Consew 227R Used For Binding

[BigMatt]

I am learning how to use my ne (to me) Consew 227R and I have a question.

The main thing I am interested in is learning about binding. I am going to use this machine for exposed gusset bags and briefcases, and I was hoping I could get a binding attachment.

I understand there are 227RFSs that are made with a synchronized binder, but this isn't one of them. I will be probably buying a generic binder and possibly getting a new needle plate, presser foot set, and feed dog.

The two main areas of concern in that respect are;

1) What type of binder should I get for use with 1" bridle leather strips bound around the gusset on a briefcase? I am thinking more of a 30 degree binder since the leather is probably not flexible enough for a right angle binder. I am also thinking that I can leave the edges raw and it will look ok. I think folded edges will get pretty bulky.

2) Is there a parts list (I have the one from Consew in the manual) that would work for using this machine for binding? Are there any guides or parts I haven't mentioned that will be necessary? Is there anyone here with first hand experience with this machine?

Thanks in advance for you help and advice...

[Uwe]

If you manage to get a Consew 227 to do binding operations with strips of bridle leather, PLEASE post a video of it because that I have got to see to believe. It took some coaxing to get my twice-as-big Adler 205 to do binding operations with soft goat skins leather:

[Wizcrafts]

I am learning how to use my ne (to me) Consew 227R and I have a question.

The main thing I am interested in is learning about binding. I am going to use this machine for exposed gusset bags and briefcases, and I was hoping I could get a binding attachment.

1) What type of binder should I get for use with 1" bridle leather strips bound around the gusset on a briefcase?

Thanks in advance for you help and advice...

The only way you can even have a chance of getting bridle leather to flow through a binder is if you have one custom built for a sample of the leather. I would find a custom attachment builder (maybe Weaver Leather?), then mail them a long strip of leather cut to the exact width you want, but run through a powered splitter to bring it down to 1.5 or 2 ounces maximum. The flesh side may need to be treated to make it more slippery, to reduce binding in the folder.

You should not expect a double fold binder. Singe fold is the best you can hope for.

I had this done around 1989 for a custom double fold right angle binder for cloth tape that had to be sewn onto tricky material. Back then it cost $400.

[BigMatt]

Thanks for your input guys. Splitting the leather won't be a problem. I am also only in need of a single fold.

Finally, if I go for a 30 degree binder, it might be easier for bridle leather than the 90 degree unit you are using Uwe - though I do admire that synchronized binder of yours.

I figure if Frank Clegg can do it on his bags, it should be possible...

I will post pictures and maybe video if it works out...

[gottaknow]

I buy my folders from Atlanta Attachment. They are serious folder makers and will tell you up front which is the best way to go based on your needs. I ordered one today for making hanger loops for our wool jackets. I probably have 100 folders that I can make hanger loop with, but nothing that would take our 26 oz. wool. I sent them a sewn finished sample along with plenty of fabric. Cost for the folder will be $398.00. The most expensive folder I've bought was $1800.00. It was for attaching a split waistband made of Lycra while inserting elastic. They will give quotes over the phone. I have learned over the years not to skimp on folders. For what you want to do, I'd get a folder as straight as your bag design will allow. Even the thin stuff doesn't like to turn corners.

The binding in the picture is exactly what Wiz described. 1" split to 2 oz. that we'll use on a dog accessory. It's getting folded around a heavy pack cloth. The folder is one I modified and mounted on a swing arm in order to do the overlap. The machine is a Juki LU 562, one of my workhorse binding machines that simply won't die.

[BigMatt]

Ok, I took some advice and didn't take others. Since this is more of a hobby for me, I can't afford to drop $400 on a binder. If it came to that, I would probably do without.

I was researching binders and came across the Sailrite swing away straight binder. It was what I really had in mind and for about $70, it was mine. It isn't a custom binder, but it also isn't a flimsy generic one either. I haven't gotten a chance to try it on my Consew 227 yet since my new needle plate and feed dog haven't come in, but it tried it on my Singer 531b-8bl flat bed, and after some adjusting, it works like it is supposed to.

I ground down an extra set of presser feet to get the binder as close to the needle as I could and I widened the binder mouth since it is made for cloth and I need it to wrap around 10-12oz of bridle. I am making a mounting plate for the Consew, but I am encouraged that it works on the Singer.

I will post pictures when I get the Consew lined out.

[TomG]

BigMatt... Did you ever get the Sailrite binder to work on the 227R?  Sure would liek to see some pic or even better a video of it working

[BigMatt]

I did. I should be posting some pictures in the next few days.

It works surprisingly well. It didn't require any serious modifications, just a mounting plate I had to fab up. With the 1" binder, I cut 1" strips and split them down to about 2oz.

Since it is a straight binder, you can't do inside curves, but for straight runs and outside curves, it seems to work.

[TomG]

On 5/2/2016 at 3:00 PM, BigMatt said:

I did. I should be posting some pictures in the next few days.

It works surprisingly well. It didn't require any serious modifications, just a mounting plate I had to fab up. With the 1" binder, I cut 1" strips and split them down to about 2oz.

Since it is a straight binder, you can't do inside curves, but for straight runs and outside curves, it seems to work.

Looking forward to seeing them! 

[BigMatt]

OK, here goes.

I will admit, it takes practice and I haven't finished a whole piece yet, but it is working. I will be sewing a bag this weekend after I mount the machine to another stand that will give me more clearance.

I cut out a mounting plate and drilled holes that allow me to mount the binder to the machine. I spent a while on the flat bed machine trying to get the hang of the binder. I also ended up grinding down some presser feet to get the binder closer to the needle. I like this presser foot setup for normal sewing too because I can see my work better.

Well, I am having trouble posting all the pictures, so please visit my album - http://imgur.com/a/YxgSZ

 

 

Edited May 4, 2016 by BigMatt

[BigMatt]

It is getting there...

Edited May 10, 2016 by BigMatt

[BigMatt]

Edited May 11, 2016 by BigMatt

[Hockeymender]

Very nice...well done!!

[BigMatt]

Thanks HM!

[TomG]

On 5/3/2016 at 8:31 PM, BigMatt said:

OK, here goes.

I will admit, it takes practice and I haven't finished a whole piece yet, but it is working. I will be sewing a bag this weekend after I mount the machine to another stand that will give me more clearance.

I cut out a mounting plate and drilled holes that allow me to mount the binder to the machine. I spent a while on the flat bed machine trying to get the hang of the binder. I also ended up grinding down some presser feet to get the binder closer to the needle. I like this presser foot setup for normal sewing too because I can see my work better.

Well, I am having trouble posting all the pictures, so please visit my album - http://imgur.com/a/YxgSZ

 

 

Hi BigMatt.  I am finally getting around to mounting the binding foot I bought.  I meant to ask you.... Did you have to replace the feed dogs and needle plate or did the ones that came with the machine work OK?  If you replaced them what did you use?

 

Thanks