Z77Z77Z Report post Posted November 1, 2018 Hi, this is my first post. I know a little about sewing (my wife has a lot more experience, but definitely not an expert) and I'm definitely mechanically inclined. I just picked up a Consew 206RB-1 and table from my mother-in-law's friend, she traded me a couple of old mortise and lock solid wood doors and old cabinets that I had from my remodel taking up space in my shed, I think I got a hell of a deal myself. About the machine. It was pretty dirty when i got it, dusty and cobwebs, inside the machine was pretty clean yet, with the exception of a light surface rust on one of the shafts on the underside, but its not on a wear surface so I don't think it's a concern. Cleaned out all the oiling points with a vacuum, brush and lightly WD-40 everything to help wash out anything extra and get some lube in places. Everything turns freely by hand, quiet and smooth. I plan on using it for auto upholstery and maybe some tactical stuff. My wife might make some leather goods and denim stuff. My questions are: I kinda question using WD-40 because its to light of oil and might collect some lint/dust now in places. Is there an Ideal oil I should be using? I have no manuals, found a parts pdf online, but is there a service manual for making adjustments, setting timming etc? Or a users manual on different setups etc? It has a clutch motor now, what's the best servo motor for this machine? I think I'll have an easier time learning with one. I haven't ran the machine off the motor yet, is there a checklist I should do before I do? Any info helps, or if I'm missing something. Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R8R Report post Posted November 1, 2018 Plain clear basic sewing machine oil. Inside and out. Thoroughly oil the whole machine liberally and wipe off any excess. WD-40 is ok to free some stuck parts and drive out moisture, but it doesn't lubricate and can actually hinder lubrication. Any servo motor you feel comfortable paying for will be fine. Sounds like it was a deal cheap enough to pay for an initial tune up, but there is enough info here on the forum to help tackle many basic mechanical issues. Youtube helps too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z77Z77Z Report post Posted November 1, 2018 Thanks for the video, been doing a lot of google/youtube for info, but half the battle is knowing what questions to ask, or how to ask them. I thought about sending it in to get it tuned up professionally but, I have just a little bit too much DIY'er in me, plus I like to know my equipment in and out in case I'm having problems I can troubleshoot quicker. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
R8R Report post Posted November 1, 2018 1 hour ago, Z77Z77Z said: I like to know my equipment in and out in case I'm having problems I can troubleshoot quicker. You are well suited for industrial sewing then. Make sure you have a full set of good quality screw drivers. Many screws on sewing machines are hard to get to so a good selection of shorty and long drivers are a good idea. Some (most?) sewing machines screws are slotted and usually hard to get un-stuck. Cheap drivers will twist out and fail and ruin the screws. Rule of thumb is any screw that strips out will NOT be available at the hardware store - they are mostly machine-specific. I use Klein Tools screw drivers, and also one of these: https://www.generaltools.com/hand-tools/precision-specialty-screwdrivers/nine-piece-ratchet-offset-screwdriver-set Great for needle plates and other short reach things. Also good to have: "Zoom Spout" oiler (at most anywhere that sells sewing machines). Use plain old sewing clear machine oil. (also referred to as "lily white") Just about every sewing machine made in the last 100 years has been specifically engineered with the tolerances to run with this oil. Small selection of nylon bristle brushes for cleaning crevices. Thread snips. I like the Gingher ones, they fit my big hands. 8", 10" or 12" heavy bent-handle shears. If you have a machine that sews heavy fabric, you want shears that cut it easily and cleanly. Skip the plastic handle Fiskars, go for the solid metal Wiss or Gingher or similar. The bent handle ones make cutting fabric laying on a flat surface easier. Some other Youtube stuff that has a ton of good info on machines and sewing in general: Alexander Dyer - general info about misc machines and sewing projects: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg9rFUt8zEY3qE5a6QT2lPw Cechaflo - auto upholstery whisperer: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw_8PUaXqvjSq3p1lYouXzQ Sailrite - a commercial site but they have great vids about maintenance and sewing techniques: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLEyuinra_2j8-SKvDX33Vw Uwe Gross - a forum member here who makes some well-shot vids showing the ins and outs of many different machines, all set to some relaxing Windham Hill style piano music... https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd_bg1sCBQPstASq1DvJsyw Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dikman Report post Posted November 1, 2018 Not much I can add to R8R's answers, he's pretty well got it covered. The Consew is a good choice as it uses common Singer 111-type feet, so easy and cheap to find. It should handle up to #138 thread. Lilly White oil is basically ISO 22 hydraulic oil, another option if you can't find it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
