Big Barb - The Consew! (255 RB2 - I think!)

[suzelle]

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[suzelle]

I called Seller Monday Morn., she said she would be home all day Friday, or I can come look any evening. So Friday it would be.

Before buying, I called the Consew Company to ask questions about 206 vs. 255 machines, new and used. I was advised that the machine (If it was a Consew 255 RB2) would have a "U" sized bobbin in it. The guy tells me that if it's a running Consew 255 RB and a good price, he said I should run and get it. He said Auto Upholsterers love these machines. So... after speaking to Mr. Consew, I called the Seller back and told her that I thought it was the machine for me, and picked it up that night, Monday Eve. Okay, I bet you want to know the price, she listed it at $400, I gave her no less. Decided it was worth every penny, no dickering.

The Seller was not sure about the bobbin size, and I thought it may be a bit bigger than my Pfaff 545 bobbin, but wasn't sure since I didn't have one with me for comparison. I decided it didn't matter about the bobbin size, it was at least as big as my Pfaff and knew I wanted at least an "M" size, no smaller.

When I began to shop, I was looking for either a New Consew 206RB or New Juki DNU1541S, or anything used that comes close to the specs on these two machines. Luckily, I found one! Huge savinigs over a brand new machine and I really have not had to do much to it, other than oil, grease, adjust. I love to fix and fuss with stuff, so that machine was for me!!

With no name badge on the machine, I really don't know if it is officially a 255-RB2, so I'm including the serial number on the machine. Its seems kind of hit and miss about what information can be gathered on serial numbers that correspond to the year of manufacturing on these machines, maybe there is somebody on the forum here who can take the mystery out of it and tell me what year the machine might be.

Thankfully, Wiz (thank you Wiz) was able to share some of his wisdom about the machine and it's bobbin size. I'm not sure if the "U" bobbin was added to the machine later or if it came like that from the factory. Doesn't matter, it's no smaller than "M" size, and now that I've gotten it home to compare, I know it's a "U" bobbin.

Missing from the Lower (bobbin) area is the oil check thing, I think it is probably like a dip stick in a car. It gives you the reading of the oil level. If anybody has one they can show me photos of in their machine, I'd appreciate it. I'll find the parts manual and post a pic of that area as well.

Thanks for reading and for any potential info. you may have about my Mystery Girl, Big Barb! I named her after the previous owner who passed away. Her daughter sold me the machine. She said her Mom was a Big Lady, so that was quite alright that I wanted to name the machine Big Barb. She got a chuckle out of that. Told her I'd love the machine like her Mom did.

Edited March 9, 2022 by suzelle
add photos

[suzelle]

Here's some information (from Double needle 339 RBL) that has same parts in the right side (saddle and hook) as my machine. I'm hoping to see a real photo of the dip stick/oil check thing. Does anybody still have that part in their machine? I am wondering if it would look something like an ice pick or a screwdriver? Are there several parts that are all connected to make it? Asking because there are quite a few parts in the parts list. I have just a hole in my bobbin area where it used to be.   I'm thinking it's not a part that I have to have, but would be nice if I could find one. Machine runs without it and I can oil without it, right? Any advice is much appreciated.

[suzelle]

Part Numbers below. Let me know if there is a better diagram somewhere.

Oh, and regarding the motor, I am going to put the smallest pulley I can find on it. The machine really races. I'm accustomed to a clutch motor, so that is not the issue. It's just that this machine runs so smooth that it flies! My shaft is 3/4 inch, and the outer diameter of the pulley is about 2.25" approximately. I found a new pulley on Ebay that was 3/4" shaft, with a 2" pulley. Not sure if it's going to make much of a difference, but it is the smallest pulley I could find.

I do need to get better educated on clutch motors. I have included the specs on the Camsew motor. It says 3450 RPM, is that a faster motor than the other clutch motors available? What about the 3.4 AMPS? I may have a slower or less powerful motor I can pull off a machine I'm not currently using. If you can shed some light on that stuff, please do. LOL. I am not an electician.

I'm thinking I can adjust the belt a bit to accomodate the new pulley when it gets here. If that does not make it slow enough, and/or I don't have a less powerful motor around here somewhere, I'll just get a servo motor. If anybody knows of a smaller pulley that will take a v-belt or if another pulley and belt combo is better, please share. Much appreciated!

Edited March 9, 2022 by suzelle
Photos and pulley info added.

[Northmount]

4 hours ago, suzelle said:

outer diameter of the pulley is about 2.25" approximately. I found a new pulley on Ebay that was 3/4" shaft, with a 2" pulley. Not sure if it's going to make much of a difference, but it is the smallest pulley I could find.

New speed will be 89% of the original speed.  I doubt you will really notice much difference.

 

[Constabulary]

its a super fast clutch motor - you will not have fun with it - get rid of it - buy a servo

Singer 211G and 211U had similar dipsticks - maybe worth checking parts lists. I think Singer called them oil gauge.

Edited March 9, 2022 by Constabulary

[dikman]

Nice find, it looks almost new!  In general clutch motors run at 3600 rpm or 1700 rpm (round figures), based on my experience I wouldn't mess around, replace the clutch with a servo, you won't regret it.

[suzelle]

18 hours ago, Northmount said:

New speed will be 89% of the original speed.  I doubt you will really notice much difference.

 

Northmount, Thanks for doing the math for me. Makes me feel a bit better, you came up with same approximate difference in speed reduction that I was figuring. I agree, probably I won't notice much difference.

[kgg]

23 hours ago, suzelle said:

My shaft is 3/4 inch, and the outer diameter of the pulley is about 2.25" approximately. I found a new pulley on Ebay that was 3/4" shaft, with a 2" pulley. Not sure if it's going to make much of a difference, but it is the smallest pulley I could find.

For all those who want to try and use a pulley to reduce speed on their machine here is a easy online calculator for both single and multiple pulley configurations:

https://www.blocklayer.com/pulley-belt.aspx

kgg

Edited March 10, 2022 by kgg
wrong link

[suzelle]

19 hours ago, Constabulary said:

its a super fast clutch motor - you will not have fun with it - get rid of it - buy a servo

Singer 211G and 211U had similar dipsticks - maybe worth checking parts lists. I think Singer called them oil gauge.

Constabulary,

Okay, I'm not crazy! It's the motor, it is crazy fast! The guys in the shop I'm working at are both on Juki machines, they tried my machine out and didn't like how fast it was. LOL. They like fast cars but the sewing machines, not so much! LOL. Yes, gonna have to get a Servo. Think I'm headed in that direction. Thank you! Oh, and also thanks for mentioning the Singer 211G and 211U. I will put those machines on my list too, for parts.

Edited March 10, 2022 by suzelle