Used Consew 206rb or new Highlead GC0618-1S

[olie]

I'm looking for a machine to make bags and wallets with. A friend has an older Consew 206rb. Not sure if it's rb-1, 2, 3 or what. It's got white paint, so it's not the original 206rb. It's got a clutch motor and no speed reducer. He wants $800 for it. After I add a servo motor and/or speed reducer, it'll end up costing almost as much as a new machine. Should I buy it or buy something new? Looking at a Highlead GC0618-1S that I can buy new locally. I have not tried a walking foot machine at all, so I don't know what it's like to sew with either type of motor. I do know that I want to be able sew slowly. Thanks in advance for you help!

[brmax]

Many machine suppliers have the added option of a servo motor, also "some" will be able to install a speed reducer option if needed. Though the speed could be even slower not likely any need of the added power on the wallets.

The servo is a good choice "with" a small pulley like 50mm. The local business with your pickup and little if any shipping is going to be your great benefit.

Your machine could easily be set properly for the max thread size you can use, initially and followed up with your 2nd visit for a sew off with materials as expected to use.

Not to be harsh on the biz or your friend so keeping focused on the usage and financial undertaking with this makes it smooth.

Older machines taken care of are always on the minds of people here on the site, one is like having one pair of shoes and fine but boots and basketball suc

Keep us posted

Floyd

[Darren Brosowski]

The problem is that most older machines are second, third or fourth hand old so unless you know a lot about what to look for and the price difference between old and new is significant it is difficult to suggest buying an old machine privately.

Generally a good second hand machine would have to be half the new price to justify the lack of warranty and support.

Keep in mind I am a dealer so my view may be biased.

 

 

[dikman]

Olie, I have several old machines, all of which have required varying degrees of work and parts to get working. I have probably been lucky in that none of them have required junking. Unless you're mechanically inclined, and enjoy the challenge of keeping a (probably) very old machine going then I would advise caution if considering a used machine. At the price you're talking about you'd be far better off buying new (or almost new) from a reputable dealer. It could save you a lot of grief.

[Northmount]

You can buy second hand machines from the dealers too if they have one in stock that suits your needs.  Some will put you on their list if they don't have one currently in stock and you can afford to wait.

Tom

 

[olie]

Here's where i'm at. The new machines from shops that are set up and ready to go, are all at least $1500. There is a Consew P1206RB that is in box un-assembled with servo motor for $1195. That one doesn't seem to get very good reviews due to the poor auto oiling system. Plus, i don't know what I'm doing, seems best to get a machine that at least someone has used and made to work. Here's some pics of the used one and the link to the new one. Again, thanks so much for your advice and opinions!

 

https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/fod/5540462455.html

[olie]

I have more pics

 

Edited April 25, 2016 by olie
added pics

[olie]

I was wrong, there are good reviews of the P120RB auto oiling system from slow sew-ers.

[Dougster]

I'm no expert yet, but that doesn't look like a 206rb, rb1 or rb2.  The one I have has a chrome lever sticking out of the front of the machine that you lift up to put the machine into reverse.  The one in your pictures looks like it has the lever that you push down.  My machine also has the bobbin on the left side of the needle, in a vertical position, instead of the horizontal position on the right of the needle in those pictures...

[olie]

I think it is actually a 226, not sure if that makes it a better or worse deal for me.