What ZIGZAG machine would compliment my Consew 206RB-2 for leather?

[myjtp]

I want to add a zigzag machine to my collection so i can sew exotic skins ( lizard, snake, etc ) together with that tight zigzag pattern in order to make them long enough to cover a belt.  What would be a good zigzag machine(s) to look out for to compliment my Consew 206RB-2?

[R8R]

If not crazy thick stuff, the Sailrite Ultrafeed or any of the multitude clones of those mini walking foot machines. (Family Sew, Morse, Tuffsew, etc) They are surprisingly capable but have a definite "stop" limit. In other words, a full tabled industrial machine will struggle at it's top end of capacity, while the mini walking foot machines just say "nope" when they hit their limit. But for the price they can't be beat.

 

[JJN]

These are all bottom feed machines I am referring to here but I do not think you need a walking foot for what you are planning to use it for. Machines to look for include a Singer 20U, Pfaff 138 or 238, Consew 99 or a Bernina 217. Also consider that an old Kenmore domestic machine (all metal) might do what you want for around $50. That is what I would try first.

[myjtp]

I have a lead on a Singer 20U but I will keep my eyes open for all the others you listed thanks so much!! What needle and thread?

[R8R]

20U is an apparel machine, FYI.

[myjtp]

4 minutes ago, R8R said:

20U is an apparel machine, FYI.

so it won't sew tough lizard skins? or alligator? stingray? what would you recommend for tougher leather skins? nothing crazy thick but tougher than fabric

[chrisash]

The £299 sailrite clone seen under a number of other names has a semi walking foot arangement and has a stated 1.6mm x 2 layer proven veg tan limit when i asked Ferco or something like that who makes the clones

I think that is the ones R8R is talking about

[R8R]

1 hour ago, myjtp said:

so it won't sew tough lizard skins? or alligator? stingray? what would you recommend for tougher leather skins? nothing crazy thick but tougher than fabric

Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1

Reliable Barracuda

Rex 607Z

TuffSew Super ZigZag

Family Sew Super ZigZag

Etc

 

These are all machines based on the Thomson mini walking foot machine. They are small, portable and can handle light leather work, and they are cheap, especially if found used. They can (mostly) swap out with Sailrite parts which are slightly upgraded and refined from most of the clones. Sailrite has HOURS of how-to and maintenance video about the Ultrafeed, enough to make anyone a certified mechanic on them.

If you need a simple machine for zigzag on light leather, I can think of none better. Full size walking foot zigzag machines are NOT cheap.

 

 

[shoepatcher]

Consew 199 should do the trick.

glenn

[councilman24]

Zig zags I have are consew 199r-2, 2 pfaff 238s, bernina 217 and 217n, and viking home machine - 1010 or something like that. I haven't tried to do what you want but trying to butt two edges together seems to be something special. Normally these machines sew two layers on top of each other. Differences in thickness or other things might cause them to feed at different rates. Consew 199s, pfaff 238s, and bernina 217s all have two feed dogs on each side so may work okay. Of the three parts are trivial for the consew. Tougher to impossible for pfaffs and berninas. A new version of the bernina 217n is sold buy global in europe. Parts are compatible if you have the same width model but they don't seem to have individual screws etc available. Likely they're at factory in China.

Out if the three I'd recommend the Consew for parts availability. But maybe an older one before made in china. 

The pfaff 238 is a tank. I'm gett8ng to like the bernina. The viking 1010 does somethings that the others won't. 6 layers of 1000lb 1 inch webbing. But only has one feed dog on each side.

But try doing what you want to do on a machine before you buy one. Seems to me there must be a special machine for this. Maybe someone that does this will answer.

Good luck.