Techsew 2800 Advise Needed

[TomG]

Well, after reading for hours, I decided to go with a cylinder arm machine. I need it fairly quickly so I found a "new" one at the local sewing machine company. But I need some advice. I had gone in with the Consew in mind. But I have read so much I am over-saturated.

They have a supposedly new Techsew 2800, "U"-table, lamp, etc. The owner was not in, but his tech people were not sure if it was new or used. It has oil stains on most of the edges of the covers. the weird part is that is it only on the front edges. It almost looks like it was laid with it's front down for a while and the oil seeped under the covers in the front.

Other than that, it is pristine.

So, we loaded up some 138 top and bottom and tried to sew a couple of layers of 7/8 oz veg-tan. I have to say, it sewed very smoothly. Techsew has done a good job on their motor mods for it to start out as slowly and smoothly as it did.

The stitching at around 5 SPI was good and consistent. Until we hit reverse. Birds nest on the bottom. The tech fussed with the tension a bit and could not eliminate them. He changed the needle to a x16 (had an x17) and it still nested. They dropped to #92 thread in top and it was better but still tangled looking.

He finally got another tech to look at it. He opened the bobbin area and said the fingers were adjusted wrong. Then he said the hook and plate needed to be adjusted.

The other issue I am questioning is the binder. This machine has the binder attached. I spoke to Techsew and described the parts I saw in a drawer - some different feeders and a smooth plate - and he thought that was the set of parts needed to convert to non-binder use. But, I'm a worry-wart, so I'm looking for some second opinions.

So.. at $1500, I only have 1 shot at making the right decision or I'll be sleeping on the couch for a while

Should I look at something like the Consew 227 or the Techsew 2700, if he has them locally? Or jump on the 2800 if they get it reversing properly?

Any other issues I should consider? Does Techsew take the standard Siger type feet, etc?

Thanks all.

[Techsew Ron]

Well, after reading for hours, I decided to go with a cylinder arm machine. I need it fairly quickly so I found a "new" one at the local sewing machine company. But I need some advice. I had gone in with the Consew in mind. But I have read so much I am over-saturated.

They have a supposedly new Techsew 2800, "U"-table, lamp, etc. The owner was not in, but his tech people were not sure if it was new or used. It has oil stains on most of the edges of the covers. the weird part is that is it only on the front edges. It almost looks like it was laid with it's front down for a while and the oil seeped under the covers in the front.

Other than that, it is pristine.

So, we loaded up some 138 top and bottom and tried to sew a couple of layers of 7/8 oz veg-tan. I have to say, it sewed very smoothly. Techsew has done a good job on their motor mods for it to start out as slowly and smoothly as it did.

The stitching at around 5 SPI was good and consistent. Until we hit reverse. Birds nest on the bottom. The tech fussed with the tension a bit and could not eliminate them. He changed the needle to a x16 (had an x17) and it still nested. They dropped to #92 thread in top and it was better but still tangled looking.

He finally got another tech to look at it. He opened the bobbin area and said the fingers were adjusted wrong. Then he said the hook and plate needed to be adjusted.

The other issue I am questioning is the binder. This machine has the binder attached. I spoke to Techsew and described the parts I saw in a drawer - some different feeders and a smooth plate - and he thought that was the set of parts needed to convert to non-binder use. But, I'm a worry-wart, so I'm looking for some second opinions.

So.. at $1500, I only have 1 shot at making the right decision or I'll be sleeping on the couch for a while

Should I look at something like the Consew 227 or the Techsew 2700, if he has them locally? Or jump on the 2800 if they get it reversing properly?

Any other issues I should consider? Does Techsew take the standard Siger type feet, etc?

Thanks all.

If you want to let me know which dealer you found it at I can tell you whether they have a new 2800 in stock - if it needs any adjustments right off the bat then it must be used as a new one would be ready to sew.

You'll definitely want it adjusted properly before purchasing. Have the mechanic re-thread the machine, insert a new needle, check tensions and timing. It should be reversing properly.

It sounds like you have the parts to use the machine with or without the binding attachment.

Most of our machines will use Singer 111 presser feet but not the 2800.

Thanks,

Ron

[TomG]

PM'ing you <g>