Two of the best industrial walking foot sewing machines in the market: the Consew 206RB-5 and the Seiko STH-8BLD-3.
The Consew 206RB-5 is by far the more popular model as more people recognize the Consew name brand.
Differences
The main difference between the two machines is that the Seiko is made in Japan and the Consew is made in China.
What many do not know is that Seiko actually made the Consew 206RB models when those models were made in Japan.
The Consew 206RB-5 is the first 206RB model to be made in China. The previous 206RB versions, 206RB-1, 206RB-2, 206RB-3 and the 206RB-4, were made in Japan.
Similarities
The Consew 206RB-5 and the Seiko STH-8BLD-3 are virtually identical. The two machines look and operate the same way.
| Consew 206RB-5 | Seiko STH-8BLD-3 | |
| Max. Stitch Length | 10mm | 10mm |
| Presser Foot Clearance | 1/2" | 1/2" |
| Needle Bar Stroke | 33m | 33mm |
| Needles | 135x17 or 135x16 | 135x17 or 135x16 |
| Bobbins | M - Big Bobbin | M - Big Bobbin |
Along with using the same needles and bobbins, the two machines can also use the same presser feet and can take the same size in thread: T-70 to T-210.
The two machines can also sew the same applications:
- Leather
- Vinyl
- Canvas
- Webbing
- Upholstery (automotive, marine & furniture)
- Denim