The Upholstery Forum

Hi -I'm having tension issues with a 1979 console 206 RB first generation. The upper tension is very tight around the two tension wheels and I can't figure out how to get the thread to flow more smoothly.
The machine is in excellent condition and the person I bought it from demonstrated sewing leather with no issues but during transportation it seems to have become unadjusted.
Can anyone point me in the direction of a good how to video? I keep breaking the thread at the needle

There are some excellent videos on YouTube for the consew 206 rb. Type in consew 206 RB 5 maintenance video and you will see how to properly thread and set up. It is for the -5 model but the machines have same tensioner and most of the information is relevant to your machine as well. At the beginning of the video it will show the topic and time stamp so you can just go to the area you are looking for. There are two videos and they are excellent. Good luck.

Wrong needle and thread size can cause tension problems.

I buy nothing but V92 blended polyester from the same vendor and manufacturer but...... my spool of orange does not come off the spool near as nice as all the other colours which causes problems that make it look like tension.

The reality is the machine tension is fine, I proved my theory by pulling some slack between the machine and the spool and it sewed like a champ. It would be worth checking.

Thats frustrating, triple check that you are threaded correctly, causes a lot of issues. What kind of thread are you using? Have you changed the needle? If so, make sure the needle cut out(scarf) is oriented to the right. If not, try a new needle.

Thanks for replies! I've watched multiple correct threading route videos so pretty sure that part is right. What I'm seeing is tightness around the two tension wheels and looseness at the take up arm. I've tried varying tensions but it always seems to be the same. I haven't changed needle yet but will try a new one and different thread. I'm using the thread and needle the previous owner demoed the machine with, it worked fine then, I've clearly done something while transporting.

Basically the machine runs for a few stitches, I see resistance around the tension plates and the thread whipping around at the take up arm before it breaks at the needle.

Moving the thread manually it resists through the tension plates, feels as though it is getting trapped in the grooves.

@olivermarks , Are you threading the thread off the stand through the pin on top of the machine through the bottom hole and then up to the top hole and through it ?

I've been threading exactly the same as this video


The thread runs smoothly except between the two tension plate 'wheels'

Does the thread pull easily when you hit the knee lift? If backing off tension makes no difference, it would make me suspect other things unless the tensioner was damaged. I would inspect and replace discs if they are not smooth. When my shop has has thread shredding/breaking issues its most often the hook tip hitting the thread, the problems have been as follows
1. Needle isn't oriented just right. The 206rb3 seems more sensitive to this than the top load machines for some reason. I now use a magnifying glass to change needles for that reason.
2. Needle is bent
3.Broken thread wrapped around hook/bobbin case, typically after a backlash.
4. Timing is off which i feel is less likely unless saftey clutch has slipped
5. Burrs/knicks in the thread path. Run a q-tip anywhere the thread touches, anything that grabs the cotton needs to be polished out.
6. Threaded improperly or loose thread loop that wrapped tight around something on top of or behind machine or at the thread stand
Just my experience with shredding at the needle. Hope this helps

Thanks! I'll check this useful list on the machine

@olivermarks , this can do no harm. Just run the thread through the top eye hole on the top of your machine instead of threading it through both holes.

1+ to @BigRig's advice. Also in the video, it shows him wrapping thread around the pin on the right side of the tenson discs. The Consew manual makes no mention of this step. Some swear its right some swear it isnt. Like above cant hurt anything, skip it and see if it makes a difference

Can you post a picture showing how you have the machine threaded. We should be able to help you if we can see that.

Thanks, yes I will this weekend, not where machine is right now

@olivermarks , I have a mechanic scheduled for a home visit who knows details of my machine. I think it will be interesting as he says the manual threading guide is wrong for the machine. I have had many problems. Consider having a service done on yours.

Here's video of how it is threaded. I seem to have resolved the thread flow issue, my new problem is the timing appears to be off: the needle is now hitting the bobbin holder, see this next video:



Not quite sure how I've managed to make this happen! Basically while exploring th emachine and cleaning it I've managed to take a few steps back...

@olivermarks ,

Why dont you post a picture of your machine. It is not themachine I have thought it was. It will help everybody here know if it is worn out or this is operator eror.

it's a 1979 consew 206rb in great condition that was working when I got it. I've managed to screw it up....

Assuming this is my solution

great timing explainer

@olivermarks ,

It is brand new looking! When starting to sew pull your thread to the back tight, if you forget to do this you will get a jam under the fabric 02 stitches in.

Very import is when you are stopped sewing the needle bar goes ALL the way to the TOP. Pull your fabric back and to the left for a smooth release. Screw any of those up and life is miserable.