Used Consew 206 Rb-1/artisan 2618

[THE Buckeyes]

The used machine market is slim pickings around me. I have two options and don't know if either are a good deal:

1. Consew 206RB-1 with industrial clutch motor. Seems to be in good shape and looks clean, seller says its In working order for me. Seemed to be confident about the status of the machine as well. Asking $750. 2 hour drive and I would possibly have to rent a larger vehicle to pick it up.

2. An older model Artisan 2618 cylinder arm machine with a clutch motor. Also seems clean. Seller said bobbin thread keeps breaking. Seller Doesn't seem as knowledgable about the machine, 6.5 hour drive for me, he was asking $1,200 and dropped to $1,000.

Right now I am making things like portfolios, belts, key chains, and wallets. For my belts, the thickest I am using is a 12 oz Wickett harness leather.

If you had to pick a machine. Which would it be and why?

[George3]

Hi there,

I just went through the same scenario, used machines are expensive.

I bought a RB205-5 for 1270.00 delivered, you an also get a Consew P1206 delivered for 1095.00.

That's what I would do, new machine, new warranty!

I have a Adler205-370 and a Consew 206, the Adler will sew 3/4 " the Consew 9/16"

If I were you I'd look at the different Consew models and you wouldn't have to leave your home

I would also recommend Zamirsew.com or call and ask for Zamir, great to do business with and a ton of info.

Hope this helps

George

Unionlevelleather.com

[Union Level Leather]

Hi there,

I just went through the same scenario, used machines are expensive.

I bought a RB206-5 for 1270.00 delivered, you an also get a Consew P1206 delivered for 1095.00.

That's what I would do, new machine, new warranty!

I have a Adler205-370 and a Consew 206, the Adler will sew 3/4 " the Consew 9/16"

If I were you I'd look at the different Consew models and you wouldn't have to leave your home

I would also recommend Zamirsew.com or call and ask for Zamir, great to do business with and a ton of info.

Hope this helps

George

Unionlevelleather.com

[Colt W Knight]

I have a consew 206rb-1 and it's a great machine, but it will only sew 3/8" thick material and uses #138 thread. I've read it can sew #207 thread, but I haven't been able to get mine to sew 207.

[Colt W Knight]

With table and clutch motor, I bet that 206 will weigh 250-300 lbs. They are heavy duty, and parts and accessories are readily available. If you do get that machine, I would recommend a family sew 550 servo motor.

[JLSleather]

Maybe you're in Ohio? Prices you mention are close enough to new... I'd call Bob and ask about the 206RB-5, or maybe the Cowboy 227R . He can tell you the difference.

I know the Consew, and I still regret letting mine go. Dependable machine, wide range of stitch lengths, sews 3/8"+ well, and I used thread sizes 42 to 207 without trouble.

Edited December 9, 2015 by JLSleather

[Union Level Leather]

weight of the Consew 206b5 is approximately 182 lbs Table, motor and machine head.

[THE Buckeyes]

Maybe you're in Ohio? Prices you mention are close enough to new... I'd call Bob and ask about the 206RB-5, or maybe the Cowboy 227R . He can tell you the difference.

I know the Consew, and I still regret letting mine go. Dependable machine, wide range of stitch lengths, sews 3/8"+ well, and I used thread sizes 42 to 207 without trouble.

I went to Ohio State but live in CT now unfortunately lol. Otherwise I would have already picked up a Cowboy.I was really interested in the Cowboy 227R over the 3200 thinking it would handle the lighter work but still do work on a little over 3/8" of some denser leather. Sticker price on that online is $1,595 + shipping though (Are these online prices accurate?). I also found an older 206 at a local sewing machine store with a clutch motor for $900. $139 to add a servo and I would be able to have it locally serviced and tuned up. They are really nice people and will teach me how to use it as well. My indecision is around the ability to grow with the machine. The flatbed of the 206 would seem to limit me once I get into bags and other odd shapes. But if the 227 is going to be too powerful for thinner materials, then I'll need to downgrade anyways. If I can also save $800-$900 and still get a decent machine in the 206 with local service and help....that's another consideration.

Edited December 9, 2015 by THE Buckeyes

[George3]

Why not a new Consew rb205-6 for 1270.00 shipped or a Consew p1205rb for 1095.00 includes shipping?

Then you can see what you want.

I have a Adler 205-370 and it's a pain to set up for lighter thread.

I bought a Consew to do the light work.

[Colt W Knight]

I thought a 227 was just a 206, but with a cylinder arm instead of flat bed.

If you are serious about wanting to make bags and things, I think you would be better off buying a cylinder arm machine unless you could find something used much cheaper. You seam to be on the higher end of used machines where you are. There are definitely parts of the country where finding a used leather machine is difficult and the prices are much higher. I searched classifieds for almost a year before I bought my 206 for 400$

[THE Buckeyes]

Why not a new Consew rb205-6 for 1270.00 shipped or a Consew p1205rb for 1095.00 includes shipping?

I just have been reading terrible things about the new Consews so I never gave it a second thought.

If you are serious about wanting to make bags and things, I think you would be better off buying a cylinder arm machine unless you could find something used much cheaper. You seam to be on the higher end of used machines where you are. There are definitely parts of the country where finding a used leather machine is difficult and the prices are much higher. I searched classifieds for almost a year before I bought my 206 for 400$

Yea and I could get the flatbed attachment as well. But to one of the previous point by George, do I want to deal with changing the setup for the lighter work when needed.

[THE Buckeyes]

So I actually ended up finding a Seiko STH-8BLD with table and clutch motor for $350 off of craigslist. I thought this was a good deal considering the shop I went to had a new one with 3/4 servo for $1,500 +tax.

The only problem he said was the thread was breaking and he didn't have time to put into. So I figured that even if it needed a repair, it would put me in a good spot. $350 for the machine + $150 new motor + $200 misc labor and material costs= $700.

Anyone have experience with the Seiko?

I will say for anyone searching Craigslist, it can be tricky because you don't know what the seller is listing it as. You could have someone list a perfectly good leather machine as just a sewing machine and never see it depending on what your search keywords were.