HELP = Speed control on Consew 206RB-5

[equiss]

Hi there,

I finally found a really nice used machine, a consew 206RB-5 - do I need to buy a reducer to keep it from going from 0 to 2000 stitches per minute in .2 seconds or less? It seems like there is no in between, it is all or nothing. I can't find anything on how to control the speed (other than the pressure on the treadle of corse) in the instructions, so I don't know what the problem is, or if I need to buy a reducer or what am I missing?

ANY help appreciated, I am excited to use it, but at this point, can't keep it slow enough !!

[Ian]

That is a great machine you found. Yes, you can sew slowly using just the treadle (though it seems impossible when you first start using it Replacing the motor with a servo motor is the way to guarantee that you can start off at as slow a speed as you want with no 'jump'. If I had the spare change right now, I get one myself, but in the meantime I just use the treadle to control the speed.

[gavingear]

I'll second the suggestion for the servo motor. I just upgraded my Pfaff 545 (similar machine) with a servo motor, see the following post to see a video of this machine in action:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=7174

I would also install a speed reducer if you want to go really slow. Servo motors are great for starting out gently and limiting top speed, but if you run the motor really slow, you'll find it does not have enough torque to plow through really heavy leather. I have a 3:1 speed reducer on my Pfaff 545, and that multiplies the sewing torque by 3x. That means I can run the machine really slow, and still have enough torque to sew through 4 or 5 layers of 6-7oz veg tan leather.

Check out the video from the post above and see what you think. The Consew motor is great.

I'm thinking about relocating the max speed knob to the front of the machine next to the on/off switch. Then you can tailor your top speed to match the type of project you're doign (very slow for holsters, faster for leather upholstery or bobbin winding)

[Bree]

+1 Servo motor and speed reducer if you sew through heavy material to maintain higher torque. When I put a servo motor on my Juki 1541, which is the same class as your 206RB, it was like my life became blessed! LOL!

[equiss]

Thank you all, I got an awsome deal on the machine, and was just a little surprised when it literally came to life, (and just about sewed over my fingers).....thanks, and will look at trying to find some of the items that you suggested. Hope that I can find one/them used......but, none the less, this is a start - thanks again!

[equiss]

I'll second the suggestion for the servo motor. I just upgraded my Pfaff 545 (similar machine) with a servo motor, see the following post to see a video of this machine in action:

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=7174

I would also install a speed reducer if you want to go really slow. Servo motors are great for starting out gently and limiting top speed, but if you run the motor really slow, you'll find it does not have enough torque to plow through really heavy leather. I have a 3:1 speed reducer on my Pfaff 545, and that multiplies the sewing torque by 3x. That means I can run the machine really slow, and still have enough torque to sew through 4 or 5 layers of 6-7oz veg tan leather.

Check out the video from the post above and see what you think. The Consew motor is great.

I'm thinking about relocating the max speed knob to the front of the machine next to the on/off switch. Then you can tailor your top speed to match the type of project you're doign (very slow for holsters, faster for leather upholstery or bobbin winding)

You will have to excuse my ignorance, but where does one find a servo motor (what is that anyway) and are speed reducers really expensive? The motor on this one is pretty large, case looks almost as big as my Toro 3000, but I don't know where to find what I need, and most importantly, at what we can afford - might have to wait a while I suspect.

[Gibbsleatherworks]

You will have to excuse my ignorance, but where does one find a servo motor (what is that anyway) and are speed reducers really expensive? The motor on this one is pretty large, case looks almost as big as my Toro 3000, but I don't know where to find what I need, and most importantly, at what we can afford - might have to wait a while I suspect.

Two types of motors are used on industrial machines. First is the clutch type, it runs constantly at full speed when turned on and the clutch is engaged by press the foot pedal. Although you can feather the clutch slightly its difficult to maintain a speed slower than the motors max. A machines stich speed is determined by the motor rpm and the pulley size used.

Second a servo motor is converted to D/C current which provides better torque. It is only running when the foot pedal is pressed and its rpm is dependent on the amount you press. Since it only runs when you press the pedal less electricity is used.

Ive been doing alot of shopping for machines latley and found that you should be able to make a clean swap from a clutch motor to a servo motor for $100 to $200 (easily found with Google by searching "Industrial sewing motors servo"). The replacement should just bolt right on. And a pulley reduction system (more than one pulley) to slow down a clutch motor is close to that by itself. However, some clutch motors are already as low as 1750 rpm so if the pulley on the motor was changed to a very small one ($10), it can be slowed down quit a bit if your on a budget. Ive got a web site with a rpm calculator on my home pc I will try to post later.

If you have the means, servo is the way to go. I have a contractor that repairs electric motors for me (water pumps) and he said there is a way to use a speed reducing circuit on a clutch style motor but its torque lowers as its speed lowers. When using a smaller pulley at normal speed it doesnt lower torque because it remains at full speed. But a servo motor provides the maximum torque at its slowest speed. Much like what leather workers need.

One drawback to a servo motor is some dont have brakes. From what Ive been told, they use a reversal of current to slow and stop it. That could become tricky when trying to be intricate (doubtful if your going slow). Most newer ones have brakes. Hope this helps.

Lastly this was pointed out to me when motor shopping, if you have a self oiling machine head and use a very slow motor (both servo and clutch) you should be very careful of not starving it of oil. If the machine head doesnt spin fast enough to supply oil throughout it could seize the head.

Edited January 6, 2009 by Gibbsleatherworks

[Elton Joorisity]

If you already own a Toro 3000, call up Artisan and they can help you out and will tell you the best option. They sell both servo motors and speed reducers

[barra]

An inexpensive method to assist in reducing the speed is to slowly depress the pedal until you hear the motor hiss and then give the balance wheel a flick. You are just trying to find that speed that us comfortable to you. Once you have it running at that speed, get a friend to shove a tennis ball fairly tightly under the pedal and fix it in that position so that it does not roll away when the pressure is taken off the pedal. Having said that I don't think anything beats learning good foot control.

Barra

[blink1688]

Thank you for this thread!! I had a similar experience with a 206RB-5 practically dropping into my lap -- nobody to thank but God for this one -- and I found this thread really helpful for determining my next steps to get it set up for the work I need to get done.

Edited August 17, 2018 by blink1688
Typo correction