What is the Consew 206 of straight stitch machines?

[Northmount]

And the 20U has a single hole needle plate available, so becomes a straight stitch machine.  I have switched mine over.

Tom

 

[Gymnast]

On 4/1/2020 at 7:27 PM, Wizcrafts said:

The problem with sewing any leather on a bottom feed only machine is that the presser foot exerts a lot of drag on top. This separates the layers and causes shorter than desired stitches that can vary with the drag. Also, the foot pressure spring may not hold down leather on the upstroke.

I agree, that this is the main problem for a bottom feed machine compared to a walking foot machine. But I think, that it is not only the presser foot, that make the drag on top. Another reason for the drag on the top is the needle thread tension combined with the presser foot. A modified presser foot can reduce this part of the problem significantly as explained in the video: https://youtu.be/rBIulDuhDDs

[Wizcrafts]

2 hours ago, Gymnast said:

Another reason for the drag on the top is the needle thread tension combined with the presser foot

Correct! However, if one reduces the top and bottom tensions to the minimum needed to maintain a reasonably tight stitch, the thread drag will be minimized. Couple that with an aftermarket heavy duty feed dog and throat plate and a bottom feeder, coupled with a roller or Teflon foot will move leather and vinyl reasonably well. It will still be limited to fairly thin thread and needle sizes. I used this approach when I was in between being completely out of the leather business and when I began reacquiring industrial sewing machines. I had to make do with a Singer 15-91, which I beefed up as I described. It was passable until the right machines came along.

[rburson]

  I use a 20U for my linings and other Fabric needs it is a very solid machine. Mine is setup with a servo motor and runs very smooth. When I first got it it had a clutch motor I don't think I would have any fingers left if I tried to sew at those speeds. I just ordered a single hole needle plate from Amazon it arrived in 4 days and came with a feed dog. I was having issues making masks to donate the thin fabric was trying to get stuck in the needle plate hole

[ensitmike]

9 hours ago, rburson said:

  I use a 20U for my linings and other Fabric needs it is a very solid machine. Mine is setup with a servo motor and runs very smooth. When I first got it it had a clutch motor I don't think I would have any fingers left if I tried to sew at those speeds. I just ordered a single hole needle plate from Amazon it arrived in 4 days and came with a feed dog. I was having issues making masks to donate the thin fabric was trying to get stuck in the needle plate hole

Absolutely! That is exactly why I got it, so that is great to hear. Will also sew fabric outdoor gear and some clothing.

Versatility drew me too it as well, but also when I found out how common it is, I knew parts would be easy to come by and cheap for years to come. I might even hook the knee lever to the stitch width lever and try some old time, "general store" name embroidery on handkerchiefs, jackets, etc.

 

[ensitmike]

paging @Constabulary

Hope you don't mind me calling you, but I found some interesting things you said on this post.

 

I am curious if the needle bar hack you mention is universal. I ask because my 20u uses the same system as the Singer 212g141 mentioned here. I would like to be able to interchange needles with my 135x17 Consew 206 though.

If raising the needle bar is both possible and doesn't have any downsides, I might just do that.