Medium weight cylinder arm short list

[wkleather]

Nearly all machines are now manufactured in China. Adler in Czech Republic? Do the brand names, even if made in China, require higher tolerances, better metallurgy, QC, and inspections than clone factories or nobody really knows. I read mixed reviews on nearly all clones, but some appear to get much better reviews than others (Cowboy, Leather Machine Co., Artisan get good reviews). It appears to me they are all made in the same factory, all appear to be Highlead. Who knows? I also wonder about longevity of clones.  A Chinese shuttle for my 205 is $58 (no way), a Japanese made shuttle is $200. I think there is a difference, but never having bought either, how do I know?

If it wouldn't cause a divorce I'd buy a new Adler 969 and 669, and throw in a Campbell-Randall while we're at it.

[kgg]

The Juki DNU-1541S, LS-1341 and 441 are still made in Japan. The industrial Pfaff's are made in China. Tolerances on some items from China / Taiwan will vary depending on the clone factory. Whether one clone or another is better has a lot to do with the dealer and their mechanic(s) and how well they are gone through, adjusted, setup and tested.

kgg

[chrisash]

5 minutes ago, kgg said:

 Whether one clone or another is better has a lot to do with the dealer and their mechanic(s) and how well they are gone through, adjusted, setup and tested.

I think its more to do with the quality control and specifications used in making the machines by the likes of Cowboy, Sailrite etc that determines the quality of the machines. the dealership may fine tune the machine to the customers demands but quality control is the main key to a good machine, it's no coincidence that many are still using Singer machines over 100 years old with many used in factory after factory before they reach the smaller companies and individuals 

 

[wkleather]

I knew this would be the place to inquire. You guys have forgotten more than I'll ever know. Looking forward to sewing off some samples come Wed and hopefully will bring it home. My Adler loves 207-346 thread but some projects need a lighter touch and my 111w155, although great, has it's limits. I'll post results.

[DonInReno]

5 hours ago, wkleather said:

A Chinese shuttle for my 205 is $58 (no way), a Japanese made shuttle is $200. I think there is a difference, but never having bought either, how do I know?

Just today I received a Japanese 206 hook from a US supplier.....then I notice an identical hook being sold by Evernice on eBay - but it ships from Wohan China.    While it is possible Japanese hooks are being imported into China then exported to the US, it seems much more likely these are counterfeit, and the hook I was sold is probably also counterfeit.  

[wkleather]

4 hours ago, DonInReno said:

Just today I received a Japanese 206 hook from a US supplier.....then I notice an identical hook being sold by Evernice on eBay - but it ships from Wohan China.    While it is possible Japanese hooks are being imported into China then exported to the US, it seems much more likely these are counterfeit, and the hook I was sold is probably also counterfeit.  

It's my guess that if you had both in your hands you could tell the difference. 

[kgg]

4 hours ago, DonInReno said:

it seems much more likely these are counterfeit, and the hook I was sold is probably also counterfeit.  

That wouldn't surprise me in the least. In Ontario the police raided a large shopping mall a couple of years ago and a lot of stores in the shopping center were selling counterfeit / knockoff/ clone, call them what you may, items. This seems to be a problem right across the board. If the price seems to good chances are something is a miss.

kgg

[Dream4est]

I have a new machine, a Seiko cw-8/Consew 227r clone, with the badge New Tech Gc-8b. Its solid and way better than i expected at 1000usd. They go for 1200 at Goldstar Tool. I was hesitant to buy but after trying to get a similar auto cylinder arm direct from China off Alibaba and having  zero luck with untrustworthy companies I called goldstar talked directly to the owner David and ordered. It totally blows away my Singer 153k103. And it goes 7.2mm stitch not 5mm like its spec. Thats with 138/92. with 138/138 its 6.2. Binds and sews zipper foot 6.2 with 138/92. My old singer could bind kind of and zipper nada no feet make it work that way really with decent stitch length. Only a 3/4hp servo on the old Singer vs a 1hp on this New Tech machine so thats a difference as new motor has adjustable start speed and acceleration where my older consew csm1001 has no adjustability. 

It came with a sew off and oiled from factory not dry and binded up etc no issues with slop play etc. I am happy which i never really was with my 55 year old cylinder arm. 

[Zzzeve]

was the machine you got automatic oil distribution with a pump?

[kgg]

10 minutes ago, Zzzeve said:

was the machine you got automatic oil distribution with a pump

The Seiko CW-8 you manually lub them. I don't know of a cylinder arm machine that has a oil pump.

kgg