New To Me Consew 225

[Nandy]

Hello forum, I have been looking for 2 years for a machine capable of doing canvas/leather/upholstery machine and today was the day. Local craigslist had this machine fully serviced (I saw the receipt) and I got it for $250 with table and 3/4 clutch motor.

I am not a professional seamster, I’m just the average joe that started a few years ago sewing as a hobby. I have done some tailoring for the family and some clothing form scratch and now i have a few more robust projects (got to keep the variety) hence getting the machine.

It seems that there is a lot of knowledge about these machines here, google keep directing me here almost on every question I had prior buying the machine. So I decided to register. Right now I need to check if there is a reduction gear on that machine but I doubt it. it was pretty quick when i tried it. I managed to get it slow but it was still a bit faster than my liking. I might get a servo in the future and other mods that might help this newbie.

They used it with pre-wound bobbins so there is neither a bobbin nor bobbin winder. I am sure I will need to get a zipper foot/feet, a binder bracket and maybe a swing away guide. It is my understanding that this machine and many are clones from one of the singer machines so are these parts that are used outside of the machine inner works really compatible? Not sure what is the bobbin size, I seen many listed for this machine and I assume that is enough assurance, y'all advice on this will be very valuable. Keep in mind that since I am not running a business I might not necessarily be after the best of the best part and will have to be a little more conservative on what I will pay for items vs what a person that run a profitable business would.

Projects in my mind are:

Cell phone wallet,

Ladies bags

Redoing my camper tenting (long term project)

I will be visiting her for advise on those leather projects. Also, if there is another forum that is more appropriate for questions about the machine itself I will be grateful for the link.

Thanks!

[dirtclod]

Give Bob a call at toledo sewing machine he can fix you with bobbins, needles and feet I'm sure. He has a add at the top of the page.

[Nandy]

Dirtclod, thanks for your response. I have read about toledo here many times. sometimes it sounds this is toledo advertising firm! lol! Of course, that means Toledo is pretty good when they get mention here so often.

I do like to have options so if there are other names that would be great. The only "worry" I might have with toledo is that im sure most of their merchandise is directed towards the profesional and the hobbiest like me might not need such high quality merchandize and the higher price it will come with it. If ever where to go profesional that would be a different story.

Thanks, anyone else that has any input or tips on the machine I bought that will be welcome... I did watch a video on how to install a gear reduction and when I saw what a gear redution is (i thought it was a simple pulley change) I know I dont have that in this machine.... Which brings me to the next question, gear reduction vs servo motor, but I will post that in a separate thread...

[dirtclod]

It doesn't cost anything to call, Bobbins, needles and feet generally don't cost alot. They sell a lot of machines and supplies to people that are into sewing their things just as a hobby. But do what ever you want to.

[Geneva]

If you don't plan on making money with your effort and time you should find a different hobby. Just my two cents

[CowboyBob]

Ok ,just thought I'd chime in here & let you know we are used to talking with hobbiest type of people & even first time Industrial sewing machine owners so just have a list of questions ready when you call & we'll try to answer them the best we can.

[Nandy]

If you don't plan on making money with your effort and time you should find a different hobby. Just my two cents

I strongly disagree. Hobbies are to keep me entertained, relaxed and keep my mind away from the money making job... I hunt, fish, boat, RV, build stuff at home, grown a vegetable garden and none of those are in the pursuit of money, they could help if times get really rough which is why I like the idea of learning some new skills.

Ok ,just thought I'd chime in here & let you know we are used to talking with hobbiest type of people & even first time Industrial sewing machine owners so just have a list of questions ready when you call & we'll try to answer them the best we can.

Thanks mr Kovar. That is a great invitation and I appreciate it very much.

[lowes48]

Yes, call Bob! I had what most likely will be very similar questions to what you will have of him just yesterday and within a matter of a few minutes my order was placed and has already been shipped with an ETA of Monday! Customer service at it's finest, IMO!

[Nandy]

Got to unload the machine today. Got it back together, found a few details here and there, not important at this moment. The motor has a 2 1/8 (about) v belt pulley so I dont thing I can go much smaller than that. Also, looks like the belt it has now is a 3l but it looks small to me. It also needs adjustment, it does slips a bit specially if I start with the needle already down. needle up starts seems to go a bit smoother and it is easier to start slow that way.. Motor is not a consew, it is a EW White Diamond. I played with it and It did good and I am getting the hand of going slow. More later after I play with it more.

[Uwe]

Ebay is your friend if you want options for sourcing sewing related items like bobbins and such. Some folks are more comfortable with a phone call, and buying things without ever seeing them.

If you're going to tinker with the machine and do your own work, a good manual is essential. The best ones I came across for the 225 are the original Consew 225 Manual and the Navy repair manual USNavySinger111WConsew225REPAIR.pdf for the 225 class of machines.

Here's a handy parts chart for the Consew 225: 225 parts.pdf