Consew 206RB With Thicker Thread

[MG513]

Hey guys, long time no talk. I have a Consew 206, it was my first machine. I picked up a post bed last year so its been sitting for a while, but Ive been getting back to using it these past few weeks. I would like to tackle making a Veg Tan purse with a gusset for the first time, and would prefer to use this machine. This will be a 2 part (maybe even 3 part) question. Im going to post 2 videos and a photo on my public Facebook business page, because everything I try to upload here is too big. For more background, I am a shoemaker, but i also do leather goods such as wallets, and would like to do belts with this machine eventually too. So far I sew nothing over 6-7 oz thick.

 

2 SHORT VIDEOS HERE: https://www.facebook.com/ObliviousNature/

 

1.) Im self taught, so Ive never truly mastered getting the tension correct. But id like too! Ive seemed to have gotten 69 tension pretty well. Only skips a stitch rarely and Ive been able to move down to a size 18 needle. But when it comes to 92, thats a different story. Ive read through many threads before posting and didnt quite get this specific question answered. 1 video shows and asks this question clearly, but in case the video doesnt work, basically, when i stick my bobbin into the shuttle(?) and give it a slight pull, before trying to catch the thread, it is VERY TIGHT. With 69 thread, I give it a tug its no problem. I have tried loosening the bobbin, tightening the bobbin, putting the thread spool in both ways as well. Again Ive read much (from Wiz specifically:) ) and I know this thing can handle 138... so why is this happening??

2.) The second video and photo will detail my tension discs. They are loose, even when the screw is as tight as it will go. I have no idea on what to do with this. Ive tried taking some things off and changing the order around, but that really seemed not to work, so I put it back how it was. Also, feel free to comment on if the way I have the top threaded is wrong, BUT PLEASE, do NOT refer me to a 30 year old manual where I cant make anything out! It isnt very helpful.

3.) My 3rd question is on feet. I searched through ebay, and read a really good thread on feet for this machine from June 2013. I have to say though, im just unsure of which to go with. There are almost too many options. Going back to the aforementioned, Id like to tackle a bag with gusset, and something i learned from a maker doing so on a similar machine on Youtube was to use a zipper foot, as it allows you to get close to the edge and isnt as bulky as the original foot. But the zipper foot has teeth, which is a big nono for veg tan. So then i saw Wiz mentioned a double toe foot... no clue what that is, or if it allows you to get close like a zipper foot would. So then I also saw a spring loaded guide foot. Seems really convenient on one hand, but certainly not for sewing around a gusset in a firmer leather! So THEN... I saw an edge guide foot, which comes in different widths. Great right?... The real issue is - the majority of ebay photos leave you staring at the bottom of the feet. No top view, which would help me better decide which to go with. Looking at it from the side doesnt seem to do much for me.

I know you cant tell me what to buy. But if you could narrow all these options down to maybe 2, that would really help me. So far the only criteria for feet is id relaly prefer the bottom to be flat to avoid marks, an gets me closer to the edge than the traditional foot. Thx very much for reading this essay.

 

 

 

[stelmackr]

On 6/12/2017 at 3:16 PM, MG513 said:

<<<snip>>> Im self taught, so Ive never truly mastered getting the tension correct. But id like too! Ive seemed to have gotten 69 tension pretty well. Only skips a stitch rarely and Ive been able to move down to a size 18 needle. But when it comes to 92, thats a different story. Ive read through many threads before posting and didnt quite get this specific question answered. 1 video shows and asks this question clearly, but in case the video doesnt work, basically, when i stick my bobbin into the shuttle(?) and give it a slight pull, before trying to catch the thread, it is VERY TIGHT. With 69 thread, I give it a tug its no problem. I have tried loosening the bobbin, tightening the bobbin, putting the thread spool in both ways as well. Again Ive read much (from Wiz specifically:) ) and I know this thing can handle 138... so why is this happening??<<<snip>>>

After the bobbin is placed in the bobbin holder, then run the thread though the cut slot and exit between the spaces on the bobbin tension spring. I couldn't see from the video if you did it right. Then DO NOT pull the the thread the way you show in the video.  The thread is meant to come out of the bobbin from the top, otherwise the thread will fray.  Make sure the bobbin is not too full or rubbing one the bobbin case.

The tension discs will loose tension if you have raised the foot, either by the manual latch or by the pedal on the floor.  If neither is the case then the pin that opens the tension discs is stuck.

Hope this helps.

Bob Stelmack