tropit

Some questions about thread for the Consew...I have some cones of nylon thread for the bigger projects, but I also want to use 100% cotton thread on it for quilting and piecing. Is there any particular brand that works well with this machine? Can you use the smaller, domestic machine spools of thread on it, or does it have to be a large cone? Thanks

quiltingshorttimer

for a heavier upholstery fabric I've used a heavy nylon thread and with things like denim I've used a #40 cotton (YLI or Signature or King Tut).

tropit

Thanks. We got the machine up and running yesterday and I've been playing around with it. I do have some nylon thread for my upholstery projects coming up, but I also want to be able to machine quilt with cotton, so I put a smaller spool of CT thread on it to see what would happen. the smaller spool worked OK, but I think that the thread is too light-weight for this machine. It kept breaking. I probably need a finer needle too. I've been looking for some cotton thread that will work on it. Aurifil is the only one that I've found, so far. (I'll definitely check out the other ones that you mention.) It comes by the cone and in 2 weights...the #40 and the #50. I'm going to buy a small spool of each to see how they do, before I shell out the bigger bucks for the cones.

The machine is fun!!!

tropit

I don't know if you all are interested in this topic anymore, but I thought that I would update you on how the new, Consew machine is working out. I have not tried it on leather yet. I'm still waiting for my specialty pressure feet to arrive. I am doing some quilting on it though, using a spool of CT cotton thread. This thread is really too light for it and I'm waiting for some Aurifil #40 to arrive. Until then, I'm practicing while I wait.

The big table and wide throat on the machine are wonderful! It also sews super fast! All of these features are great for straight line quilting. I'm working on a Queen size quilt right now and it so much easier using this machine. I'm thinking of building on an extension for the table, so that the quilt doesn't catch on the corner of the current table.

This new Consew does not have a clutch, nor does it have an oil pan. It's very easy to use and maintain. I do miss having simple, thumbscrews to tighten and loosen things. You have to have a couple of screwdrivers handy whenever you need to change anything like presser feet, or bobbin winding. It's not the end of the world, just a minor inconvenience. This machine does not have a built-in light. It did come with an inexpensive, separate, magnetic, task light, but I think that the company could have done better than that. I ordered a rope light that adheres to the throat and it's coming soon.

I am having some issues with the tension. I just can't get it exactly right. The instructions are terrible for this machine, so I've been watching YouTube videos, trying to find out what is causing my tension problem. I've watched 3 videos on how to "properly" thread this machine and each one showed a different way. The manual shows a 4th way...sigh. I'm sure that I'll get it figured out sooner, or later. I'm hoping that the heavier weight thread will be the answer to my problems.

I've found that the best place to find extra accessories, needles, thread, etc is Ebay. There's not much on the Consew site and the other sewing machine vendors always seem to be out of whatever I need. Plus, these same vendors also sell on Ebay, where they magically seem have the items in stock. I'm still scratching my head...LOL. The accessories are very inexpensive, considering that they are for a heavy duty, industrial machine. For example, you can get a specialized, welting, walking foot for under $10. If that were a vintage, domestic, Singer, it would cost much more.

At least the low cost accessories help to off-set the high price of the machine...a little. This machine was very expensive for my modest pocket book. I paid about $1400, including shipping. However, these machines have been steadily going up in price, so I went ahead and bought now. I plan to make things for the Etsy market, as well as do my own upholstery projects to pay for the machine.

If this sewing machine were compared to a car, it would not be a Porche, or a Tesla. It's more like a Land Cruiser. It is build to last, and it will sew through anything at a pretty fast clip.

Sewgood

Glad you posted an update and that you are bonding with your new machine.

tropit

New update on my, "bonding with my Consew."

OK, I think that after many years posting on this site, you all know that I'm not a sexist person. That being said, I have to tell you that this is a, "man's machine." It is not woman friendly and I believe that is on purpose. The manufacturers want to cater to men sewers and greatly differentiate their machine to a ,"woman's domestic machine."

:::::sigh::::::

Why on earth do they do that?

This machine is verrrry powerful. Arrr, arrr, arrrr!!!!!
I need power.

To do any adjustments on it, you need at least 5 screwdrivers and 2 wrenches. Seriously, even just to change the presser foot requires at least 3 screwdrivers and an hour's worth of my precious time. A simple thumb screw, like what is on most domestic machines, would solve all these problems.

There are no serious instructions. Why would someone need instructions anyway? (I have learned from my many years of experience that men don't need instructions. They would not follow them even if they had them.)

There are very few videos out there on this machine. The guy on one YouTube video told you to just throw away many of the parts when doing the set up. Another told you how to adjust everything in one, very, very long video with absolutely no indexing. (He's a teacher for a sewing machine school...yikes!) However, he does tell you how to adjust something up in front, near the presser foot that requires that you turn the machine around, open up a incognito plate in the back, reach your screwdriver wayyyy in the back where you can't see anything and turn a screw. Why????

I need this machine. It is powerful and will sew through 5 layers of thick canvas, or leather, but honestly, I don't know If I'll keep it. It's so inconvenient to use and I believe that is intentional by the manufacturer. My DH says that it will just take some time to get used to it. Time will tell. I'm curious how the Jukis and Sailrites rate in my book.

Oh...and I've changed my mind. It's not a Land Cruiser, it's more like a Willys Jeep.

Barb in Louisiana

Tropit, I have been following your comments on this machine. I had to laugh about it being a man's machine. The reality of my life is that my husband just plunges ahead with any adjustments on his walking foot machine, sometime having to turn the tension screw several turns. He does the same thing to my very old Nolting quilting machine. Men just don't need the details of how to do something, they just do it. Good luck with finding the right machine. I had toyed with buying a machine like Jordan's of Oregon, but know that I don't want to give up my conveniences like quick change feet and so much more. Please keep us up to date on your experience with your machine. Your comments might help someone out who is considering buying a similar machine.

sewingsuz

Yes, I watch Donna Jordan and I wonder what the machine she uses is. Now i know!

quiltingshorttimer

Oh ,Tropit, You brought a smile to my face when reading your posts. I bought my son's Consew 206RB when he got married. Have used it a few times and have been little afraid of it. But it does get easier and I'm about ready to jump in and use for chair reupholstery project. Stick it out a little and see what you think in about 2 months.

tropit

Thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement. I do wonder what people are thinking when I send these posts out into cyberspace. I hope that I'm not boring everyone and that I'm providing some good information to those that need it.

I just received 3, specialty, walking feet from Ebay...no name, or instructions on any of them, but they look very well made.

The sewing machine is currently set up in the middle of my small, living room. I was going to move it into my bedroom, but I'm afraid that it might give me nightmares, lurking there in the dark.

I've got to name this beastly machine...definitely a very, masculine, man's name. Maybe I'll name it after my husband. He's lovin' this machine!