So ive stumbled across a few used Consew 206 RB-5 walking foot sewing machines for sale locally via Craiglist. Reasonablly priced. Im currently in the market for a walking foot, right now im using a Singer industrial, but its just not making the mark. Any insight in this machine would be greatly apprecaited. Cheers.
Consew 206RB5 is the machine I use and it's an awsome machine.Mine has the servo motor. With the foot pedal it's like a car . You can start out at a crawl and once you get comfortable , you can hammer down. It's the only machine I have ever had so I can't compare but to me it's hard to believe there is a better machine out there. My 2 cents. Good luck.
Thanks 32cruisin.... I just got off the phone with the seller, he's closing up his shop and has 5 he needs to sale. $650 each and they're about two years old. Fingers cr ossed all goes well in the morning and I'm bring home a machine.
The consew is a really good walkingfoot. If it falls through, there is a guy just south of you in bradenton that is always selling good used machines. I have an adler, its hard to beat a good stompyfoot machine. 650 seems pretty fair if its really in good shape.
$650 for just the heads, or table and motor too? I've got the same machine, and it's a walking foot / walking needle machine. Super tough.
Its $650 for heads, motor and table ... Like I said his buisness is closing shop. He's wanting to sell all 5 for $2500 or $650 each. I think its an offer I just can't pass up. Fingers crossed all goes well.
So what is different between a 226 and a 206? i have a line on one too for something like $750 that ive been thinking about
The 226 is a top loader as I remember. Basically a copy of an old Singer (but then again all of them are ) I've sewn on Pfaffs, Consews , Jukis, and Singers for 40 years (40 yrs next week as a matter of fact) and rate the 206 very good. Must be since I just last week ordered a new one to replace my current 206. Nothing wrong with the old one really just thought that for my 40th anniversary I'd treat myself to a new machine and use the old one for a back up. Those are great prices on the used Consews. Wish I was closer to them.Make sure you get any extra feet he has with it. You'll need a welt foot.
Well I went and got my machine this morning... It was a marine upholstery shop that was closing its doors. The unit is two years old and works like a champ! I cant believe Ive waited this long to get mysef a walking foot, it makes all the difference in the world. Thanks for all the helpful words about the unit... Cheers! Lorraine
Good luck to you with it, Lorraine! When you get some stuff made, post it to the upholstery social group here!
Thanks Lorraine, for starting this thread. I, too, have an itch to do my own upholstery work. You guys seem to be sooooo wall versed on these machines. So tell me a little about my Consew Model 225. How does it compare to a 206 or 226?
A 206 is a bottom loader, you have to load the bobbin from underneath the machine. Easy to do once you get the hang of it. I think the 225 is just an earlier variant of the 226 and they load from the top. If you already have the machine but no little about it , I would advise taking it to a machine repairman or at least a trimmer or upholsterer and ask them to give it the once over. Nothing worse than trying to learn on a machine that is even a little out of whack.
Unless it's some weird variant of a 225, yes. Here's a you tube video of a 225 in action. Check to see if your's is like it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRa3oFdWwWI
The 225 doesn't have reverse,the 226 does,that's they only difference. I've been selling & servicing these type of machines since I lost my factory job 31 yrs ago & haven't missed a paycheck yet. Bob
Consew is a great name, if the price is right you might be able to make some money on those machines.
I purchased my Consew 226 thirty nine years ago. Just last year I replaced the cog drive belt. I manufactured over 450 motorcycle sidecars, and had to teach myself how to stick. In the mix I built 39, 55 Sweet T birds, and more than a few Cobras. This Spring I stitched up my T Bucket upholstery. I've had nothing but good luck with the machine. I had it tuned up a few years ago, and the guy claimed it was worth $3,000 used, so I think you got a good deal. I'm not sure what a new machine will cost new, so the $3,000 may be a little high. I didn't give a shit because it's not for sale. It's part of my stuff and I never know when I'm going to need it. At times I pull it out and practise on a few things just to keep in shape. I do the same with my oxygen/acetate welder a few times a year. You have to practice to stay current. Good luck with your new machine. The walking foot makes it easy.
Yea, he might be a bit high at $3g. I've got a new 206rb on the way from Keystone Sewing. $1400 Back when I started out we used old Singers w/o reverse. Got so used to picking the foot up and pulling the material out to lock the stitch, that when I finally used one w/ reverse, it took a while to get used to it. Lorraine got a sweet deal. If I was closer I'd buy one "just because"
I figured it was too good of a deal to pass up... Im glad I went with my instinct on this one. Been working on the machine non stop since I got it, and I cant say enough how much I love workin' on this machine versus my Singer industrial. The bug extended further than me, I got my mom foolin around with it and within 30mins she had me call the guy who posted the craigslist ad to see if he still had any left, he was down to two, so we drove back this morning to pick her up one as well....
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