Is the Consew 255b the right machine?

[arich]

I've worked with leather for a few years and now I think it's time to step up to a machine. I make clutches and purses out of veg tan (1/4" and little thicker from time to time) I'm looking at a Consew 255b. From what I've read this machine will get the job done, opinions? And are there any adjustments that I might need to make to this machine? I've read about these machines being fast. 

Here's what the ad says
walking foot,
large bobin,
working condition,
new table,new stand...

clutch motor
under 60 day warranty...

They're asking $550

[mikesc]

You'll want to swap out the clutch motor for a servo motor  ( about $100.oo to $150.oo) and maybe a speed reducer too ( build your own, or buy one around $120.oo ) ..for what you want to do, the 255b will be OK..It is a clone of a Singer ..Looks a lot like my 211

[Northmount]

You might like a cylinder arm for purses.

Tom

[mikesc]

I'd like a cylinder arm "just because"

Seriously, yeah, I thought about suggesting a cylinder arm ( one can always make a table to convert it to a flat bed ) but at $550.oo the price seems good ( if they are not worn out ) and a cylinder arm can be bought later* as an additional machine..

and a collection is born

*"a bird in the hand"

Edited September 28, 2016 by mikesc

[particle]

Does that machine have reverse? If not, you might find it difficult to lock your stitches with bulky items that are hard to turn 180 degrees to sew the opposite direction.

[mikesc]

I think on the Consews that for it to have reverse that there must be a letter R in the machine designation, but there appear to be at least 3 machines there , two do not have a reverse lever , the one at the back , can't tell, the head is partially masked by the ones in the foreground, reverse would be ideal .

[arich]

Whoa, wasn't expecting so many responses so fast! 

What is the benefit of a servo motor? And how tough is it to build a speed reducer?

[mikesc]

Servo motor allows much more control, can start slower, and can let you limit it's top speed..

Not tough, depends how good you are with a welder..

search here for previous threads on servo motors and speed reducers

 

copy and paste this

servo motors site:leatherworker.net

into your favourite search engine,

 

read the results, many threads, with details of servo motors

 

and then copy and paste this

 speed reducer site:leatherworker.net

into your favourite search engine,

 

and read the results.., many threads including images of bought and DIY speed reducers

both have been discussed loads of times

 

HTH

[dikman]

You may be fine with just a servo, depending on the servo and the settings it has. Try it first and then fit a speed reducer if needed. If you've never tried a machine with a clutch motor it'll probably scare the pants off you the first time! Trust us, a servo is money well spent.

[brmax]

It looks as though the table, stand, light are like new.  Maybe the machine head even though a older design as its less reverse is new old stock, NOS.  I agree that with a nice servo motor replacement the machine would be a nice flatbed to have, and this is even though the motor is likely a new clutch motor.

good day

Floyd