Wyowally

The bouncy check spring issue is all related to size and type of top thread, and EXACTLY where the bobbin case tab is positioned by the bobbin case opener. IF off just a little, the upper thread will hiccup as it passes by the tab when being pulled up, but not really stopped. Just enough to make the spring bounce. Until recently I was trying to measure opener clearance precisely. Now I set it by watching the thread as it is getting pulled past the tab, with stitched material under the foot, cover open, turned by hand. Works for me.

Most of the brakes are adjustable or modifiable for when they engage and how much they engage - with a little effort. Others on this forum might have the best ways of doing that. They can be set to stop movement especially if wanting to stitch slowly. Adjusted that way, it won't dead stop things if stitching fast though.

Now I am wondering how change the eccentric or the linkage coming from it could have changed the timing. The timing was very good when the presser foot quit lifting. Puzzled.

Spent a little more time. There are some adjustments procedures hidden in a couple of the manuals available today. What I have discovered is there are relationships between the eccentric, the big head pinch screw linkage, the lifting bracket position, the bottom clamp the flat spring pushes against and the two feet positions and action. I actually got both feet lifting decently. Somehow, without touching the hook timing, it is now way out. I am leaving it all alone for a while!

I'm more frustrated than embarrassed, so here goes. I got this machine a few years ago and totally went through it, including priming, painting and proper decals. It was and is a great machine and I learned a lot. I got a lot of that learning help right here, thank you! Fast forward : I have done several projects each year since, as I am a hobbyist, not a production guy. A few days ago the presser foot quit lifting. I'm sure I did something wrong, left a screw loose, etc. I got my manuals out, re-visited Uwe and YT, checked this forum for history. I spent four hours this morning trying to get it back The puzzle to me is understanding mechanically what even makes that foot lift at all. It is obvious that the mechanical linkage raises the center vibrating foot - not obvious to me at least what raises the presser in each cycle. I have adjusted the eccentric and the vertical travel. I don't know where to set the small block that the tip of flat spring rides on. I have moved it up and down quite a bit. Likewise the topmost clamp guide thing - not sure where to set it. It appears its only function is to guide and keep things straight. The clamp screw on the back that holds the tension release mechanism on - is it supposed to be tight, or loose enough for the presser bar to move inside? If it is supposed to be tight, where on the presser bar should it be? I have a new replacement eccentric but never got into removing the main shaft. The old one works, but it was missing a set screw - not the major one that pins it to the shaft, but one of the pair that "locks" the adjustment. I hope that's not too much information. Thanks!

It won't hold up sewing leather any better than that Elna you were considering. 7 oz. chrome tan it might swallow for a while, but eventually it won't be happy and you won't be either.

No. That is a nice and respected vintage machine - but still just too light duty for what you want to do. My wife owns one, and it is well designed and manufactured. I suggest spending some time reading the threads and posts on here, particularly Wizcrafts post in this forum on the type of machines suited to sewing leather.

Oh, I think it is legit. As a very successful owner of one of these things, I've spent a lot of time getting mine right and trying to help others. There are many people with limited leather and sewing experience who buy them hoping they are a shortcut to getting away from hand sewing, or will help them get started on the cheap. There is a lot of frustration and disgust expressed by those hoping for plug and play. I believe our poster is legit and sincere, and just trying to tap whatever resources can be found to get it going. Success depends on the person and attitude, willingness to learn and listen and spend the time it takes. Many machines have been dumped or trashed. Others have been turned into smooth working motorized acceptable units by those with a lot of patience, money, and ambition. I haven't gone that route - mine does the limited non-production work I want without trying to make it something it is not. I try to follow advice from a friend - "just stay in your lane". !

I get scraps from a saddlemaker friend frequently. I made some cartridge holders, and learning the loops for different size cartridges is challenging. What I did find out - and should have known - is that you've got to be careful about long term storage. Some of the chemicals in the leather will start corrosion on brass cases. It takes a while, but will start sucking the copper out of the brass. Not good!!

I actually bought a new replacement eccentric just so I could understand how they're designed to work. Never had to install it though.

I use that Coats thread that was posted with a price earlier. That's about twice or more what I pay, BTW. $3.79 a spool if I buy 3.

I commend you for your approach and attitude about learning. I'm sure you will progress quickly. The advice you get from the regulars here is spot on! I know from my own experience. You found the right place - I see so much misinformation and bad advice in some of the FB groups that I just shake my head, now that even I know better.

I did get aftermarket decals. Not exactly original, but close enough for me.

They do have a little foot that comes down the back of the presser foot and helps pull material somewhat, so that makes them a little more capable vs. the plastic shell price leaders being sold today. Still, they are what the others on here have told you. There is a "vintage Pfaff sewing machines" FB group that is pretty active. It is discussed there. They have manuals in their Files section too.

I am smiling because it seems that there are no real adjustment instructions. If it kicks out when you don't want it to when sewing nothing out of the ordinary - then tighten it up a little. If it still kicks out, tighten it some more. If it doesn't kick out when you break a needle or get one of those multiple thread tangles around the bobbin/hook - loosen it up some and hope it works. At least that's what I have found out so far. YMMV.