Are you in the market for a quality leather sewing machine that can handle heavy-duty stitching? If so, you may want to take a closer look at the Consew 230. This industrial-grade machine is perfect for any serious leatherwork project and can save you time, money, and energy on every project. We have compiled this review to give you an in-depth look at the features and benefits of the Consew 230, as well as answers to frequently asked questions and useful tips. Read on to find out more!
What Is a Leather Sewing Machine?
A leather sewing machine is a specialized type of sewing machine designed to handle heavy-duty stitching on thick materials like leather. These machines feature powerful motors and strong needles for easy piercing through tough fabrics, as well as other features that make them perfectly suited for working with leather. [1]
Types Of Leather Sewing Machines
Cylinder arm machines
Cylinder arm machines are the most popular type of machine for leather sewing. It has a short arm that is held in place with two clamps to provide support while you sew. This type of machine is ideal for working with narrow pieces of material and for making tight, intricate stitching. The Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine is a cylinder arm machine, which makes it a great choice for those who need to work with leather. [3]
Flatbed machines
Flatbed machines are the standard type of machine for sewing leather. The flat bed provides a large, level surface to work on and is perfect for larger projects or those that require intricate stitching. While it is not as maneuverable as a cylinder arm machine, it can be used to sew a variety of materials including thick leathers and fabrics. [3]
Post bed machines
Post bed machines are another type of machine used for sewing leather. This type of machine has a post that extends from the base of the machine and can be adjusted depending on the thickness of the material you’re working with. The Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine does not have a post bed, but it is still capable of handling thick pieces of material as well as a variety of fabrics. [3]
What Is a Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine?
The Consew 230 is a powerful industrial leather sewing machine that is designed to tackle the toughest sewing jobs. It has an extra large hook design and the motor runs smoothly and quietly, making it perfect for professional leather craftsmen who need precise stitching results. The heavy-duty construction of this machine makes it durable enough to handle even the heaviest materials. With its adjustable stitch length, easy-to-use control panel and strong motor, the Consew 230 is a great choice for commercial sewing applications. [1]
A Little Background
The Consew 230 is a heavy-duty leather sewing machine made for industrial applications. It boasts a large throat, allowing it to sew bulky items with ease. The Consew 230 has been popular among leather workers and upholstery professionals since its release in 1986. It comes equipped with an adjustable presser foot, reverse stitch lever, and a reverse feed mechanism for extra control when sewing.
The machine is built with solid construction, ensuring durability and longevity. It has been tested to withstand the heavy-duty workload of industrial applications and can handle leather up to 1/4″ thick. [1]
Features
The Consew 230 leather sewing machine offers a variety of features that make it an ideal choice for any tailor. It has a heavy-duty construction, allowing it to work with leathers, synthetics and other tough materials. The machine also comes with a reverse stitch control feature which is useful when working on quilts and other fabrics that require stitching in reverse.
The Consew 230 also offers an adjustable presser foot, allowing you to adjust the depth of stitching depending on the type of material being used. And for added convenience, the machine comes with a threading function as well as a built-in bobbin winder and cutter. [1]
Specifications
The Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine is designed to provide professional results for all types of leatherworking projects. It has a powerful servo motor that operates up to 2,000 stitches per minute and can sew through layers of thick material without compromising the quality of the stitch. The presser foot pressure is adjustable so you can customize the machine for various thicknesses of materials. It also comes with seven built-in stitches, a reverse stitch feature, and an adjustable needle bar for adjusting the size of the needle hole. Additionally, it has a thread cutting system to easily cut through leather and other heavy material. [1]
Machine Applications
The Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine is a versatile machine that can be used for a wide range of applications. It has the capability to sew leather and other materials up to 1/2″ thick, making it an ideal choice for any job requiring heavy-duty stitching. The large hook and bobbin ensure reliable performance while sewing medium weight fabrics, such as denim and canvas. For lighter fabrics, the 230 can be used with a light-weight thread for decorative applications.
