing. ;-)

[mrfjones]

I think you need to do some shopping for the ConsewRB-5

They are obtainable new at less than you are being quoted.

That said: My first machine was a Consew RB-5. I find that when I wish to do something well and in a hurry on a flat bed this is the machine I go to.

I have a Seiko cylinder arm and a singer patcher. The Seiko and Consew both have limits on thickness that are similar. Probably if I had it to do over, I would have bought a longer arm cylinder machine and made a removable table for it. I hate changing pieces on a machine to do work so I am very satisfied with my set-up.

Personally i believe you will need a machine that will sew to 1/2" or a little more in time. I can stretch the Seiko to do close to 1/2" but it makes it work too hard.

Just some thoughts.

ferg

Thanks for the good info Ferg. I did a quick search and believe I can get a better deal. Appreciate your comments.

Thanks Wiz. I can see how collecting multiple machines would be useful. It's a bit addicting! I'll keep searching for a good machine based on what you've shared.

[Colt W Knight]

I have a Consew 206, and I sew everything from felt up to 3/8" leather. Love this machine for what it is, but now that I am getting into more involved projects like holster and gunbelts, I need more capacity and a cylinder arm.