Consew 206RB-5 Speed Reducer?

[MtlBiker]

I'm so inexperienced that I don't even realize that things could be better...    I got a used/demo Consew 206RB-5 a couple of months ago as my first industrial machine and I've been using it, accepting the way it worked as being just the way it is.  A few days ago I got a new Techsew 2750 PRO and now that I see how a machine could work, I'm wanting to improve my 206RB.

Main issue is sewing speed.  The 2750 PRO has a speed reducer and I love it!  I can sew slowly in full control.  The Consew on the other hand, even with servo motor set to the lowest speed, still starts sewing much more quickly and it's just about impossible to sew one stitch at a time.  With the 2750 I can tap the foot pedal and the machine just makes one stitch... it's great!  And at slow speed, I estimate I can even sew slower than one stitch per second.

On the Consew, the speed dial has settings from 350 to 3450, but at the 350 setting it doesn't sew at all.  650 is the slowest.  Now perhaps the knob is just mis-aligned and the indicated 650 is really 350, but I have no way of verifying that.  Is anyone here familiar with the servo motor on my machine?  It says "Premier by Consew", model CSM550-1.  The lowest I can turn the knob is to 350 which I'm suspecting is actually the 0 position.  The highest setting can go one click past 3450 to the 0.  Do you think the knob is mis-aligned?  (I'm guessing it is and if so, I'll reset it.)

What should I look for in a speed reducer?  And is there any way to make the Consew stitch only one stitch with a tap of the foot pedal, like on the 2750?

Thanks very much.

 

[dikman]

As you discovered with the Techsew, a speed reducer is the answer. Either make your own or buy one. There are two main types for sale, the one on a "pedestal" mounting that screws underneath the table or the box type. The box type is the easiest to fit, just remove the motor, mount the reducer where the motor was and bolt the motor to the bottom of the reducer. Then it's just a matter of finding the correct length belts.

You won't have to worry about what the numbers mean on the motor then.

[Wizcrafts]

It looks like your motor pulley is at least 70mm diameter. I would purchase a 50mm pulley and a shorter belt to match. Dealers that sell Consew and Family Sew motors should have these items in stock.

[DonInReno]

The speed reducer gets my vote.   It triples the torque at low speed, which is a huge plus in addition to the reduction in speed.   

[Pintodeluxe]

The maximum speed dial will have a point where it won't sew.  They're all like that.  Just turn it up enough to have some power, but not so high that it's too fast.  

I agree with Wiz, a 45mm motor pulley helps some.  They're $2 on eBay.  You'll  need a 38" or 39" belt.  

[MtlBiker]

16 hours ago, dikman said:

As you discovered with the Techsew, a speed reducer is the answer. Either make your own or buy one. There are two main types for sale, the one on a "pedestal" mounting that screws underneath the table or the box type. The box type is the easiest to fit, just remove the motor, mount the reducer where the motor was and bolt the motor to the bottom of the reducer. Then it's just a matter of finding the correct length belts.

You won't have to worry about what the numbers mean on the motor then.

Thanks very much.  I think the speed reducer on the new 2750 is a pedestal type.  I can see how that works, but I'm not clear on the box type.  I like that it's "easiest to fit", so I guess I'll try to find something like that.  I'll see what the Consew dealer might have for this.  My problem is simply the very limited time I have to work on the sewing machine... my day job keeps me busy until evenings and I only have Sundays and Mondays to play with this.  So if I get something, install it on a Sunday/Monday, and figure out how long the belts should be, it would probably be another week before I could get the belts and install them.  And I'd have to be right about the lengths, or it would take another week.  I'm hoping the dealer might have a "canned" solution with all the right components so that I could get it and install all in one day.  SIGH

 

[MtlBiker]

16 hours ago, Wizcrafts said:

It looks like your motor pulley is at least 70mm diameter. I would purchase a 50mm pulley and a longer belt to match. Dealers that sell Consew and Family Sew motors should have these items in stock.

Yes, it does seem to be about 70mm (I'd have to remove the belt cover to really confirm).  So you're suggesting simply replacing the pulley on the motor with a smaller diameter one, right?  But I'm not understanding your comment that if I do that, I'd have to find a longer belt.  Wouldn't the belt have to be shorter if the motor pulley diameter is reduced?  What am I missing?

With a 50mm pulley, it would be an improvement in slow speed sewing, right?  But not as good as if I got a speed reducer of some kind.

Would you suggest trying this route first?  And then if not good enough, to look at other options?

I'm such a newbie with this stuff.

12 hours ago, DonInReno said:

The speed reducer gets my vote.   It triples the torque at low speed, which is a huge plus in addition to the reduction in speed.   

Thanks.  I'll check with the dealer to see if he has a "canned" speed reducer package I can buy.

 

[MtlBiker]

8 hours ago, Pintodeluxe said:

The maximum speed dial will have a point where it won't sew.  They're all like that.  Just turn it up enough to have some power, but not so high that it's too fast.  

I agree with Wiz, a 45mm motor pulley helps some.  They're $2 on eBay.  You'll  need a 38" or 39" belt.  

The dial on my servo motor has click stops and it doesn't go below 350, but at that point it doesn't sew.  I'm going to re-align the knob so that the current 350 will be the new 0.  That would make sense to me.

Is the shaft (inside) diameter of motor pulleys all the same?  How do you calculate the length of the new belt needed?

Thanks for your help!

[Wizcrafts]

21 minutes ago, MtlBiker said:

Is the shaft (inside) diameter of motor pulleys all the same?  How do you calculate the length of the new belt needed?

E = mc² (just kidding)

You should use calipers to measure the OD of the motor shaft. Then order a 45 or 50mm pulley that fits it. If in doubt, contact a dealer who sells Consew servo motors. They may have the smaller pulley in stock. They can also determine the new belt length.

I generally find that when changing from a 3" to a 2" pulley, the belt needs to be about 2 inches shorter. How much depends on where the motor is sitting on the height adjustment bolt.

[Pintodeluxe]

4 hours ago, MtlBiker said:

The dial on my servo motor has click stops and it doesn't go below 350, but at that point it doesn't sew.  I'm going to re-align the knob so that the current 350 will be the new 0.  That would make sense to me.

Is the shaft (inside) diameter of motor pulleys all the same?  How do you calculate the length of the new belt needed?

Thanks for your help!

These will fit...  

currently listed on eBay for $2.78 each.  Get the 45mm one (1.77")

38" belt.  39" belt may work, but 38" belt for sure.  

Edited December 7, 2020 by Pintodeluxe