The machine also features adjustable stitch length, allowing you to customize your stitching to fit your specific project. It’s ideal for handbags, belts, wallets, luggage, upholstery work, sail making and much more. [1]
Accessories for the Consew 230
The Consew 230 comes with a number of accessories that can make using the machine easier and more convenient. These include:
- A single-hole throat plate – This is used for stitching leather, vinyl, canvas, or other heavy materials. It helps keep stitches even and consistent.
- Adjustable stitch length/width knob – This allows you to adjust the stitch length and width depending on the material you are sewing.
- Thread tension dial – This helps ensure that your stitches come out even and clean, no matter what type of material you are using.
- An adjustable foot pedal –This allows for precise control when stitching delicate materials or intricate designs. [1]
Safety
It is important to properly maintain your Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine in order to ensure a safe sewing experience and superior results. Here are some helpful tips for ensuring its proper maintenance:
- Always unplug the machine before cleaning or doing any repairs. This will not only prevent injuries but also protect your machine from any damage.
- Make sure to use only recommended parts and accessories for the machine, as using the wrong part could cause damage or injury.
- Ensure that all moving parts are lubricated regularly with a quality oil specifically designed for sewing machines. This is especially important when using heavy materials like leather because of its thicker nature.
- Check and replace any worn or damaged parts immediately. Damaged parts can lead to poor stitching and malfunction of the machine, so it is important to make sure your machine is always in top condition.
- When not in use, store the machine in a dry area away from dust and dirt. This will help keep your machine running smoothly and efficiently for years to come. [2]
Advantages of a Consew 230
The Consew 230 is an incredibly powerful and reliable machine that offers a range of benefits for those working with leather. Here are just some of the advantages it provides:
- Durability – The Consew 230 is made from high-quality metal parts, which means it’s built to last. It has a stronger motor than many other sewing machines, so it can take on heavy-duty projects without breaking down.
- Versatility – The Consew 230 is capable of handling just about any type of leather you may need to work with. Whether you’re doing small repairs or custom projects, the Consew 230 has the power and flexibility to get the job done.
- Ease of Use – The Consew 230 is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. It features a top drop-in bobbin which allows you to easily thread the machine and get right to work.
- Speed – The Consew 230 has an adjustable speed range of up to 2200 stitches per minute, so it can handle even the most time-consuming projects quickly and efficiently. [2]
Disadvantages of a Consew 230
Despite the many advantages of a Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine, there are some drawbacks you should consider before taking the plunge.
The Consew 230 also has a limited capacity, so it may not be suitable for large projects that require a lot of fabric or leather. The machine is best suited for small-scale tasks such as mending clothing or making simple accessories. [2]
What to Consider Before Buying a Sewing Machine for Leather?
Type of Leather Products
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a sewing machine for leather is the type of leather products you intend to sew. If you are looking for a machine that will be used primarily for stitching heavy upholstery, then you should get one with a powerful motor and an appropriate walking foot or roller foot attachment. However, if your work requires the stitching of thinner and more delicate leathers, then you will need a machine with a lighter motor and an appropriate needle. [3]
Motor Type
The motor type is an important factor to consider when choosing a leather machine. Your sewing needs will determine the power of the machine you need. If your applications involve stitching thicker leather or upholstery, then you should opt for a heavier-duty motor like a walking foot or roller foot motor. However, if the work requires stitching thinner and more delicate leathers, then you will need a lighter motor like those found in household sewing machines. [3]
Shuttle
The type of operating system is another factor to consider when selecting a sewing machine for leather. The two main types are the shuttle and rotary hook systems. Shuttle machines use oscillating shuttles, while rotary hook systems utilize rotating hooks that stitch in a circular motion. Shuttle machines have been the industry standard for more than 100 years, but rotary hook machines tend to be faster and quieter. [3]
Lubricant
When sewing leather, it is important to use the right lubricant. Sewing machines for leather require specific lubricants formulated specifically for this type of material. When selecting a machine, make sure that the manufacturer includes appropriate lubricants with their product. [3]
Can Any Sewing Machine Sew Leather?
