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

[Nandy]

Thanks for the links!!!! I did not had the part list. Very useful.

[CowboyBob]

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.

Maybe I should send people to Ebay when they ask me questions too??

[dirtclod]

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.

Maybe I should send people to Ebay when they ask me questions too??

I agree 100% with you Bob !!

I bet a person isn't going to be able to call a Ebay seller when they have a problem. It's like the old saying ( penny wise pound foolish ) you save nothing in the long run.

[Uwe]

The problem with the many "Call Bob" answers to question is that they don't really contribute to the knowledge base on this forum and that they create a Toledo-centric view of Leatherworker.net, which is really a resource used worldwide. Once Bob retires, all the "Call Bob" answers will cease to be meaningful.

[Nandy]

I think we should all agree to disagree on the view of where to get your supplies. Everyone has their own opinion of what is better, lets respect those, share ours and move along.

Having said that, thanks everyone for your participation on this thread. This is a great community!

[dirtclod]

The problem with the many "Call Bob" answers to question is that they don't really contribute to the knowledge base on this forum and that they create a Toledo-centric view of Leatherworker.net, which is really a resource used worldwide. Once Bob retires, all the "Call Bob" answers will cease to be meaningful.

Well if bob helps somebody with a problem they can pass on what they were told. I really don't know but i would guess that when Bob retires his son will be there to help people. Me personally i have been on here for almost 6 years and i don't ever remember seeing one time that a Ebay seller has helped anybody with anything.

The reason i said call Bob was because i have bought from him and he treated me fair. As far as the other dealers i have never seen or talked to any of them are bought anything from them. I'm sure their great people. I have seen were they they have helped folks out on here and other fourms. I knew Bob sells Consew machines and when i have called him or Bobby got me fixed up with what ever needles, bobbins and thread i needed. Plus their super nice folks !!

Their are more people on here helping people with their machines than just Bob. Wiz, Steve, Darren, Gregg, Ronnie and i'm sure some more that i can't think of right off of the top of my head. Personally so far i have been able to figure out what to do if i had a problem with my machine by reading the post on here. Before computers i would have to take my machine to somebody when i couldn't figure out what was wrong.

Edited June 30, 2015 by dirtclod

[CowboyBob]

What I should of written was...This is a great board with a lot of knowledge on it.It is supported by

the people paying for the banner ads @ the top of this forum & I feel it's

always best to support them when possible.

Thanks & have a nice day!

[Cobra Steve]

Every industrial sewing machine store usually have these parts in stock. I know we do as well. Try your local dealer if you have one, or try the dealers that advertise on this site.

Edited June 30, 2015 by Cobra Steve

[Nandy]

I have to admit that for exception of one dealer, every other dealer in the household sewing machines industries seemed to be a little too full of themselves and treated me as if I was wasting their time. That is one reason I have bought my machines online.

I went yesterday to the only industrial dealer I am aware off in charlotte.These people were way different, willing and helpful, with a big smile in their face, EVERYONE of them, even knowing from start that this was a little guy, a hobbyinst, just starting. I had a question about the bobbins for this machine and the sales lady could not answer it so she walked me to their mechanic for him to figure out. Not only he was willing to help, he spent so much time looking for the answer that I felt a bit guilty of using this guys time but he would not let me out of the shop until he was able to answer my question. It was just a few minutes but he did not gave up on me. At the end, the "checking out the place" trip turned out in a purchase trip. Got a few needles I wanted and once I have some other stuff lined up will probably go back for more.

I love supporting local business, specially the small business owner as long as it is economically possible for me, Online buying is still another option whatever is a supporter of this forum or a faceless ebay seller.