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12 
Member since 6/23/08
Posts: 34
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Posted on: 9/8/09 5:20 PM ET
I'm so depressed. I loved that thing for the three and a half short months that I used it. Before I left for the summer it was acting up --the steam would often not shut off-- and now it is pretty much worthless as it refuses to steam at all. :(

Shipping both ways
+ $75an hour labor
+ $40 to replace the solenoid
= not worth it.

Anyway, word to the wise if you are considering a Consew CES-300 thinking that it will a) last longer than a cheap piece of junk iron or b) be cost effective to repair.

Does anyone have any iron recommendations? Maybe one that won't die within a few months?
-- Edited on 9/8/09 5:21 PM --
  
Member since 8/2/02
Posts: 2006
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Posted on: 9/8/09 6:14 PM ET
In reply to byronmagoo
Wow that is a lot. Have you thought about just buying the part and having an electrician look at it? Irons are not really complicated appliances. I'm assuming the labor charge and shipping is to send it back to the factory.

I have a Silver Star and the same thing has happened to mine so that's what I'm thinking of doing.

Phyllis
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Sewing = Fashion
http://coudremode.com/

Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.
  
Member since 6/23/08
Posts: 34
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Posted on: 9/8/09 6:46 PM ET
Interesting that yours died too. I wonder if it is the same model. May I ask how long your iron lasted?

Yes, I might just buy the solenoid and replace it myself, but I am so so annoyed that it lasted only a few months. I knew that allbrands had a really limited warranty, but the iron got such rave reviews that I bought it anyway. I also really liked the idea of an iron I could fix/have fixed instead of just having it go into a landfill, you know? Of course, I didn't figure it would need to be fixed within 6 months!
-- Edited on 9/8/09 8:13 PM --
  
Member since 5/27/09
Posts: 1175
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Posted on: 9/8/09 7:48 PM ET
I had a brand new Sussman gravity feed iron that only lasted a few months & died. Bought a Naomoto gravity feed iron & it's been going for years.
  
Member since 5/22/06
Posts: 3084
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Posted on: 9/8/09 8:30 PM ET
I agree about the Naomoto (HYS 58). I've had mine for a year and a half. It might just be the best investment I've made in my sewing room - as it makes everything I sew look more polished and professional. A number of sewers here on PR and Artisan Square seem to agree.

After looking extensively online, the best price I found was at Cleaner's Supply.
  
Member since 6/22/04
Posts: 4602
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Posted on: 9/8/09 9:33 PM ET
In reply to byronmagoo
Didn't you get an extra solenoid valve thing and spring in the package with the iron? I did. It is a small white plastic thing and the spring is about the size of the type used in ball point pens that "click" and both items are in a clear plastic bag. You can easily replace the valve and spring yourself, that is the great thing about these irons and one of the big reasons I bought mine.
-- Edited on 9/8/09 9:36 PM --
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Liz

thefittinglife.blogspot.com
  
Member since 6/6/06
Posts: 362
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Posted on: 9/8/09 10:24 PM ET
Wow... sorry to hear about your iron. I've had the same iron as you, for 2 years and not a single problem... and I use it almost everyday. Maybe I lucked up and got a good one.
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Erica Bunker
Birmingham, AL
http://www.ericabunker.com
  
Member since 5/27/09
Posts: 1175
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Posted on: 9/8/09 11:02 PM ET
No, didn't get the extra solenoid thingy cause the Naomoto HY-58 is coated. Can't remember what it's coated with.
We suspect the Sussman was affected by power surges as we lived by a strip mall at the time & experienced alot of them. But am happy w/ the Naomoto regardless.
-- Edited on 9/8/09 11:03 PM --
  
Member since 3/6/09
Posts: 1345
Body Type:
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Posted on: 9/10/09 9:50 AM ET
Sorry about your iron. This is the most frustrating pc of equipment! I've tried a lot & mostly have been disappointed.
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Janome Skyline S5
Brother PQ1500S
Singer 201-2
Pfaff 138-6
Janome Coverpro 1000
Juki MO-655DE
US Blindstitch 718-9
Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ
Bernette B70 Deco
  
Member since 6/23/08
Posts: 34
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Posted on: 9/12/09 5:00 PM ET
In reply to Sewliz
Quote: Sewliz
Didn't you get an extra solenoid valve thing and spring in the package with the iron? I did. It is a small white plastic thing and the spring is about the size of the type used in ball point pens that "click" and both items are in a clear plastic bag. You can easily replace the valve and spring yourself, that is the great thing about these irons and one of the big reasons I bought mine.
-- Edited on 9/8/09 9:36 PM --

I remember reading a post about how you fixed your iron, and when it died I looked for the part in the box but it was not there. :| Not sure if i didn't receive it or if it went missing.

And I got the iron so I could replace parts and keep using it as well, but when I contacted AllBrands about it the owner replied that when the irons were over $500 and from Japan they were worth repairing, but that now they're not. So they're made to go into the junk pile. Great. I wish I had know that before I bought one. I also wish AllBrands was a little more sympathetic about my receiving a total lemon (I contacted them when it originally started acting up when it was brand new as well). He recommends switching to the AceHi brand, though he didn't say why except that they don't use solenoids. Maybe it is because AceHi is less expensive and he thinks I will be more able to afford to replace them every three months.

I really miss having my gravity feed iron, but I just can't justify purchasing another really expensive (for me) iron that could die just as quick a death. There should be a lemon law for irons!
  
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