Yes! Any sewing machine can sew leather, but you should check the weight of the leather and match that with a machine that is capable. The Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine is one such machine which is heavy-duty enough to handle thick leather. It has a larger stitch length than the average domestic machines as well as an adjustable presser foot pressure for handling bulky and heavy materials. It is also capable of sewing with upholstery thread, which can be a great help when working on leather. The wider stitch length allows you to create neat seams without the risk of tearing or splitting the leather. [1]
Do I need a special sewing machine for leather?
Yes, you do need a special machine to sew leather. Leather is a thick, durable material that requires more power and tension than other fabrics. The Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine is specifically designed for sewing heavy-duty materials such as leather and upholstery fabric. It has high-torque motors which are capable of stitching through heavier materials with ease. [1]
How do I get my sewing machine serviced?
If you need to get your Consew 230 Leather Sewing Machine serviced, the best thing to do is take it to an authorized service center. You can find a list of approved centers through the official website or by contacting customer service. Make sure that you bring along all necessary documentation and parts with you when you go for servicing. It’s also important to note that some service centers may not be equipped to work on your particular model, so it’s best to call ahead and confirm their capabilities before making the trip. [2]
FAQ
Will a Consew sewing machine sew leather?
Yes, the Consew 230 leather sewing machine is specifically designed to sew leather and other heavy materials. It features a powerful servo motor that allows for a fast, precise stitching process. Additionally, it has an adjustable presser foot pressure control to accommodate different types of leathers.
What is the best sewing machine for sewing thick leather?
The Consew 230 leather sewing machine is the best option for working with thick leather. It has a powerful motor and adjustable presser foot pressure control that can handle multiple layers of material without issue. Additionally, it comes with extra-long feed dog teeth to ensure your stitches are consistent and secure.
Where is the Consew sewing machine made?
The Consew 230 is made in Taiwan. All Consew sewing machines are designed and engineered in Japan, but are manufactured in their facilities in Taiwan.
What is the best sewing machine for leather and vinyl?
The Consew 230 is the best option for sewing both leather and vinyl. Its powerful motor can handle multiple layers of material, while its adjustable presser foot pressure control allows you to fine-tune your stitch quality for each project. Additionally, it comes with an extra-long feed dog that ensures your stitches are secure and consistent every time.
What type of sewing machine do you use for leather?
The Consew 230 is the best option for sewing leather. It has a powerful motor and adjustable presser foot pressure control that can handle multiple layers of material without issue. Additionally, it comes with extra-long feed dog teeth to ensure your stitches are consistent and secure.
How to choose a leather sewing machine?
When choosing a leather sewing machine, it’s important to consider the type of material you will be working with. The Consew 230 is ideal for leather and other heavy materials due to its powerful motor and adjustable presser foot pressure control. Additionally, look for features such as extra-long feed dog teeth that can ensure your stitches are secure and consistent every time.
Useful Video: Consew 230 Industrial Sewing Machine with Reverse Made in Japan
Conclusion
The Consew 230 leather sewing machine is an excellent choice for any sewist who wants a reliable, efficient, and affordable machine. It has all the features you need to get your project done in no time with professional results. The wide range of stitch length settings makes it ideal for tackling even the most complex projects. With its high-quality construction and adjustable speed, it is a great choice for both experienced and novice sewists alike. We highly recommend the Consew 230 leather sewing machine for anyone looking for an efficient, reliable, and affordable solution to their sewing needs. With proper maintenance and care, this machine can provide years of quality service. Be sure to read up on some tips to maximize its performance and keep your projects running.
References:
- https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/machine/4799
- https://www.sewingmachinesaustralia.com.au/shop/buy-spare-parts/consew/consew-230/heavy-duty-kit2013-05-17-08-34-38.html
- https://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6346543