Consew 226R-1 or 206RB-3 Used

[AusSimon]

Hey All,

After spending a few days looking for a home use hobby machine i have come across these two machines for sale in my area.

226R-1 is from a shop and $900 cad + tax (come with a 1 year warrantee)

206RB-3 is from someone who just used it at home and looking at $1100 no tax.

I feel like these are both ok deals considering the limited number of good machines. 

Any thoughts on which is a better buy?

[JJN]

The 206RB-3 has a larger "M" size bobbin. The 226R-1 uses a smaller "G" size bobbin.

With all other things equal, I would look into the 206RB.

Do the machines have a servo or clutch motor. You most likely want a servo motor for better control.

I would look around some more, I think you can do better on the price. Those prices are getting close to new machine prices.

[AusSimon]

Hey @JJN thanks very much for the reply. 

Good point on the servo motor. That would be a deal maker. I will have to ask the guys in the store, I know the other one does not have it, but the store may be able to throw it in pretty cheep.

Also, sorry I should have stated, those prices are in CAD. So $680 and $825 in USD.

I was aware of the differing bobbin size, though its a factor it's a very small one for me, i only do small jobs.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

Those prices sound very reasonable, both are very good machines.  Consew 206RB-3 made in Japan was really super great out of the box, old world Japanese quality.

[AusSimon]

Hey guys.

So I ended up going with the 226R-1, it is OLD but it pretty great shape considering. I picked it up for $700 CAD in the end and it came with 6 months of repairs included. I got a 3/4hp KOBE servo motor and a shorter belt to suit for another $200 and i am off to the races. Absolutely loving it!!!

I liked the 206 much more, it was WAY newer and the bobbin much bigger, but the seller would not budge from $1100 and it didn't have a servo motor yet either.

Thank you everyone for all your help and advice. i truly appreciate it.

Cheers,

Simon

[JJN]

That is a good looking setup. I think you got a great deal with the table and servo motor. It all looks like new.

[Gregg From Keystone Sewing]

226R is as good as any machine.  Basically a Singer 111W155 with reverse made by Seiko in Japan.  

[AusSimon]

4 hours ago, Gregg From Keystone Sewing said:

226R is as good as any machine.  Basically a Singer 111W155 with reverse made by Seiko in Japan.  

Thanks Gregg, I am ever so happy with it. For the light leather work i am doing it just goes through like butter, and consistently.

I tried to DYI a speed reducer today from parts i found in the sewing shop, but failed. I feel the $150+ dollars people are asking for 2 wheels (worth maybe $20) and a bracket is a bit rich.

[Pintodeluxe]

Top loading bobbins are easier to use in my opinion.  The 226 is a great machine.  

[AusSimon]

Agree, top loading bobbins is all i have ever use.

[Kenzo]

On 9/19/2019 at 2:29 PM, AusSimon said:

Hey guys.

So I ended up going with the 226R-1, it is OLD but it pretty great shape considering. I picked it up for $700 CAD in the end and it came with 6 months of repairs included. I got a 3/4hp KOBE servo motor and a shorter belt to suit for another $200 and i am off to the races. Absolutely loving it!!!

I liked the 206 much more, it was WAY newer and the bobbin much bigger, but the seller would not budge from $1100 and it didn't have a servo motor yet either.

Thank you everyone for all your help and advice. i truly appreciate it.

Cheers,

Simon

Hey AusSimon, 

I am trying to identify a sewing machine. My machine looks like you’re model. Minus the reverse lever. Can you post a picture of you bottom shaft configuration on my post: Consew Seiko Singer ??? and help me identify my machines authentic model number. Great looking set up. How do you like it? 

[ChipperBags]

She’s beautiful!

Do you think you really need speed reducer?

I almost got a 226r… 

Chip from

CHIPPER BAGS